Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.2, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

# Institute for Faith and Culture

Equipping Christians for this cultural moment

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://institutefc.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Articles](https://institutefc.org/articles/)
- [Why Profits are Not Exploitative](https://institutefc.org/why-profits-are-not-exploitative/) - We have all seen the various stereotypes of the Wall Street tycoon grinding the little guy under his thousand-dollar dress shoes on his way to the top. In the popular imagination, it is almost inconceivable to think that someone could obtain economic success or wealth without exploiting the vulnerable. And of course, greed is operative
- [What It Means to Be Made in God's Image](https://institutefc.org/what-it-means-to-be-made-in-gods-image/) - Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male
- [An Unexpected Source of Human Flourishing](https://institutefc.org/an-unexpected-source-of-human-flourishing/) - Economists at the Brookings Institute bring the happy news that the United Nations’ goal to reduce the number of people in extreme poverty by fifty percent by 2015 has likely already been met. This blessing has occurred through the benefits of international trade and the global division of labor. In a previous post, I explained
- [Tough Questions about Greed, Selfishness, and Self-Interest](https://institutefc.org/questions-greed-selfishness-self-interest-cs-lewis/) - How do you legislate good behavior? Is it possible to legislate in such a way that people are incentivized to serve others instead of themselves? These are just a couple of the tough questions I’ve been asked in response to my previous writings on the difference between selfishness and self-interest in our lives, especially in
- [Prices Keep Profits Fair](https://institutefc.org/prices-keep-profits-fair/) - If I make a profit off something I sold, how is it that the person I sold the item to is also better off? Shouldn't one of us be worse off from the exchange so that one of us can benefit? It turns out the price system is the way in which two people can
- [How Stewardship Impacts You](https://institutefc.org/how-stewardship-impacts-you/) - Chances are that if you’ve attended a church for a significant period of time or read the Bible extensively, you’ve come across the term “stewardship.” You’ve probably learned that stewardship involves making wise financial decisions so that you can support the local church or a mission’s project - or perhaps you’ve thought about it in
- [Freedom - A Poverty Program That Worked?](https://institutefc.org/freedom-a-poverty-program-that-worked/) - America’s unofficial poverty program for most of the nation’s history could be called, in a word, "liberty." In spite of a horrendous civil war, half a dozen economic downturns and wave after wave of impoverished immigrants, America progressed from near-universal poverty at the start of the nineteenth century to within reach of the world’s highest
- [Stewardship, Community, and Flourishing](https://institutefc.org/stewardship-community-and-flourishing/) - We live in a strange paradox. Our cultural narratives are comprised of concepts like “rugged individualism,” “pull yourself up by your bootstraps,” and “every man for himself.” Independence is seen as the ultimate virtue. Despite these narratives, the truth is our very existence is dependent on our interdependence. Created to Be Castaways? How long would
- [You Can't Have It All: An Open Letter to Millennial Women](https://institutefc.org/an-open-letter-to-millenial-women/) - Dear Millennial Women: You can’t have it all, not even close. This is a message that is difficult to swallow because it flies in the face of the cultural lies that have been imposed upon you. More importantly, it runs counter to how God created you. Misconceptions around what we can do and what we
- [Practical Tips for Praying at Work](https://institutefc.org/tips-for-praying-at-work/) - What does it look like to “pray without ceasing?” How might a prayerful heart oriented towards God express itself at work? I Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Mark Herringshaw, teaching pastor at North Heights Lutheran
- [One Woman's Journey from Welfare to Work](https://institutefc.org/from-welfare-to-work/) - It’s been seventeen years since Congress passed welfare reform. I’m looking for a detailed study of what happened to people who were on welfare back in the day and left it: Did they get and hold jobs? Did they advance to management? Did they die on the streets? I’ve seen a few statistics but none
- [A Three-Point Framework for Freedom, Fulfillment, & Flourishing](https://institutefc.org/three-point-framework-freedom-fulfillment-flourishing/) - Work, rather than being a source of dread and a cause of loathing, can bring delight and joy if we do it right. Part of “doing it right” is embracing the overarching message of Scripture. What does that mean? Hugh Whelchel explains it this way: The Bible begins with the creation of all things and
- [How the Supreme Court Could Impact Our Work](https://institutefc.org/how-a-supreme-court-descision-could-impact-our-work/) - Today, the Supreme Court will hear the oral arguments for Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. and Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp. v. Sebelius, two cases in which business owners are facing pressure to provide employees with insurance coverage for all contraceptives under the Affordable Care Act. On January 21st, IFWE joined thirty-six individuals and organizations
- [Charity - An Insufficient Conclusion?](https://institutefc.org/charity-an-insufficient-conclusion/) - Every time an employer discovered Fadzai Nhamo was HIV positive, the door shut. “Life was difficult for me when I came to Harare,” Fadzai said. When Fadzai speaks, she covers her mouth to hide her missing front teeth, a daily reminder of the brutal way she contracted HIV. “I left my hometown after someone had
- [Interview: Work, the Individual, and the Community](https://institutefc.org/interview-work-the-individual-and-the-community/) - Ismael Hernandez is the founder and executive director of the Freedom & Virtue Institute. He is an ex-Marxist Leninist from Puerto Rico. His father was a founding member of the Socialist Party on the island, and eventually Ismael joined the party with him. “America is the enemy of humanity,” was one of his father’s slogans.
- [Ending the Plague of Violence against the Poor](https://institutefc.org/the-locust-effect-ending-violence/) - There is something missing from our approach to addressing poverty and bringing about freedom, fulfillment, and flourishing for the world. What’s the missing ingredient? In their new book The Locust Effect, Gary Haugen, president of International Justice Mission, and Victor Boutros, a federal prosecutor, argue that what’s absent is a meaningful, effective solution to the
- [How People Who Live on Less than Two Dollars a Day Taught Me to Redefine Poverty](https://institutefc.org/redefining-poverty/) - In the 1990s, the World Bank surveyed over sixty thousand of the financially poor throughout the developing world and asked how they described poverty. What surprised me was that the poor didn’t focus on their material need. Rather, they alluded to social and psychological aspects of poverty. Analyzing the study, Brian Fikkert and Steve Corbett
- [My Newfound Appreciation for Joseph the Worker](https://institutefc.org/my-newfound-appreciation-for-joseph-the-worker/) - If someone were to ask me as a kid who my favorite character in the Bible (besides Jesus) was, I would have said Noah, David, or even Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Never Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. As a seven-year-old, I didn't think he seemed that exciting. He was kind of just there. But
- [What "Mission True" Means for IFWE](https://institutefc.org/what-mission-true-means-for-ifwe/) - The Institute for Faith, Work & Economics (IFWE) is committed to being Mission True. If you listened to our interview with Chris Horst, the co-author of Mission Drift and Vice President of Hope International, you’ll know what I’m talking about. In this broken world, Christian organizations can easily follow the money or the cultural trends
- [What I've Learned about Being Mission True from Faith, Work, and Economics](https://institutefc.org/mission-true-faith-work-economics/) - As the new COO of the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics (IFWE), I’ve been thinking a lot about our mission statement. I want to share with you what I’ve been learning. In yesterday’s blog post, I looked at the first part of the IFWE mission statement, which reflects our commitment to educating and inspiring
- [How the Protestant Work Ethic Became the Atheist Work Ethic](https://institutefc.org/the-atheist-work-ethic/) - America’s vaunted Protestant work ethic is getting a makeover: Now it might be more of an atheist work ethic. So begins a recent article by Kimberly Winston posted at the Religion News Service website. She goes on to write about a new study published in the Journal of Institutional Economics, which shows an inverse relationship
- [Why A Ukrainian Church Turned Down American Aid](https://institutefc.org/ukraine-church-american-aid/) - When the Soviet Union disintegrated in 1991, the newly independent nation of Ukraine faced numerous challenges: Between 1991 and 1997, Ukraine lost sixty percent of its GDP, inflation increased to five digits, and there were riots in the streets. Members of a church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, asked, “How can we help?” Eager to put their
- [You May Not Realize It, but How You Think about the End Times Impacts Your Work](https://institutefc.org/you-may-not-realize-it-but-how-you-think-about-the-end-times-impacts-your-work/) - What is the relationship between the end times and the world of work? In other words, when we think about what goes on at work - where we spend most of the hours of the week - how does that matter to the way God's grand story concludes? The way we think about the end
- [Stewardship Doesn't Occur in a Vacuum](https://institutefc.org/stewardship-doesnt-occur-in-a-vacuum/) - Have you ever seen the movie “Castaway” with Tom Hanks? If not, please do. It is the story of a FedEx executive, Chuck Noland, whose cargo plane crashes on a remote island. He is instantly ripped away from his modern world of comfort and forced into a day-to-day struggle for survival. He does not know
- [Isn't Networking Just Manipulation?](https://institutefc.org/networking-manipulation/) - Is it possible to network to the glory of God, or is all professional networking just an attempt to manipulate people into doing favors for you? For many Christians, networking is a professional necessity. So how can we approach it from a Christian perspective? A friend of mine, who spends roughly fifty percent of her
- [Playgrounds, Religion, and Regulation](https://institutefc.org/playgrounds-religion-and-regulation/) - If you ask a non-Christian what comes to mind when he thinks of Christianity, there is a good chance that he will mention rules, things Christians can't do. It is true that various denominations have imposed rules about dancing, music, card playing, and all sorts of other activities. These rules, however, frequently become tools of
- [Defeating Fear & Pursuing Your Calling with Courage](https://institutefc.org/defeating-fear-calling-courage/) - What on earth am I doing? That's the question that rang in my head when I woke up at 5 a.m. on September 5th, 2009, to begin the sixteen hour drive from St. Louis to Washington, D.C. I was moving to the nation's capital to take part in a year-long, post-graduate fellowship program run by
- [Three Ways to Think about Work-Life Balance](https://institutefc.org/three-ways-to-think-about-work-life-balance/) - How do we establish a balance between work and the rest of life? Two passages in particular can shed light for us on this question. These passages give a picture of God’s character, and understanding God’s character is the first step in finding a work-life balance. The first passage is Colossians 3:18–4:41, which includes the
- [Christ Has Risen - And That Makes All the Difference!](https://institutefc.org/christ-has-risen-and-that-makes-all-the-difference/) - As we enter into Holy Week we should ask ourselves the question, “What does the Resurrection have to do with our work?” Or, more appropriately, "What doesn't the Resurrection have to do with our work?" In anticipation of Easter, this week I have been reading 1 Corinthians 15. Apparently in the city of Corinth there
- [Three Questions for College Students Today](https://institutefc.org/three-questions-for-college-students-today/) - With final exams and graduation right around the corner, college seniors are preparing to enter the most uncertain time in their lives. Even with fewer options today than pre-recession grads, students don’t want to take the first or highest-paying job that comes their way. They're thinking differently about how to approach jobs and careers. An
