{"author_name":"Theology in the Raw","author_url":"https://art19.com/shows/theology-in-the-raw/episodes/c0e32fb1-c0ae-4402-9df6-a5e5c90fb891","description":"<p>Does the Bible support capitalism or socialism—or challenge both? What do Jesus’ teachings about wealth, the early church’s shared possessions, and the Old Testament’s economic laws mean for Christians today?</p><p>Dr. Michael Rhodes joins Preston to explore what Scripture says about money, work, poverty, generosity, and economic justice. From Jubilee and debt forgiveness to the difference between earning a profit and maximizing it, Michael challenges us to consider how following Jesus should shape our entire economic life.</p><p>We also wrestle with the role of government in helping the poor, minimum wage debates, the dangers of concentrated wealth and power, Michael’s critique of Elon Musk and the USAID cuts, and a question raised by When Helping Hurts: Can our generosity actually harm the people we want to help?</p><p>Michael Rhodes holds a PhD from the University of Aberdeen and lectures in Old Testament at Carey Baptist College in New Zealand. His books include Just Discipleship, Practicing the King’s Economy (coauthored), and Reimagining Biblical Politics.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>CHAPTERS</strong></p><ul><li>00:00 “I Am the Rich Person”</li><li>00:36 Introducing Dr. Michael Rhodes</li><li>01:44 How Should We Read the Bible on Economics?</li><li>05:06 Jubilee, Land Ownership, and Care for the Poor</li><li>08:57 Beyond Charity: A Soup Kitchen or a Potluck?</li><li>10:49 Why Did the Early Christians Sell Their Possessions?</li><li>15:23 Did Jesus Expect Everyone to Give Everything Away?</li><li>18:43 The Bible’s Warnings About Wealth Apply to Us</li><li>19:46 Should Biblical Economics Shape Government Policy?</li><li>22:36 Daniel, Proverbs, and Challenging Those in Power</li><li>27:35 Can We Trust the Government to Help the Poor?</li><li>31:15 Minimum Wage: Moving Beyond Political Talking Points</li><li>38:24 A Business Owner Rethinks Profit—and Encounters Bad Policy</li><li>41:10 Biblical Principles for Work, Generosity, and Economic Life</li><li>44:15 Food Aid, Debt Forgiveness, and Breaking Cycles of Poverty</li><li>46:59 Capitalism, Socialism, or Something Else?</li><li>49:12 Is Profit Maximization Against God’s Will?</li><li>50:29 Billionaires, Government, and Concentrated Power</li><li>52:57 Elon Musk, USAID, and Christian Responsibility</li><li>55:54 When Party Loyalty Overrides Our Convictions</li><li>57:38 When Helping Hurts: Can Generosity Do Harm?</li><li>62:30 Reimagining Biblical Politics</li></ul>","html":"<iframe src=\"https://art19.com/shows/theology-in-the-raw/episodes/c0e32fb1-c0ae-4402-9df6-a5e5c90fb891/embed\" style=\"width: 720px; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" width=\"720\" height=\"200\" scrolling=\"no\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"></iframe>","provider_name":"ART19","provider_url":"https://art19.com","title":"What Does the Bible Say About Wealth, Poverty, and Economics? with Dr. Michael Rhodes","type":"rich","version":"1.0","width":720,"height":200}