The Bible (and thus, Christianity) has a great deal to say about wealth and posessions.

We need to remind ourselves of these things as the US and World economy shudder under repeated shocks and blows. Many are tempted th blame the greed of the rich for the economic crisis. Others point at class structure and inequality. Still others, peeking out from under their tinfoil caps, blame the international bankers, the Bilderburgers, the tri-lateral commission, the neo-cons, and even the venerable elders of Zion!

The Bible, it has often been noted, does not condemn wealth or money. Money is NOT the root of all evil. The “love of money” is the root of all evil.

Wealth is a pitfall. It is the great co-dependant facilitator. Wealth helps to mask loneliness, unhappiness, and even guilt. If you dull your senses often enough, and long enough then the conscience can be reduced to a minor, mostly manageable annoyance.

It is quite easy to mis-use wealth – as a it is any of God’s gifts. The greed and corruption of the wealthy are fearlessly condemned by the prophets God sent to Israel and Judah. Read Amos. Read Hosea.

But make no mistake, no amount of greed, corruption, indifference, or self-indulgence on the part of the wealthy EVER justifies theft.

The wealthy should be more charitable. It does not follow that the rest of us may steal their wealth. And if it is a great moral evil for an individual to steal (a sin against the eighth commandment, to be precise), then it is no more justified for the government to steal in our name or on our behalf.

I am increasingly troubled that the political discourse on economic issues is turning to the expedient of taxing the rich and giving money to the poor.

The rich should give generously to the poor. But neither the poor nor the government are justified in stealing from the rich.

– Rob Shearer