- [Faith, Work, & Foot-Washing: What We Can Learn from Christ's Example](https://institutefc.org/faith-work-foot-washing-christs-example/) - Jesus, on the night he was betrayed... We are all familiar with these words, usually said as we join together in the Lord’s Supper. But before serving that remarkable first communion, Jesus did something else that was also remarkable. He washed the disciples’ feet. In doing this, Jesus provided a model of service that applies
- [What's the Point of Common Grace?](https://institutefc.org/common-grace/) - Can believers work with non-believers? For most of us, our jobs and everyday activities bring us in contact with non-believers. We work alongside them day after day. How do we think biblically about this situation? The answer is found in the biblical doctrine of common grace. I've defined common grace more in-depth in other posts, so
- [Five Things You Need to Know about Faith, Work, and Economics](https://institutefc.org/five-things-you-need-to-know/) - It is not uncommon for many people to think there is an unbridgeable chasm between Christianity and economics. There are unbelievers who are aghast at the notion that economic truth has any affinity with anything smacking of religious belief. On the other hand, many Christians assume economics is about how greedy people satisfy their lust
- [Eight Steps I've Learned to Take Along the Path to Wisdom](https://institutefc.org/eight-steps-to-wisdom/) - If I were to take you in a helicopter to Afghanistan and parachute you into the middle of the country without a map and without knowledge of how to discern where one of 10 million mines are located, how long do you think you would last? Being dropped into minefields without knowing how to avoid
- [What Is the State of Faith & Work so Far in 2014?](https://institutefc.org/faith-and-work-in-2014/) - We're nearly four months into 2014 - what's the state of the faith and work discussion in the Church so far this year? The Barna Group released a wealth of research on this question earlier in the year and condensed its findings into three major trends. It writes, "So what do you do?" America's quintessential
- [IFWE Launches New Book on Poverty](https://institutefc.org/ifwe-launches-new-book-poverty/) - This valuable volume provides solutions to poverty that really work...it contains a wide range of practical and biblical insights from the accumulated wisdom of experts who have spent a large portion of their lives developing expertise in how economies actually function in the real world. - Wayne Grudem, PhD Co-author of The Poverty of Nations
- [C.S. Lewis and the Importance of Imagination](https://institutefc.org/cs-lewis-imagination/) - A new study suggests that participating in creative activities outside of work can boost performance on the job. San Francisco State University organizational psychologist Kevin Eschleman, who led the study reports, Creative pursuits away from work seem to have a direct effect on factors such as creative problem solving and helping others while on the
- [Wealth Creation - Worldly or Wise?](https://institutefc.org/wealth-creation-worldly-or-wise/) - What, if anything, should Christians have to do with trade and wealth creation? Is doing business and making money a legitimate way of building God’s kingdom, or is it a worldly thing that we should avoid at all costs? What the Bible Says The prophet Jeremiah offers us insight on this issue. Jeremiah 29 contains
- [Poverty - What Can We Actually Do?](https://institutefc.org/poverty-what-can-we-actually-do/) - If the poor will always be with us, as Jesus says in Mark 4:7, will our poverty relief efforts do any good? How are Christians to think through this question from a sound biblical and economic perspective? How do we define who the poor are in the first place? These are some of the questions
- [We Need to See Poverty as Being about People, Not Statistics - Here's Why](https://institutefc.org/poverty-people-statistics/) - After over a year of thought, writing, and production, IFWE released its newest book, For the Least of These: A Biblical Answer to Poverty, today. To celebrate the launch, we partnered with the American Enterprise Institute to host a discussion about some of the topics that the book covers, featuring four of the book’s authors:
- ["Why We Need 'Dinosaurs' Like C.S. Lewis" Published by Christianity Today](https://institutefc.org/cs-lewis-christianity-today/) - Christianity Today has published an article by IFWE's Art Lindsley entitled "Why We Need 'Dinosaurs' Like C.S. Lewis." In the article, Lindsley explores Lewis' thoughts and writings on progress. Lindsley writes, One of the great gifts of C. S. Lewis was his well-honed suspicion of progress. "We all want progress," he wrote in Mere Christianity. "But progress
- [Four of the Best Insights I Gained from the "For the Least of These" Panel](https://institutefc.org/four-best-insights/) - On Tuesday, the American Enterprise Institute and the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics co-sponsored a panel on IFWE's newly released book, For the Least of These: A Biblical Answer to Poverty. Josh Good, program manager for the Values and Capitalism Initiative at AEI, moderated the panel. I was joined by three other participants on the
- [Extreme Poverty Is Declining - Here's Why You Might Not Have Heard about It](https://institutefc.org/extreme-poverty-declining-barna-group/) - Did you know that, in the past thirty years, the percentage of people in the world who live in extreme poverty has decreased by more than half? If you said no—if you thought the number had gone up; that more people, not less, live in extreme poverty—you aren't alone. So begins a recent article by
- [Five Things I Wish I Knew before Taking My First Job](https://institutefc.org/five-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-taking-my-first-job/) - Navigating the workforce as a millennial today is tricky. Not only is the economy still in recovery mode, but satirical YouTube videos like the Millennials in the Workplace Training Video prove our reputation is working against us. We also have high standards and expectations. We don’t necessarily want to take the first or highest paying
- [Can You Be Compassionate and Competitive?](https://institutefc.org/is-competition-sinful-2/) - During last week’s panel on our newly launched book, For the Least of These: A Biblical Answer to Poverty, at the American Enterprise Institute, we discussed free enterprise as a way to eliminate poverty. But are we contradicting ourselves? After all, a free enterprise system involves competition within the marketplace. Are competition and compassion compatible?
- [Jesus's Career...Before His Ministry](https://institutefc.org/jesus-career-before-his-ministry/) - Did you ever wonder why God assigned an ordinary couple like Mary and Joseph to raise the Messiah? It seems like other families would have been better prepared to expose Jesus to a culture and context more suitable for his ministry as the Son of God. These options come to mind: It might have been
- [Would Jesus Raise the Minimum Wage?](https://institutefc.org/would-jesus-raise-the-minimum-wage/) - Would Jesus want Congress to raise the minimum wage? One group of religious leaders seem to think so. Last week, two public policy groups, Interfaith Worker Justice and Faith in Public Life, wrote a letter to Congress stressing the moral obligation to raise the federal hourly minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10. According to Catholic
- [Need Encouragement at Work Today? Check out These Ten Inspiring Quotes](https://institutefc.org/encouragement-work-inspiring-quotes/) - Are you counting down the hours until the weekend? Perhaps you just aren't seeing how your work is significant to God’s call on your life right now. Or maybe you love what you do, but just need some encouragement in what you are doing. Here are some of our favorite thoughts about work – and
- [The Secret to Following God in Your Calling](https://institutefc.org/the-secret-to-following-god-in-your-calling/) - For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:10 We usually do not use the terms “calling” and “stewardship” together, but we should. Not understanding the biblical relationship between these two important concepts has spiritually handicapped many evangelical Christians
- [How Jesus's Work Influenced His Teaching](https://institutefc.org/how-jesus-work-influenced-his-teaching/) - Jesus was a shrewd observer of life, offering wisdom gleaned from birds, flowers, and the weather. Last week we explored Jesus’ work experience – perhaps his time in the workforce also provided insights that he included in his parables. Work Is a Prominent Theme in Jesus’ Teaching It turns out that of the thirty-seven parables
- [How Students are Wrestling with Questions of Poverty and Inequality](https://institutefc.org/students-questions-poverty-inequality/) - On Monday, Dr. Anne Bradley, IFWE's vice president of economic initiatives, and Elise Amyx, IFWE's academic outreach manager, went to the Cato Institute to speak to some Christian college students about individual calling and how that applies to important policy issues such as income inequality. At the end, the students asked some great questions, a
- [Six Ways the Church Is Engaging in Culture Today](https://institutefc.org/six-ways-the-church-is-engaging-in-culture-today/) - How should Christians engage the big questions of our culture today? I recently attended the Q Conference in Nashville. Q was founded to facilitate a discussion among Christians about what it means to restore culture, and the Q conference was an opportunity for over a thousand Christian leaders to discuss themes such as culture, future,
- [Are You Free to Be...Whatever?](https://institutefc.org/are-you-free-to-be-whatever/) - Modern life provides us with more freedom and opportunities to pursue our calling compared with past eras. So begins a helpful article on calling by Alex Chediak entitled Vocation Plans. Chediak's article has a lot to say about how to think about calling and job prospects, but what struck me the most is the sense
- [What I've Learned about Jesus Christ, Public Life, and Full-Time Christian Service](https://institutefc.org/engage-full-time-service/) - Is work sacred or secular? What did Jesus think about “secular” work? What does this mean for how we understand the meaning of "full-time" Christian service? There are a lot of ways to think about these questions. In the course of my work and research I've found it helpful to look at some implications from Jesus’
- [Allowing God, Grace, and the Gospel to Impact How You Receive Constructive Feedback](https://institutefc.org/god-grace-gospel-receive-feedback/) - One of the lessons I wish I had learned earlier in life was the art of receiving constructive feedback well. If you’re like me, even the words “constructive feedback” or “constructive criticism” make your stomach flip-flop. Our anxiety surrounding such feedback may be the fear of making a mistake or of exposure and truly being
- [Safe Families for Children: How Freedom Enhances Caring for Your Community](https://institutefc.org/freedom-caring-community/) - A friend of mine recently told me about an intriguing and exciting non-profit, Safe Families for Children (SFC). It is a ministry serving families who need temporary care for their children, utilizing a network of churches to find caretakers for those children. According to the SFC website, there are nine hundred volunteers in the Chicago area
- [Three Ways the Gospel Can Help You Get Things Done](https://institutefc.org/three-ways-the-gospel-can-help-you-get-things-done/) - Matt Perman, author of What's Best Next: How the Gospel Transforms the Way You Get Things Done and a contributor to IFWE's blog, recently spoke with The Resurgence about gospel-driven productivity. The interview covers a range of topics related to how Christians can apply the gospel to their approach to productivity, but three points stand
- [Five Reflections on Freedom, Fulfillment, and Flourishing for Your Memorial Day](https://institutefc.org/five-reflections-freedom-fulfillment-flourishing-memorial-day/) - Editor's note: Today we gratefully remember those who have died in military service. In light of today's holiday, Dr. Anne Bradley offers five of her favorite reads on freedom, fulfillment, and flourishing. As I set up for today's family barbecue, I'm reminded of the important connection between freedom and flourishing. Holidays are often a good
- [Four Quick Reads to Help You Think More Deeply about Justice](https://institutefc.org/four-quick-reads-to-help-you-think-more-deeply-about-justice/) - During a recent podcast on social justice, Anne Bradley talked about the need for Christians to gain a biblical understanding of the term. She emphasized that this is one of the first steps Christians can take as they pursue justice. Here are four quick reads to help you take that step. Each piece looks at a
- [Lessons I Learned as a Submarine Officer for Dealing with Drudgery at Work](https://institutefc.org/deal-with-drudgery-at-work/) - I’ve operated nuclear reactors and driven a submarine. I’ve overseen training programs for licensed nuclear operators, and I now do institutional research for one of the world’s largest seminaries. Each of these jobs has exciting and immediately rewarding aspects. But another thing these jobs have in common is a certain level of repetitive, detail oriented
- [How to Love the Coworker You Just Can't Stand](https://institutefc.org/loving-coworkers-you-cant-stand/) - How do you love the coworker you just can't stand? Recently, while reading C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity, I was challenged by Lewis's thoughts on what it means to really love God. He writes, Ask yourself, "If I were sure that I loved God, what would I do?" When you have found the answer, go and
- [Will the Poor Really Always Be with Us?](https://institutefc.org/ending-poverty-in-our-lifetime/) - For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me (Matthew 26:11). This is one of the most quoted passages in scripture on poverty, but it is also one of the most misused. Usually you’ll hear someone quote this verse when they think ending global poverty is unrealistic. The general
- [Six Ways to Change Everything about Your Work](https://institutefc.org/change-everything-about-your-work/) - How does being a Christian give you freedom in your work that radically differs from those around you? This question and many others are well-answered in my friend Sebastian Traeger's new book The Gospel at Work: How Working for King Jesus Gives Meaning and Purpose to Our Jobs, coauthored with Greg Gilbert. In the third
- [Is Capital a Blessing or a Curse?](https://institutefc.org/is-capital-a-blessing-or-a-curse/) - "Capital is opposed to labor, and the rich get richer while the poor get poorer" is a phrase heard all too often. It's often repeated by those who misunderstand the true economic relationship between capital formation and the productivity and real income of workers. I have previously written about how our understanding of the causes of
- [Finding Your Passion Isn't as Elusive as You Think](https://institutefc.org/find-your-passion/) - "Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” So said Catherine of Siena, a fourteenth century philosopher and theologian. I came across this arresting quote in a Relevant magazine article by Jenni Catron, executive director of Cross Point Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Catron's article dealt with finding and
- [What's the Point of the Church Fighting Poverty?](https://institutefc.org/whats-the-point-of-the-church-fighting-poverty/) - Last week you all posed some thought-provoking questions about my post on what Christ really meant when he said "the poor will always be with us." One question kept popping up more frequently than the others: But what’s the point of fighting poverty anyway? Shouldn’t we focus more of our time and attention addressing spiritual
- [Is There A "Correct" Way for Christians to Engage the World?](https://institutefc.org/how-should-christians-engage-the-world/) - Christians use a lot of words, phrases, and terms for describing what Christian engagement with the world should look like. How do we make sense of it all? After telling his disciples of his impending departure, Jesus told them, I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world
- [Four Defining Characteristics of Biblical Flourishing](https://institutefc.org/four-defining-characteristics-biblical-flourishing/) - How do you live the good life? How do you really, truly flourish? What's more, how do we as Christians navigate the clash of cultural visions concerning "the good life" and what it means to flourish? For Christians, the notion of "flourishing" goes much deeper than the standard cultural definitions. It's not just "the good
- [Wrestling with Pressing Questions about Faith & Work](https://institutefc.org/pressing-questions-faith-work/) - The number one fear of millennials is living a meaningless life. We've written a few times about our efforts to help young Christians navigate difficult issues like: Avoiding the "quarter-life crisis." Developing a biblical view of success. Coping with fear of a meaningless life. Wondering if they need to quit their job and attend seminary
- [Are Riches and Righteousness At Odds?](https://institutefc.org/are-riches-and-righteousness-at-odds/) - Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. - Matthew 19:24 Christians often hear about how the Bible criticizes wealth and chastises the rich. Less discussed are the Bible's instructions about how those blessed
- [Three Biblical Principles for Dealing with Workplace Conflict](https://institutefc.org/three-biblical-principles-for-dealing-with-workplace-conflict/) - Think of the person at work that gets on your nerves. Sometimes they use their speakerphone in the cube farm. Other times, they seem to undermine every suggestion you make. How do you deal with that person? Being an example of godly character in the workplace is easy when people get along and everything is
- [Economic Freedom, Opportunity Ease Poverty](https://institutefc.org/economic-freedom-opportunity-ease-poverty/) - The poor will always be with us, but such a sobering reality does not free us from an obligation to work to alleviate the ravages of poverty. On the contrary, Jesus’s statement only serves to remind us that every generation will face the question of how best to fulfill our holy obligations to them. It
- [Four Human Freedoms, Expanding Inside and Out](https://institutefc.org/four-human-freedoms-expanding-inside-and-out/) - Depending on whichever accordionist is playing our emotions through the news, social media, and advertisements we consume, our personal freedoms are either expanding or collapsing. This has been particularly true during the pandemic, where everything from free enterprise, to mask mandates to—literally—where each person stands has been under scrutiny. But the focus is most often
- [What About Lent At Work?](https://institutefc.org/what-about-lent-at-work/) - “I’m giving up chocolate!” “This year, I’m keeping my cheese and chocolate, but giving up all social media. Goodbye, Facebook friends! See you after Easter.” “No coffee for me for the next forty days!” Honestly, I’m shaking at the very thought of such asceticism, and so are my coworkers. They know the agony of being
- [Why 'Devotion to High Purpose' Undergirds Success](https://institutefc.org/why-devotion-to-high-purpose-undergirds-success/) - The promise of religion has much more to do with the next world than with this one. None of the great religions can be pursued seriously except upon this view. They also promise benefits in this world. What makes for achievement, satisfaction and happiness? Every human action involves thinking and desiring, and every human achievement
- [How Voting with Our Feet Serves the Common Good](https://institutefc.org/how-voting-with-our-feet-serves-the-common-good/) - It’s election season in the U.S., and we are hearing a lot about voting. This reminds me of a public service announcement that I saw on television four years ago, where a Hollywood actress asked people to vote. I suspect she wouldn’t want my vote if she knew what it was, but she was encouraging
- [The American Dream Requires Economic Freedom & Opportunity](https://institutefc.org/the-american-dream-requires-economic-freedom-opportunity/) - The promise of America is a dream. It is not the promise of an easy life, material wealth, or even a white picket fence. Instead, the promise is one of freedom. It is the promise of a country where citizens are free to create their own futures, free to pursue their own successes, free to
- [The Cultural Mandate and the Apostle Paul](https://institutefc.org/the-cultural-mandate-and-the-apostle-paul/) - A detailed study of the Old Testament shows several concrete examples of the gradual implementation of the Cultural Mandate through new inventions, discoveries, and other tangible achievements of humanity.
- [Christian Witness in the Public Square? It’s Complicated](https://institutefc.org/christian-witness-in-the-public-square-its-complicated/) - I can remember when public Christian witness was a welcomed contribution to the life of the culture. In my recent article The Fourth Phase: Persecution? I mentioned Aaron Renn, who describes three phases of the relationship between the secular culture and biblical Christianity.
- [Principals, Partners, or Pawns? Parents’ Role in Their Child’s Education](https://institutefc.org/principals-partners-or-pawns-parents-role-in-their-childs-education/) - Over the course of the past three-quarters of a century, the United States has undergone a process of intense secularization. This is not to say that most Americans have become atheists or that most Americans do not have religious views
- [The Spiritual State of Our Union: A Call to Action](https://institutefc.org/the-spiritual-state-of-our-union-a-call-to-action/) - While I am certainly concerned with the political and socio-economic state of our union, I am even more deeply concerned with the spiritual state of our union. Surely, we cannot put our hope and trust in governmental powers alone to heal our land.
- [Christ the Cosmic King](https://institutefc.org/christ-the-cosmic-king/) - I just think it’s so important in this hopeless age, where the effects of secularism are ubiquitous, to declare this message. But we have compartmentalized our faith, and thus, compartmentalized the gospel. The gospel has now become a message that tells me how I can get to heaven but does not tell me how it brings flourishing to society and how it extends God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
- [Sex and the City of God](https://institutefc.org/sex-and-the-city-of-god/) - For Christians, it is no longer surprising that the most popular television series and movies receive acclaim precisely for their antagonism of Christian values. But it remains disappointing that our society so easily dismisses the Christian moral framework that undergirds our nation’s founding and has guided most citizens’ aspirations for centuries.
- [Jesus Christ, The World’s Only Hope](https://institutefc.org/jesus-christ-the-worlds-only-hope/) - Outside my study window, autumnal winds have stripped bare the trees and a grey squirrel is busy hoarding away another chestnut. I briefly ponder the wonder of the natural world with all its abundance and variety.
- [How Intentional Are You About Who You Hang Out With?](https://institutefc.org/how-intentional-are-you-about-who-hang-out-with/) - “You will be the same person in ten years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read," writes Og Mandino in The Greatest Salesman in the World. How intentional are you about who hang out with? Sometimes we don’t see how the people in our lives affect us.
- [Creativity, Purpose, Freedom: Our Three Pillars](https://institutefc.org/creativity-purpose-freedom-our-three-pillars/) - Welcome to the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics (IFWE) Blog – a discussion space for a variety of voices on the topics of faith, work, and economics. We’ve chosen to call our blog Creativity. Purpose. Freedom. These three words convey who we are as an organization and what we want to accomplish. These concepts
- [A Paradigm Shift on Faith, Work, and Economics](https://institutefc.org/paradigm-shift/) - Years ago I had a coworker who had worked in upper management at FedEx. He told me this interesting story about the FedEx logo, which is highly recognized around the world. But many (even some FedEx employees) do not know the story behind it. In 1994, Fred Smith set out to redesign the logo. He
- [Bridge the Faith and Work Divide - Get Economics](https://institutefc.org/bridge-the-faith-and-work-divide-get-economics/) - When it comes to making sense of our faith and our work, many of us feel there is a great divide. At IFWE, we’re passionate about helping Christians bridge that separation by rediscovering a rich biblical doctrine of work. But what seems even more pressing to most Americans today is to find answers to our
- [The Four-Chapter Gospel and Other Adventures](https://institutefc.org/faith-work-and-economics-our-journey-begins/) - The journey of integrating faith, work, and economics could be quite an adventure. Along the way, we'll meet new ideas that could shake things up a bit. Ever heard of the four-chapter gospel? Many of us having been living with a two-chapter gospel, and the implications of the shift are pretty significant. Our journey will
- [If You Inherited Ten Million Dollars, Would You Be at Work Tomorrow?](https://institutefc.org/if-you-inherited-ten-million-dollars-would-you-be-at-work-tomorrow/) - The arena in Orlando, Florida was packed with over 5,000 business people attending a one-day motivational conference. I was there with a number of my salespeople from work to listen to some of today’s greatest inspirational speakers, including General Colin Powell, Dick Vitale and Tony Robbins. One of the speakers asked, "If you went home
- [Tax Policy or Kingdom Stewardship?](https://institutefc.org/tax-policy-or-kingdom-stewardship/) - It has been interesting to see the reaction to President Obama’s use of the New Testament to support his tax policy at the National Prayer Breakfast last week. His remarks are relevant to our ongoing discussion on faith, work, and economics. Here is the President's quote in question: And when I talk about shared responsibility,
- [What is My Calling as a Christian at Work?](https://institutefc.org/what-is-my-calling-as-a-christian/) - The doctrine of vocational calling has fallen on hard times in today’s contemporary postmodern world. I recently heard a young man talk about how he was leaving his secular job and following his "call" into full-time ministry. What’s wrong with this picture? All of life is to be lived under the comprehensive Lordship of Christ
- [Your Work: A Sign of the Times](https://institutefc.org/your-work-a-sign-of-the-times/) - There is a website called Despair, Inc. which makes fun of the signs and motivational posters that adorn the walls of so many offices. My favorite is one that shows a picture of a sinking ship. Under the pictures the caption reads, "It could be that the purpose of your life is only to serve
- [What Does the Bible Say About Work?](https://institutefc.org/what-does-the-bible-say-about-work/) - "...Remember that Paradise wasn’t a vacation—it was a vocation." —Stuart Briscoe, Choices for a Lifetime God is a worker. From the very beginning of the Scriptures we are faced with the inescapable fact that work is part of God's character and nature. As my friend Steve Garber of The Washington Institute likes to say, vocation
- [The Four-Chapter Gospel: The Grand Metanarrative Told by the Bible](https://institutefc.org/the-four-chapter-gospel-the-grand-metanarrative-told-by-the-bible/) - "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Gen 1:1) The Book of Genesis opens with the account of creation, the start of the most encompassing story that will ever be told. One of the reasons many Christians do not fully comprehend the biblical concepts of work, calling, and vocation is because
- [Is Your Gospel Missing Something?: The Four-Chapter Gospel (Part 2)](https://institutefc.org/is-your-gospel-missing-something-the-four-chapter-gospel-part-2/) - If you are like me and have been in an evangelical church, you probably understand the gospel as: God made you and wants to have a relationship with you. Your sin separates you from God, and there is nothing you can do to bridge the gap. On the cross Jesus took the punishment your sins
- [More Than Just a Bus Ticket: The Four-Chapter Gospel (Part 3)](https://institutefc.org/more-than-just-a-bus-ticket-the-four-chapter-gospel-part-3/) - As we said yesterday, today’s evangelical church has edited the Four-Chapter Gospel (creation, fall, redemption and restoration) down to two chapters (fall and redemption). The opening chapters of Genesis are now only used to argue creation vs. evolution and not to remind us that we are made in the image of God. Not only does
- [Economics: A Tool for Navigating a Fallen World](https://institutefc.org/economics-tools-for-navigating-a-fallen-world/) - Editor’s Note: Today we introduce Dr. Anne Rathbone Bradley, a new contributor to this blog and the Vice President of Economic Initiatives here at the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics. While Hugh Whelchel will continue to post on the Biblical doctrine of work, Anne, a former professor at George Mason University, will begin to
- [Finding Your Significance on a Mission from God: The Four-Chapter Gospel (Part 4)](https://institutefc.org/finding-your-significance-on-a-mission-from-god-the-four-chapter-gospel-part-4/) - In the 1980 movie The Blues Brothers the main characters Jake and Elwood said they were on a mission from God. They weren’t, but we are… In our last post on The Four-Chapter Gospel, we said there is an important practical reason to read the Bible as one narrative: it enables us to understand our
- [How Evangelicals Use the Bible Today: The Four-Chapter Gospel (Part 5)](https://institutefc.org/how-evangelicals-use-the-bible-today-the-four-chapter-gospel-part-5/) - Drawing our missional role from the metanarrative of Scripture as we discussed in our last post stands in stark contrast to the way most evangelical Christians use and understand the Bible today. A number of years ago I was invited to a new Bible study on the book of Galatians. The leader began by reading
- [Reading the Bible as One Story: The Four Chapter Gospel (Part 6)](https://institutefc.org/reading-the-bible-as-one-story-the-four-chapter-gospel-part-6/) - Let’s summarize our discussion of the Four-Chapter Gospel from these past several days: For 1800 years the metanarrative of the Bible was taught in four chapters, creation, fall, redemption and restoration. In the last 200 years, the evangelical church in America has truncated the Four-Chapter gospel to only two chapters: Fall and Redemption. Leaving out
- [Is Work a Curse?: The Cultural Mandate (Part 1)](https://institutefc.org/is-work-a-curse-the-cultural-mandate-1/) - The difference between barbarism and culture is, simply, work. —Lester DeKoster I have an odd collection: a business card from every job I have worked since college and it is a large stack. At last count I have worked in seven different industries and the number of jobs…I have lost count (guess I could count
- [No Free Lunch: Why Understanding 'Opportunity Cost’ Matters](https://institutefc.org/no-free-lunch-why-understanding-opportunity-cost-matters/) - Last week we talked about our fallen-ness and the implications that has for our lives on earth. Economics helps us understand how to flourish in spite of our fallen-ness. It helps us deal with our world where abundance in everything no longer exists. Rather, scarcity abounds. One of the most famous lines you hear from
- [Our Job Description from the Beginning: The Cultural Mandate (Part 2)](https://institutefc.org/our-job-description-from-the-beginning-the-cultural-mandate-part-2/) - In the opening chapter of Genesis we find God giving Man (male and female) a job description. It is called the “Cultural Mandate,” also sometimes called the “Creation Mandate”: God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea
- [We Are What We Do: The Cultural Mandate (Part 3)](https://institutefc.org/we-are-what-we-do-the-cultural-mandate-part-3/) - Yesterday, we talked about our job description given to us in the very beginning of Creation – the Cultural Mandate. It’s a call to steward creation, a call given not just to Adam and Eve but to us as well. This job description gives us purpose and direction in our vocations. It also is a
- [Why to 'Reweave Shalom' at Your Job](https://institutefc.org/why-to-reweave-shalom-at-your-job/) - We have been talking about the Cultural Mandate found in Genesis 1:28, And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves
- [What the Cultural Mandate Means for Your Work](https://institutefc.org/what-it-means-to-be-a-steward-at-your-job/) - When you tried to figure out what to do with your life, I bet you didn’t go to the book of Genesis for direction. But as we’ve been seeing in these past few posts on the Cultural Mandate, God’s first job description for humankind still holds true for our lives today as Christians. But what
- [Understanding Economics as Stewardship](https://institutefc.org/understanding-economics-as-stewardship/) - We’ve talked broadly about economics and how an economic way of thinking can help us navigate a fallen world. Economics is the study of individual choice under scarcity. Last Friday, we looked at how scarcity is a ramification of the fall that impacts each of us. It constrains our choices. All of them. This means
- [Our Great Commission as the Bride of Christ](https://institutefc.org/our-great-commission-as-the-bride-of-christ/) - Is the Cultural Mandate still in place today? Why don’t we read about it in the New Testament? Was the Cultural Mandate negated by the Fall? These are some of the questions I am often asked when discussing the Cultural Mandate, as we have been doing in this series. To jump to the answer, let
- [Your Work is Dignifying](https://institutefc.org/your-work-is-dignifying/) - The same Cultural Mandate which God gave Adam and Eve also calls 21st century Christians to partner with Him in His work. From the beginning, God is prepared to entrust the “Garden” to man and for us to become His co-workers. Our stewardship role is a call for man to work with and for God. The
- [The Kingdom of God is our Workplace](https://institutefc.org/the-kingdom-of-god-is-our-workplace/) - We have looked at the first two (the Four Chapter Gospel and the Cultural Mandate) of five foundational ideas about work taught in the Scripture. Understanding these five ideas will help us build a solid, Biblical view of work, vocation, and calling. Next we will look at what I think is the most misunderstood yet
- [The Bible in One Sentence](https://institutefc.org/bible-in-one-sentence/) - In our last post I asked the question, “If someone asked you what is the Bible about in one short sentence, how would you respond?” My friend Miles Van Pelt, professor at Reformed Theological Seminary, would answer, “Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven; every story, every page from the beginning of Genesis to the end of Revelation!” You can
- [Decision-Making on the Margin](https://institutefc.org/decision-making-on-the-margin/) - Economists use some terminology that seems unfamiliar and often scares people away from wanting to learn more. I've experienced this most in the classroom, having to deal with the trepidation of my students who feel overwhelmed. But once we unpack these seemingly unfamiliar words, we discover they just make sense. We are all operating, on
- [Two Moments of the Coming Kingdom](https://institutefc.org/two-moments-of-the-coming-kingdom/) - In my last post we saw that the coming of the Kingdom of God is the central event of redemptive history. Kevin DeYoung, in an article entitled "Thinking About the Kingdom" defines it saying, “The kingdom of God is the age to come breaking in to the present age.” The coming of the Kingdom of
- [Working in Christ's Present and Coming Kingdom](https://institutefc.org/onward-christian-soldier/) - In our last post we answered the question "What is the Kingdom?" but this raises another question: "When is the Kingdom?" Many passages in the New Testament lead us to believe that the Kingdom is here already. A large part of Christ's ministry was the announcement of the coming of the Kingdom of God (Matthew
- [Your Role in the Final Battle](https://institutefc.org/your-role-in-the-final-battle/) - Hold your ground, hold your ground! Sons of Gondor, of Rohan, my brothers! I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day.
- [Kingdom is our Goal, not Utopia](https://institutefc.org/kingdom-is-our-goal-not-utopia/) - We want our Utopia now. -- Sinclair Lewis, Main Street While the idea of "utopia" dates back to the ancient Greeks, Sir Thomas More actually coined the word in 1516. It is described as a perfect and ideal place or society, where there’s a collective dream of the peaceful and harmonious. Man has been dreaming
- [People Value Different Things](https://institutefc.org/people-value-different-things/) - The notion of value is one of the aspects of economic thinking that gets a lot of discussion and is often misunderstood. How is it derived? Who determines what something is worth? A lot of public policy is based around altering prices that “seem too high.” Who determines whether a price is too high, too
- [Why Heaven Is Not Our Home](https://institutefc.org/why-heaven-is-not-our-home/) - Despite all the New Testament references to the Kingdom, most evangelical Christians today have no idea that their daily work has anything to do with the Kingdom of God. Paul Marshall, senior fellow at the Claremont Institute, in his book Heaven Is Not My Home argues that the escapist attitude of many American Christians has
- [How the 'Second Adam' Fulfills the Cultural Mandate](https://institutefc.org/how-the-second-adam-fulfills-the-cultural-mandate/) - The Cultural Mandate's relationship to the Kingdom of God is no more apparent than in the second chapter of Hebrews. The author of the letter to the Hebrews quotes Psalm 8, which paints a magnificent picture of what man was created to be. But there is a place where someone has testified: “What is mankind
- [The Big Idea Behind the Kingdom of God](https://institutefc.org/the-big-idea-behind-the-kingdom-of-god/) - The big idea behind this series on the kingdom of God is that God’s mission to redeem the world is the main story-line of the Bible. This message is well put in theologian Chris Wright’s intriguing book, The Mission of God, which calls this idea “a major key that unlocks the whole grand narrative of the
- [Can Believers Work with Unbelievers?](https://institutefc.org/can-believers-work-with-unbelievers/) - The Cultural Mandate dictates that mankind has a responsibility to be stewards of creation, both in the sphere of nature and the sphere of culture. After the Fall and the curse of sin, this endeavor became much more difficult (Genesis 3:17-19). Yet because God restated the Cultural Mandate to Noah after the flood (Genesis 9:1),
- [The Knowledge Problem Triple-Whammy](https://institutefc.org/the-knowledge-problem-triple-whammy/) - One of the most profound insights of twentieth century economists was that of how knowledge is held in a society and what we do about it. Nobel laureate, Friedrich August von Hayek, actually won the Nobel Prize, in part, for his discernment of the "knowledge problem." I’m sure you have heard the saying “you don’t
- [What Special Grace Means for You](https://institutefc.org/what-special-grace-means-for-you/) - In the New Testament, James wrote, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (James 1:17). Referring to this passage, author and pastor Tim Keller writes in his book The Reason for God: This means that no matter who
- [What We All Gain From Common Grace](https://institutefc.org/what-you-need-to-know-about-common-grace/) - The rain falls upon the just And also on the unjust fellas But mostly it falls upon the just Cause the unjust have the just's umbrellas ― Cormac McCarthy, The Stonemason The apostle Paul described the universal condition of humanity in bleak terms. In the book of Romans he wrote, "There is no one righteous,
- [What Evil Lurks in the Hearts of Men?](https://institutefc.org/what-evil-lurks-in-the-hearts-of-men/) - Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows... ― The opening line of the 1930 radio show "Detective Story" We've discussed that common grace is God’s kindness and mercy toward all members of the human race regardless of their spiritual condition. It is, as theologian John Murray wrote, “every favour
- [God's Eternal Love and Restraint](https://institutefc.org/gods-eternal-love-and-restraint/) - We have asked, "for what purpose would God shower common grace upon humanity?" First, God's common grace prevents fallen human beings from doing all the wrong they could do. The second answer is that through common grace God restrains his wrath against sinful humanity. In his book The Doctrine of God, theologian John Frame notes
- [How Prices Harness Knowledge](https://institutefc.org/how-prices-harness-knowledge/) - Previously we have talked about how knowledge is held in a world of scarcity. Knowledge is personally held and individually known, meaning that while people know different things, no one knows everything. Nobel laureate, Friedrich August von Hayek called this the “knowledge of time and place.” It raises questions over resourcefulness—how do we get anything done
- [How Common Grace Sustains Culture](https://institutefc.org/how-common-grace-creates-culture/) - We have been taking about the three reasons God showers common grace upon humanity. The first two that we have discussed are: First, God's common grace prevents fallen human beings from doing all the wrong they could do. Second, through common grace God restrains his wrath against sinful mankind. The third reason why God has
- [Common Grace for the Common Good](https://institutefc.org/common-grace-for-the-common-good/) - The plowing of the wicked is sin, but it is more sinful for the wicked not to plow. - John Murray What gives the non-Christian firefighter the courage to charge up the stairs of the Twin Towers on 9/11 to save a financial worker? What motivates the non-Christian soldier to throw himself on a grenade
- [Why Work Towards a Common Goal with Unbelievers](https://institutefc.org/why-to-work-towards-a-common-goal-with-unbelievers/) - We often meet people who are not Christians but who agree with a Christian stance on a certain cultural issue, and therefore they are willing to work together with Christians toward resolution. We should be open to working with them for a common goal. Francis Schaeffer popularized the use of the term co-belligerence to express
- [Hope for Christians in the Secular Workplace](https://institutefc.org/hope-for-christians-in-the-secular-workplace/) - “Co-belligerency can make a certain kind of sense, if you have your wits about you.” Doug Wilson The Christian employee, surrounded by non-Christians at work, can take great hope from the doctrine of common grace. Scott Kauffmann, writes in The Problem of Good, Common grace helps us to acknowledge that there are times to
- [The Miracle of the Market Process](https://institutefc.org/the-miracle-of-the-market-process/) - Our ongoing discussion has focused on the importance of understanding economic principles to better understand a holistic definition of stewardship. Our recent foray into understanding prices and their coordinative function as well as their role in helping us overcome the knowledge problem makes us aware of God’s handiwork in modern market exchange. It’s amazing that
- [Two Great Lies About Success](https://institutefc.org/two-great-lies-about-success/) - Two great lies have been promoted in our culture over the last twenty years. They are told to children in school, students in college and throughout the business world. The first great lie is “If you work hard enough, you can be anything you want to be.” It is often sold as the American Dream,
- [Lessons for Your Job from the Parable of the Talents](https://institutefc.org/lessons-for-your-job-from-the-parable-of-the-talents/) - Through the Parable of the Talents, Jesus Christ teaches that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man going on a long journey. Before he leaves, he gives his three servants different amounts of money, denominated by talents. Whatever its exact value, in the New Testament a talent indicates a large sum of money, maybe
- [Finding Joy and Purpose in your Job](https://institutefc.org/finding-joy-and-purpose-in-your-job/) - We have looked at the Parable of the Talents, which teaches us that God gives us everything we need in order to do what He has called us to do. For example, in the Garden of Eden, Adam was given resources to take dominion and produce a return on God's investment. Likewise James Davison Hunter,
- [Biblical Boundaries of Success](https://institutefc.org/biblical-boundaries-of-success/) - As we begin to understand that our work is important to God and He has given us everything we need to be successful in our calling, it is important to maintain the proper perspective. We must understand that our Biblical view of success has boundaries. Yes, through our work God expects us to impact our
- [What is Your Advantage?](https://institutefc.org/what-is-your-advantage/) - Peter Boettke of George Mason University, my graduate school professor and mentor, used to talk about Michael Jordan a lot in his lectures. He said, unabashedly, that Michael Jordan was and is the best basketball player in the history of the sport. There was and may never be anyone better. I suspect that Michael Jordan
- [Two Historic Teachings of Work](https://institutefc.org/two-historic-teachings-of-work/) - This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." — Jeremiah 6:16 If we look back over the last 2,000 years of Christian history, we discover that
- [The Early Christian View of Work](https://institutefc.org/the-early-christian-view-of-work/) - In light of the Old Testament background, it is not surprising to see the appreciation of work in the first-century Christian church that is very similar to the Jewish understanding. Though He called his disciples out of their vocations, Jesus gave no general call for all Christians to give up everyday work. Much of his
- [Is 'Full-time' Ministry Holier than My Job?](https://institutefc.org/is-full-time-ministry-more-holy-than-my-job/) - By the beginning of the third century we begin to see a subtle shift in the way Christians understood vocation. Conflicts with Jews and pagans gave rise to persecution, which led Christians to see themselves at war with the surrounding culture. They worshipped a different God, lived by a different law, had a different inward
- [Do I Need to Quit my Job and Attend Seminary?](https://institutefc.org/do-i-need-to-quit-my-job-and-attend-seminary/) - In our last post, we saw how the contribution of the early church fathers created the idea that pursuing the contemplative life or a professional role in the church is the only truly religious vocation. In some ways this mentality still influences our modern Christian lives. The sacred-secular divide produced the mistaken belief within the
- [How Trade Allows Us to Serve Others](https://institutefc.org/how-trade-allows-us-to-serve-others/) - We have talked about the economic concept of comparative advantage and that ultimately we are better stewards of our gifts, strengths and resources when we hone in on producing things at which we are lower-cost providers. You may never objectively be the best typist, software engineer, little league coach or PTA president than anyone in
- [How the Protestant Work Ethic Has Affected Vocation](https://institutefc.org/how-the-protestant-work-ethic-has-affected-vocation/) - Recently we have looked at how the early church and the church in the Middle Ages drove a wedge between the sacred and secular aspects of the lives of believers. This led to the perception that having a vocation or calling referred exclusively to full-time church work. It was through Martin Luther's efforts that the 16th
- [In Memory of Chuck Colson](https://institutefc.org/in-memory-of-chuck-colson/) - It is with both sadness and great hope in Jesus that we reflect on the April 21 passing of our friend and fellow brother in Christ, Charles “Chuck” Colson. Members of the IFWE team have their own personal reflections and thoughts, particularly some having worked with Chuck Colson and Prison Fellowship Ministries over the years. Specifically,
- [Three Cultural Movements that Changed the Meaning of Vocation](https://institutefc.org/calling-in-the-age-of-enlightenment-and-industrial-revolution/) - While the Reformers and the Puritans helped to recover the Biblical understanding of "calling" and how it applies to the everyday work of all Christians, their efforts were soon challenged by emerging cultural movements. During the 17th and 18th centuries, a wide-ranging intellectual movement called the Enlightenment emerged. The goal of the Enlightenment was to understand the
- [Marx and Our Longing for Work to Matter](https://institutefc.org/marx-and-our-longing-for-work-to-matter/) - Following up on our post discussing cultural movements in the 17th-19th centuries that have shaped our view of work, let's not fail to address Karl Marx. While Marxism and capitalism (as discussed in a previous post) are regarded as opposites, both see the pursuit of a vocation as an end in itself. Both encourage workers
- [Is the Economy a Pie?](https://institutefc.org/is-the-economy-a-pie/) - All this talk we have been doing on economic principles allows us to consider “the economy” in an entirely new light. We now know that the broad and somewhat nebulous notion of an economy is built upon individual trade and exchange. Your trip to the grocery store to buy milk, to Home Depot for nails,
- [What if Jesus Hadn't Ascended?](https://institutefc.org/what-if-jesus-hadnt-ascended/) - “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away…” John 16:7 It is certainly right to place great emphasis on Christ’s birth (Christmas), death (Good Friday), and resurrection (Easter), but to ignore or minimize what comes after these important events (the Ascension) has impoverished the church. The absence of
- [Why Jesus’ Present Location Matters](https://institutefc.org/why-jesus-present-location-matters/) - “What we want is not more little books about Christianity, but more little books by Christians on other subjects--with their Christianity latent.” ― C.S. Lewis Ed. Note: This post has been adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. Previously we asked the question, why is it better if Jesus ascends to heaven
- [How Christ Gives Power & Encouragement for Our Work](https://institutefc.org/how-christ-gives-power-and-encouragement-for-our-work/) - Ed. Note: This paper has been adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. Do you celebrate the Ascension? You should! It has incredible implications for you, your vocation, and the Church as a whole. In this series, we’ve talked about the importance of where Jesus was going when he Ascended - to
- [Indeed, it IS Better Jesus Went Away](https://institutefc.org/indeed-it-is-better-jesus-went-away/) - Ed. Note: This post has been adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. In this series on the Ascension, we’ve looked at the implications of the where, who, and what of the resurrected Christ ascending into heaven. What we’ve seen is that the absence of the Ascension from the thought and life
- [How to "See" the Unintended Consequences](https://institutefc.org/how-to-see-the-unintended-consequences/) - Choice is full of uncertainty. Every time we make a choice we are making a bet over a particular set of outcomes which we can predict. Sometimes we predict rightly, sometimes we never see what is coming. Not only do we make decisions in the uncertain and unpredictable world, we also make choices that have
- [Why is Vocation Missing From Today's Churches?](https://institutefc.org/why-is-vocation-missing-from-todays-churches/) - Have you every heard someone say, “Did you hear about Jim Smith? He quit his job at the bank to go into full time Christian service.” I would guess many of us have actually said something very similar. In the church today we still believe some jobs are more spiritual that others. And when it
- [Two Ways Our Views of Vocation are Distorted](https://institutefc.org/two-ways-our-views-of-vocation-are-distorted/) - We are confronted with a wall between personal faith and public work, here at the beginning of the 21st century. The wall has been raised by two distortions of the purpose of our work. Os Guinness in his book The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life, describes them as the two grand
- [The Difference Between Calling and Work](https://institutefc.org/the-difference-between-calling-and-work/) - Harvard Business School psychologist Timothy Butler offers the following advice in an article about how vocation differs from career or job: There are three words that tend to be used interchangeably—and shouldn't be. They are “vocation,” “career,” and “job.” Vocation is the most profound of the three, and it has to do with your calling.
- [What are Our Primary & Secondary Callings?](https://institutefc.org/what-are-our-primary-secondary-callings/) - The doctrine of vocation was developed with its greatest rigor by Martin Luther, John Calvin, and the other reformers, as we have seen before. They believed that our first call is to follow Jesus out of darkness into light and out of death into life. This "principal calling" includes a call to faith in Christ
- [We Need to Consider Consequences](https://institutefc.org/we-need-to-consider-consequences/) - Stewardship forces us to think like economists. We must look past our hopes and good feelings when making decisions in the public and private spheres. We need to understand the results of our actions and how they may affect ourselves, others, and our communities. With every decision, we can create long-terms consequences. We have seen
- [How to Understand Your Vocational Calling](https://institutefc.org/how-to-understand-your-vocational-calling/) - In order to understand the Biblical doctrine of work, we must clearly understand the differences between vocational calling and career, occupation, or job. Vocational calling is the call to God and to His service in the vocational sphere of life based on giftedness, desires, affirmations, and human need. Vocational calling is usually stable and permanent
- [Different Jobs and Careers, Same Calling in Christ](https://institutefc.org/different-jobs-same-calling-in-christ/) - As we suggested in our last post, our careers, occupations and jobs may change throughout our lifetime. Our vocational calling, however, remains constant. This can be confusing, especially as we look at the work of our church pastors, whose vocational calling is usually the same as their careers, occupations, or jobs. Yet for the rest
- [Your Work Influences Community](https://institutefc.org/your-work-influences-community/) - Work makes us interdependent. Work cultivates the resources of the material and human universe. Work is the form in which we make ourselves useful to others; civilization is the form in which others make themselves useful to us. Work unifies the human race and carries out the will of God. Lester DeKoster in his book, Work: The
- [Work as a Part of Our Worldview](https://institutefc.org/work-as-a-part-of-our-worldview/) - As we complete this series on the biblical doctrine of work and the church today, we discover a clue for how we can revive the neglected Biblical doctrine of work in Francis Schaeffer's prophetic work A Christian Manifesto. In the 1980s Schaeffer wrote this about the United States: The basic problem of Christians in this
- [Four Lessons of Economics: A Case Study of JP Morgan](https://institutefc.org/four-lessons-of-economics-a-case-study-of-jp-morgan/) - At the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, we think it is imperative for Christians to understand principles of economics if they are going to embrace the holistic interpretation of stewardship that the scripture proscribes. What we call, “Stewardship with a capital S.” If we don’t fully comprehend our unique creation, and understand that we
- [An Economic Perspective of Income Inequality](https://institutefc.org/an-economic-perspective-of-income-inequality/) - Editor’s Note: Many Christians wrestle with the topic of income inequality, an issue which has been hotly debated in the current economy. Today, the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics released a new research report entitled, “Why Does Income Inequality Exist? An Economic and Biblical Explanation” by Dr. Anne Bradley, Ph.D. This week our blog
- [The Importance of Mobility to the Discussion of Income Inequality](https://institutefc.org/the-importance-of-mobility-to-the-discussion-of-income-inequality/) - Editor’s Note: The Institute for Faith, Work & Economics released a new research report entitled, “Why Does Income Inequality Exist? An Economic and Biblical Explanation” by Dr. Anne Bradley, Ph.D. This week our blog will highlight the key findings from this report. We greatly misunderstand the notion of income inequality if we do not understand
- [What Does the Bible Say About Income Inequality?](https://institutefc.org/what-does-the-bible-say-about-income-inequality/) - Editor’s Note: The Institute for Faith, Work & Economics released a new research report entitled, “Why Does Income Inequality Exist? An Economic and Biblical Explanation” by Dr. Anne Bradley, Ph.D. This week our blog will highlight the key findings from this report. Income inequality, as we have been discussing, is a fact of economic life.
- [Income Inequality and the Parable of the Talents](https://institutefc.org/income-inequality-and-the-parable-of-the-talents/) - Editor’s Note: The Institute for Faith, Work & Economics released a new research report entitled, “Why Does Income Inequality Exist? An Economic and Biblical Explanation” by Dr. Anne Bradley, Ph.D. This week our blog is highlighting the key findings from this report. To best understand what the Bible has to say about income inequality, we
- [The Big Question of Income Inequality](https://institutefc.org/the-big-question-of-income-inequality/) - Editor’s Note: The Institute for Faith, Work & Economics released a new research report entitled, “Why Does Income Inequality Exist? An Economic and Biblical Explanation” by Dr. Anne Bradley, Ph.D. This week our blog is highlighting the key findings from this report. We are fallen people who are created uniquely. Our gifts are different in
- [Rich and Poor](https://institutefc.org/part-1-2/) - Editor’s Note: Please welcome Dr. Glenn Sunshine to the IFWE blog. Dr. Sunshine is a friend of the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics and recently participated in our April 2012 Colloquium on Faith, Work & Economic Freedom. He has written a strong series on poverty in which he articulates a Biblical worldview on the
- [Rich and Poor 2](https://institutefc.org/rich-and-poor-2/) - Obligations of the rich Although it is not popular to say this in many circles today, disparities in wealth, even between rich and poor, are not necessarily signs of injustice, as Leviticus 19:15 shows, where we are told to administer justice fairly without showing partiality to either the rich or the poor. At the same time, however,
- [Poverty and Government](https://institutefc.org/poverty-and-government/) - The wealthy, the Church, and the Poor It is clear from Scripture that God holds the rich accountable for how they use their resources. The wealthy are particularly judged by how they treat the poor and disadvantaged in society, typically described in the Bible as the widow, the orphan, and the sojourner, the people who have no
- [Poverty and Government 2](https://institutefc.org/poverty-and-government-2/) - Shifting the burden to the state In the previous article, we looked at what we can learn from Scripture about the role of government in addressing problems of poverty. What we find is that social welfare is not mentioned at all in connection with government, suggesting that it is secondary to other responsibilities, such as the administration of
- [Applying Economics to Our Call to Help the Poor](https://institutefc.org/applying-economics-to-our-call-to-help-the-poor/) - In previous posts, Dr. Glenn Sunshine has been blogging about the call to Christians to help the poor. Dr. Sunshine first talks about the poor and the rich, and the responsibilities they both have regarding their respective financial situations. He then turns to discussing the role of the government in poverty alleviation. There is certainly no lack
- [Poverty and the Church](https://institutefc.org/poverty-and-the-church/) - Poverty principles In previous articles dealing with poverty, we noted several important principles that should govern our ideas about poor relief. Our greatest responsibility is to those closest to us, starting with our own families. The more removed people are from us, the less our direct responsibility to them. Work is an aspect of the image
- [Redistribution and the Church](https://institutefc.org/redistribution-and-the-churc/) - The Church and the Poor In the last article, we began an examination of the role of the Church in dealing with poverty. While it is abundantly clear from both Scripture and history that the Church must be involved in poor relief, some of the arguments of those who emphasize this aspect of the Church’s work
- [The Church and the Poor: Historical Perspectives](https://institutefc.org/part-7/) - Remembering the Poor In the previous article, we looked at New Testament models of poor relief, noting that the early Christians were very generous in sharing what they had with those in need, but also that they were very careful about who was enrolled as dependents of the church. That said, the apostolic church considered “remembering
- [Four Principles of Poverty Alleviation](https://institutefc.org/four-principles-of-poverty-alleviation/) - Editor’s Note: Today we continue our series of excerpts from IFWE’s book, For the Least of These: A Biblical Answer to Poverty, released in early 2014. In this post, Dr. Glenn Sunshine concludes his discussion of poverty by explaining four key principles of poverty relief and how they contribute to human flourishing. We know that
- [Principles of Poor Relief](https://institutefc.org/principles-of-poor-relief/) - In a series of articles, we have looked at the relationship of rich and poor and the roles of government and the church in dealing with problems of poverty from the perspective of Scripture and history. To draw this series to a close, I would suggest the following principles drawn from the previous discussion as a
- [Applying Economics to Our Call to Help the Poor 2](https://institutefc.org/applying-economics-to-our-call-to-help-the-poor-2/) - A friend-of-a-friend once told me that she didn’t care if the government wasted 90% out of each dollar, that we absolutely needed government to help the poor in both emergency situations and long-term poverty assistance. I was blown away by that statement. She said that to me at least five years ago and I have
- [Establishing the Work of Our Hands](https://institutefc.org/establishing-the-work-of-our-hands/) - May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands. —Psalm 90:17 There is an old story set in the Middle Ages during the construction of one of the great European cathedrals. A nobleman was walking among the workers,
- [You are Called to be a Servant](https://institutefc.org/you-are-called-to-be-a-servant/) - Walk onto almost any Christian college campus and you can hear these two big ideas being taught: Christians should challenge their spheres of influence with Christian truth claims. God wants us to bring all areas of thought and life under the captivity of the Lordship of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). We are then told in
- [What We Can Learn About Sacrifice from John Calvin’s School of Death](https://institutefc.org/what-we-can-learn-from-john-calvins-school-of-death/) - In 1559, John Calvin began a seminary in Geneva to train young church planters. We know that Calvin sent at least 88 church planters to his native country of France, possibly many more. It was dangerous to plant churches in France because of anti-Protestant sentiment. In fact, it was so dangerous that the Academy of Geneva
- [Are You Young, Restless and Reformed?](https://institutefc.org/are-you-young-restless-and-reformed/) - In a 2006 article in Christianity Today titled “Young, Restless and Reformed,” Collin Hansen noted that under the radar there has been a quiet and steady growth of interest in traditional Reformed theology, saying, While the Emergent ‘conversation’ gets a lot of press for its appeal to the young, the new Reformed movement may be
- [Using Economics to Understand the Biblical Concept of Work](https://institutefc.org/using-economics-to-understand-the-biblical-concept-of-work/) - Hugh Whelchel has written in previous posts about “The Work of Our Hands.” His goal is to articulate what it means to fully live a life for Christ and how it is that we do that. He began the week by laying out three principles related to how we do this in a Biblical Doctrine of
- [Our Calling to Reweave Shalom](https://institutefc.org/our-calling-to-reweave-shalom/) - Imagine an enormous tent city on the edge of the greatest metropolis in the world. The refugees who live here have been forcibly taken from their homeland by an invading army. They have seen their city sacked, their families murdered, and their sacred place of worship destroyed. They are bitter toward their captors and would
- [Daniel, an Example of Reweaving Shalom](https://institutefc.org/daniel-an-example-of-reweaving-shalom/) - In the tent city in Babylon, a young man in the crowd heard Jeremiah’s letter and believed that it meant a new vocational call on his life. From that moment, he totally committed his life to working for the shalom, the peace and well-being, of the great city of Babylon. The young man’s name was
- [Our Calling to Restore Culture](https://institutefc.org/our-calling-to-restore-culture/) - If a significant part of our calling as God’s people is to reweave shalom, what will that look like in our society today? As we have seen in previous posts, God’s Cultural Mandate demands that Christians embrace their responsibility to influence the greater culture through the most powerful means at their disposal—their vocational calling. Yet
- [Christ and Culture](https://institutefc.org/christ-and-culture/) - For centuries, Christians have struggled to articulate an effective Biblical position regarding the church’s interaction with culture. In his classic 1951 book Christ and Culture, which is still influential today, H. Richard Niebuhr suggested five potential methods of modeling the interface between Christ and culture. Although Niebuhr’s theology is not always evangelical, his insights remain
- [It's Personal: Tales of Comparative Advantage](https://institutefc.org/its-personal-tales-of-comparative-advantage/) - Last week I issued an assertion which was also a challenge. Change starts with us, as individuals first. We have more power through the market process to help those around us by purposefully pursuing our vocational calling. In fact, we have an ability to make a massive contribution to the common good, to poverty alleviation,
- [Can Christians Today Really Impact Culture?](https://institutefc.org/can-christians-today-really-impact-culture/) - As we discussed in a previous post, the idea of Christ transforming culture takes seriously the biblical narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. It celebrates the goodness of creation and of human culture. It recognizes that creation is fallen, but also recognizes God’s desire to restore creation by the death and resurrection of Christ,
- [Getting Down to Business and Changing the World](https://institutefc.org/getting-down-to-business-and-changing-the-world/) - We have already seen a number of the historical and theological reasons for American Christians’ cultural retreat: the two-chapter gospel the influence of Enlightenment thinking the Industrial Revolution Yet we suggest the most overlooked reason for the failure of the church to influence culture is the loss of the Biblical doctrine of work. This has
- [How Do We Shape Culture?](https://institutefc.org/how-do-we-shape-culture/) - What is culture? We talk a lot about changing it - but what is it we're trying so hard to change? Theologian Donald Bloesch writes that culture "is the task appointed to humans to realize their destiny in the world in service to the glory of God." The Cultural Mandate calls us to fill the
- [Cultural Change - Is It Possible Today?](https://institutefc.org/cultural-change-is-it-possible-today/) - We've been talking about shaping culture - but there is one question we haven't explored: is cultural change even possible? It is thought that cultures are profoundly resistant to intentional change. Major shifts in culture take place only over very long periods of time. Yet during the Protestant Reformation a fairly small group of people
- [Health and Wealth: Thoughts on Poverty and the Affordable Care Act](https://institutefc.org/health-and-wealth-thoughts-on-poverty-and-the-affordable-care-act/) - The Supreme Court's ruling on the Affordable Care Act brings larger questions about poverty and morality to the forefront of our national discussion. We all want to care for "the least of these." How do we best go about eradicating poverty and empowering the poor? These questions, like the healthcare debate, are complex, with no
- [He Who Dies With The Most Toys Wins...Or Does He?](https://institutefc.org/he-who-dies-with-the-most-toys-wins-or-does-he/) - I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards...I bought male and female slaves...I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. —Ecclesiastes 2:4-10 The secular, scaled-down version of Solomon’s lifestyle shows up in the
- [Fear of A Meaningless Life](https://institutefc.org/fear-of-a-meaningless-life/) - This week we're concluding our series on "The Work of Our Hands." Yesterday we explored the extremes people take in their view or work: either as an idol or merely a chance for a paycheck. Today we're discussing why it's so important to find purpose for our work. Richard Leider and David Shapiro, in their
- [Kingdom Work](https://institutefc.org/kingdom-work/) - The separation of faith and calling by Christians, along with the loss of the Biblical doctrine of work, had a devastating effect on the landscape of American culture during the 20th century. As Christians today, we are once again called to integrate our faith and our work. We are to use our vocational calling to
- [Integrating Faith and Work on Independence Day](https://institutefc.org/integrating-faith-and-work-on-independence-day/) - It is fitting that we return to the words of our founders on Independence Day. George Washington’s farewell address gives us more than a few wise words to ponder: Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. And: Tis substantially true, that virtue or morality is a
- [The Power of Ideas](https://institutefc.org/the-power-of-ideas/) - How do we affect culture? How can an understanding of economics get us there? We can look at history to get an understanding of many instances of culture changing, both for the better and for the worse. When we do comparative institutional analysis across countries, we can see that culture matters for reform - reform
- [Putting It All Into Practice](https://institutefc.org/putting-it-all-into-practice/) - How do we integrate our faith and work in a way that is pleasing to God? We must first rediscover that our primary vocation is the call to follow Jesus. From this primary call flows our call to our churches, our families, our communities, and to our economic work. All of life is to be
- [A Wing and A Prayer](https://institutefc.org/a-wing-and-a-prayer/) - Today we conclude our discussion on "The Work of Our Hands" with the inspiring story of John Magee, Jr., a Christian pilot who fought in World War II. In 1940, John Magee, Jr. crossed into Canada and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was one of hundreds of Americans who crossed the border to
- [C.S. Lewis, Greed, and Self-Interest](https://institutefc.org/c-s-lewis-greed-and-self-interest/) - Ed. Note: This post has been adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. We've been exploring the integration of faith and work for a few weeks now. If this Biblical doctrine of work is true - and we believe it is - we as citizens must cherish and sustain an economic environment
- [C.S. Lewis on Selfishness and Greed](https://institutefc.org/c-s-lewis-on-selfishness-and-greed/) - Ed. Note: This post has been adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. Let's dive into what C.S. Lewis has to say about selfishness and greed. Lewis was a master at expressing complex concepts through the medium of imagination. He tackled many tough topics, including greed, in his best-selling children's series, The
- [Far Too Easily Pleased: Lewis on Self-Interest](https://institutefc.org/far-too-easily-pleased-lewis-on-self-interest/) - Ed. Note: This post has been adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. We live in a society built on self-interest. But is this bad? Is self-interest the same thing as greed? C.S. Lewis reflected often on the tension between legitimate self-interest and selfishness. When Lewis first came to faith, he did
- [Our Place in God's Economy](https://institutefc.org/our-place-in-gods-economy/) - C.S. Lewis has shown us how self-interest is different than selfishness. Since greed and self-interest are not the same, what are the implications for how we participate in our economy? Let's circle back to Adam Smith's appeal to the self-interest of the butcher and baker. Their self-interest could - and should - be motivated by
- [Does Acts 2-5 Teach Socialism?](https://institutefc.org/does-acts-2-5-teach-socialism/) - Ed. Note: This post has been adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. Here at IFWE, we're working to help people integrate their faith with their work and economic thinking. Part of our mission includes exploring the implications of our faith for how we participate in our economic systems. We desire a
- [The Early Church: In Poverty or Riches?](https://institutefc.org/the-early-church-in-poverty-or-riches/) - Ed. Note: This post has been adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. We're exploring the claim that Acts 2-5 mandates socialism for Christians. The early believers exhibited extraordinary generosity. However, they did not sell all their posessions. It may seem that the following phrases mean that the community in Acts 2-5
- [Christians of the World Unite?](https://institutefc.org/christians-of-the-world-unite/) - Ed. Note: This post has been adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. We've been examining whether or not Acts 2-5 teaches socialism. Specifically, we're looking at the alternative argument that suggests Acts 2-5 is inconsistent with socialist principles. Yesterday we discovered that the early believers gave away some - but not
- [A Beautiful Example of Love ...and Socialism?](https://institutefc.org/a-beautiful-example-of-love-and-socialism/) - Ed. Note: This post has been adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. We're further exploring whether the generosity exhibited by the early Christians in Acts 2-5 teaches socialism. As we have seen, this early sharing was voluntary. It was without coercion. It did not necessitate that believers give up their rights
- [Crossing the Divide: the Early Church and Socialism](https://institutefc.org/crossing-the-divide-the-early-church-and-socialism/) - Ed. Note: This post has been adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. We've been looking at whether or not the early church in Acts 2-5 presents a model of socialism that all believers should follow. So far we've discovered three things that argue against this interpretation: The early believers did not
- [Concluding Acts 2-5](https://institutefc.org/concluding-acts-2-5/) - Ed. Note: This post has been adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. Today we conclude a discussion on Acts 2-5 and socialism by reviewing our previous points on the subject. We've been exploring the claim made in the Washington Post's On Faith blog and elsewhere that Acts 2-5 mandates socialism as a practice
- [Looking for the Faces of Faith and Work](https://institutefc.org/looking-for-the-faces-of-faith-and-work/) - The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work and take care of it. This verse, Genesis 1:25, points the worth and dignity of work. It, along with other passages of Scripture, can give us guidance as we think through how we integrate faith, work, and economics. A lot
- [Why Faith, Work, and Economics?](https://institutefc.org/why-faith-work-and-economics/) - IF WE believe we’re made in God’s image to be creative and are called to use our talents, how then should we work? IF WE believe we are called to practice justice and mercy, then how do we apply these virtues in the world of work and economics? IF WE believe that through our work
- [More Than Money - Economics As Stewardship](https://institutefc.org/more-than-money-economics-as-stewardship/) - Why is it important to focus on faith, work, AND economics? Because understanding economics - beyond the financial sense of the word - helps you apply your creativity, purpose, and freedom to the best of your abilities. It will help you better steward the gifts and resources God has given you. Yesterday, Hugh Whelchel talked
- [I, Smartphone: Serving A Fallen World With Your Work](https://institutefc.org/i-smartphone-serving-a-fallen-world-with-your-work/) - Why would the Institute for Faith, Work, and Economics care how a smartphone is made? Why would we want you to care? Because God has given us the market process as the most powerful tool we have in a fallen world to serve each other with our gifts. Yes, that's right. Smartphones allow thousands
- [Isn't the Accumulation of Wealth Wrong?](https://institutefc.org/isnt-the-accumulation-of-wealth-wrong/) - Before we dive deeper into discovering a Biblical view of economics, we want to answer some questions, hesitations, and obstacles Christians often have towards thinking about economics. One question we hear a lot is "isn't the accumulation of wealth wrong?" In a word, no. However, there are moral dimensions to wealth: the Bible speaks to
- [Are There Wealthy People in the Bible?](https://institutefc.org/are-there-wealthy-people-in-the-bible/) - Yesterday we began examining some tough questions Christians have about economics. Many of these questions are about wealth. Can we live as faithful followers of Christ and still be wealthy? Let's look to Scripture to see if there are examples of Christians who were wealthy. Dr. Glenn Sunshine and Dr. Jay Richards both point to
- [Who, Me? An Entrepreneur?](https://institutefc.org/who-me-an-entrepreneur/) - This week we're tackling tough questions about faith, work, and economics. In an earlier post, Dr. Anne Bradley used Steve Jobs as an example of someone who helped others through using his gifts in an entrepreneurial fashion. Her larger point was that we as Christians are called to help others through our work, even if
- [Top Ten Economics Books for Beginners](https://institutefc.org/topteneconomicsbooksforb/) - At bottom, economics is about us - what we choose, what we value, what we represent in language and symbols, how we interact with each other in the market, and especially how we produce, exchange, and distribute goods, services, and risk. Understand these things, and you're well on your way to knowing what you need
- [Top Ten Books on Faith & Work](https://institutefc.org/top-ten-books-on-faith-work/) - In a previous post, we recommended ten books for people beginning to explore economics. Economics needs context, however. Today I'd like to recommend ten books on integrating faith, work, and culture. They are all rooted in solid theology. Many of the concepts we've discussed on this blog, like the Cultural Mandate or the Four Chapter-Gospel,
- [Do Market Economies Exploit or Liberate?](https://institutefc.org/do-market-economies-exploit-or-liberate/) - Recently, IFWE produced and released a new video titled “I, Smartphone.” The video is based on the short essay, “I, Pencil” , which was written by Leonard H. Reed and published by the Foundation for Economic Education. These two stories are about how the market works. The market brings together dispersed individuals, who, by pursuing their
- [A Crisis In Calling](https://institutefc.org/a-crisis-in-calling/) - Ed. Note: This post has been adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. My greatest fear is that my life will not make a difference. A woman confessed this to me over the course of a vocational profile we were walking through together. Have you ever felt this way? Over the past
- [Christianity, the West, and the Rest](https://institutefc.org/christianity-the-west-and-the-rest/) - History must repeat itself because we pay such little attention to it the first time. - Blackie Sherrod in the Dallas Morning News When the final history is written, what, if anything, will have killed Western civilization? The collapse of religion, perhaps? The infection of healthy capitalism with a terminal case of greed? These are only
- [Renewing Culture Through Our Work](https://institutefc.org/renewing-culture-through-our-work/) - Editor's Note: Today's post is by Logan Gates, one of IFWE's summer interns. Logan is a Fourth Year at the University of Virginia, where he is majoring in Political & Social Thought and Latin American Studies. As an IFWE summer intern, I've spent the past few months sifting through books and articles, editing publications, and
- [Religious Liberty vs. Religious Tolerance](https://institutefc.org/religious-liberty-vs-religious-tolerance/) - Cultural upheavals often occur in the most surprising contexts. Who expected that a clash between sexuality and religious liberty would be focused on a restaurant company mainly known for its chicken sandwiches? - Al Mohler in an article for the CNN Belief blog Just when I thought the religious freedom argument could not get more
- [Do Markets Give Power to the Powerful?](https://institutefc.org/do-markets-give-power-to-the-powerful/) - A common criticism of free markets and market-based economies is that they make the rich richer, at the expense of everyone else - especially the poorest among us. Is this true? If it is, as Christians, what should we do about it? The Bible is clear that we as Christians are called to care for
- [Developing A Biblical Theology of Work](https://institutefc.org/developing-a-biblical-theology-of-work/) - Ed. Note: This post has been adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. Last week we began asking what is causing our culture's crisis in calling. A central reason for this crisis is a failure to develop a thorough Biblical theology of work. We have failed to grasp the purpose for which
- [The Dignity of Human Life and Economics](https://institutefc.org/the-dignity-of-human-life-and-economics/) - As an evangelical Christian who has worked most of my vocational life in pro-life and pro-family causes, my venture into the economic arena here at the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics at first seemed like a different path. However, it wasn't long before I saw a common Biblical thread that undergirds both what evangelicals traditionally
- [Faces of Faith & Work: Luther Weber](https://institutefc.org/faces-of-faith-work-luther-weber/) - Today marks the first installment of IFWE's new series,"The Faces of Faith & Work." The goal behind these installments is to explore what a Biblical doctrine of work looks like in concrete practice. To that end, we seek to interview Christians from all vocations who are faithfully pursuing their calling and thinking about what it
- [Taking Belief Into the Public Square](https://institutefc.org/taking-belief-into-the-public-square/) - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
- [Power & the Market: Part Two](https://institutefc.org/power-the-market-part-two/) - As we discussed last week, the exercise of private power is much different and more limited than public power. In spite of their riches, the wealthy are quite limited in how they can use force, which is what exacerbates and strengthens power. For example, the Apple Corporation might like it if Apple products were mandated
- [The Implications of Calling](https://institutefc.org/the-implications-of-calling/) - Ed. Note: This post has been adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. Our culture has a crisis in calling. We've been exploring this crisis, and looking at how a Biblical perspective on work can help us. A Biblical view of work runs throughout all of Scripture. We are given the Cultural
- [Is Springsteen Right On Income Inequality?](https://institutefc.org/is-springsteen-right-on-income-inequality/) - Editor's note: This post has been edited from its original version appearing on DoggieHeadTilt, a blog run by the Clapham Institute. All-American rocker Bruce Springsteen took to the pages of Rolling Stone magazine this past spring to lament the existence of income inequality in our country today: You cannot have a social contract with the enormous
- [Christian Women's Views on Faith & Vocation](https://institutefc.org/christian-womens-views-on-faith-vocation/) - Tami Heim, president of Christian Leadership Alliance, tweeted out a Barna survey that caught my eye: Christian Women Today: Part 2 - A Look at Women’s Lifestyles, Priorities, and Time Commitments. (This page links to part 2 of a 4 part series on the survey results.) Specifically, I was interested in exploring women’s view on faith
- [Does Belief Belong In the Marketplace?](https://institutefc.org/does-belief-belong-in-the-marketplace/) - Christians, when rightly informed and motivated, change the character of political debate. They bring the moral standards of God’s kingdom into the civic realm and thereby become agents of His common grace — of His provision for those who believe as well as those who don’t. - Richard Doster, byFaith This is the third post in
- [The Christian's Role In Wealth and Power](https://institutefc.org/the-christians-role-in-wealth-and-power/) - We have been discussing market-generated profit and the difference between wealth accumulation and political power. These issues raise questions of fairness in the minds of most people. How should Christians think about fairness, wealth, and power? I think most Christians understand that diversity is part of how God has created us. Skills and talents present
- [More Implications of Calling for Life and Work](https://institutefc.org/more-implications-of-calling-for-life-and-work/) - Ed. Note: This post has been adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. Last week we began exploring the impact calling can have on how we live and work. Today I want to share with you a few more insights about how a sense of calling can orient our lives. We
- [Is Caring for the Poor Too Big for the Church?](https://institutefc.org/is-caring-for-the-poor-too-big-for-the-church/) - I’ve heard a thought-provoking phrase repeated this year in some Christian circles: Caring for the poor is too big for the Church. Is this true? How are Christians to think through this question from a sound Biblical and economic perspective? We know the Bible teaches we are to care for the poor, but how can
- [The One Choice Left Off the Table](https://institutefc.org/the-one-choice-left-off-the-table/) - I started a discussion yesterday about a phrase I’ve heard frequently this year in some Christian circles: Caring for the poor is too big for the church. Those wrestling with how to best address poverty alleviation seem stuck between two choices: Choice A: The Bible calls the Church to care for the poor, and not
- [Work, Success, and the Parable of the Talents](https://institutefc.org/work-success-and-the-parable-of-the-talents/) - Recently I saw a bumper sticker that read, He who dies with the most toys wins, but he is still dead. This must be a post-modern version of the late 1990’s original, which simply read, “He who dies with the most toys wins.” If bumper stickers are a reflection of the soul of our
- [Cronyism As Theft](https://institutefc.org/cronyism-as-theft/) - This past weekend we “celebrated” the one-year anniversary of the bankruptcy of Solyndra, the solar panel company. When I say celebrate, it is bittersweet. Solyndra should have never gotten as far as it did before it went bankrupt. I am happy that we have laid to rest a government-supported company that turned out to be
- [Jubilee and Justice](https://institutefc.org/jubilee-and-justice/) - Ed. Note: This post was adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. How does Jubilee relate to justice? What does it mean for Christians and our call to serve the poor and oppressed? I've read several books by evangelical authors concerned with wealth, poverty, and social justice. Nearly every one of these
- [The Problem With Modern Economics](https://institutefc.org/the-problem-with-modern-economics/) - Editor's Note: Today we introduce Elise Amyx, a new contributor to this blog and the newest member of the IFWE staff. She will post periodically about economics and faith. Why is modern economics so confusing? I studied economics at James Madison University, and I remember being so confused in my upper level economics courses. All
- [Economic Man Versus God's Grand Design](https://institutefc.org/economic-man-and-gods-grand-design/) - In my previous post, I explained why modern economics is unnecessarily confusing for the non-economist. This is because neoclassical economics only looks at a small piece of the big picture. It places a heavy emphasis on mathematics and assumes away the multi-faceted nature of man. This leaves us with attempts to assign a number to unquantifiable
- [Does Jubilee Mean A Forgiveness of Debt?](https://institutefc.org/does-jubilee-mean-a-forgiveness-of-debt/) - Ed. Note: This post has been adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. Last week I began discussing the topic of Jubilee. This Biblical practice is becoming more prominent in discussions about justice, poverty, and debt relief. I'll be spending all this week examining Leviticus 25 and our assumptions about Jubilee. Some
- [Does Jubilee Involve Redistribution of Wealth?](https://institutefc.org/does-jubilee-involve-redistribution-of-wealth/) - Ed. Note: This post has been adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. This week we're digging into Jubilee - its context, its definition, and what it means for us as Christians as we seek to honor God with how we engage our culture and its economy. Yesterday we explored the assumption
- [Jubilee Myth #3: Is Private Property Relative?](https://institutefc.org/jubilee-myth-3-is-private-property-relative/) - Ed. Note: This post has been adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. All this week we're covering five myths surrounding the Biblical practice of Jubilee. Myth #3: Jubilee shows the relative nature of private property. This myth purports that since God owns the land, there are no absolute rights to private
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo/) - Providing relevant news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, & economics. What makes work worth doing? Teresa Amabile and Steve Kramer emphasize the importance of discovering meaning in work on the Harvard Business Review blog. Sermon: The Biblical Meaning of Success. IFWE Executive Director, Hugh Whelchel, delivered a sermon on the Biblical meaning of success
- [Jubilee Myth #4: Does Jubilee Lead to Income Equality?](https://institutefc.org/jubilee-myth-4-does-jubilee-leads-to-income-equality/) - Ed. Note: This post has been adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. In recent posts, I've been exploring assumptions made about the Biblical practice of Jubilee. Myth #4: Jubilee Leads to Income Equality Some argue that the periodic "redistribution" of land at Jubilee kept the rich from gaining more wealth, and the
- [Jubilee Myth #5: Does Jubilee Apply to All People?](https://institutefc.org/jubilee-myth-5-does-jubilee-apply-to-all-people/) - Today marks the last myth about Jubilee we'll be covering as part of our series on the myths of Jubilee. Myth #5: Jubilee is a universally applicable principle - that is, it applies to all people. Actually, Jubilee applied only to Israelites and not to aliens and sojourners (non-Israelites). This is another significant point almost
- [Is Competition Sinful?](https://institutefc.org/is-competition-sinful/) - Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24 The Apostle Paul paints a powerful picture in his first letter to the church in Corinth. He challenges his readers to do more than
- [Why Do We Work?](https://institutefc.org/why-do-we-work/) - Why do people work? This is a question economists constantly try to answer. They refer to it as the "labor-leisure tradeoff." Unfortunately, economics over the twentieth century became increasingly dominated by mathematical tools to solve economic questions. This modeling process assumes away most of what is interesting in economic analysis. It makes economics all about
- [Knowing, Feeling & Doing: Towards An Integrated Faith](https://institutefc.org/knowing-feeling-doing-towards-an-integrated-faith/) - Ed. Note: This post has been adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. How can you begin to integrate a Biblical perspective of work into your daily life? How do you apply it on a personal level? Integrating a theological view of work and cultural change is difficult for many Christians. One
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-2/) - Providing relevant news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, & economics: Dirty Jobs, Dirty Work? The Acton Institute's Jordan Ballor analyzes America’s broken view of work through the eyes of Dirty Jobs host Mike Rowe. Where God's Purpose & Your Passion Meet: Is it realistic to have a job you are truly passionate about? Dan Miller,
- [Economic Freedom Matters for a Flourishing Society](https://institutefc.org/economic-freedom-matters-for-a-flourishing-society/) - Editor's note: this post was co-authored by Dr. Jay Richards, IFWE's visiting scholar, and Dr. Anne Bradley, IFWE's Vice President of Theological Initiatives. As a Christian, whether you are a plumber or a corporate executive, you are contributing to the Kingdom of Christ through your work. Economics and the scriptures teach us that you are
- [Five Tips for Approaching Economics From A Christian Perspective](https://institutefc.org/five-tips-for-approaching-economics-from-a-christian-perspective/) - Why is economics so daunting for people to approach? In the first post addressing this question, I discussed the problem with modern economics and why it seems so confusing. In the second post, I examined this problem in depth, looking at how people have become alienated from economics. Today I want to share with you five
- [The Protestant Work Ethic: Alive & Well...In China](https://institutefc.org/the-protestant-work-ethic-alive-well-in-china/) - Through a mixture of hard work and thrift the Protestant societies of the North and West Atlantic achieved the most rapid economic growth in history. - Niall Ferguson Harvard historian Niall Ferguson suggests in his recent book, Civilization: The West and the Rest, that the rise of Western dominance over the past five centuries is
- [What's Love Got To Do With It? Economics & Serving Others](https://institutefc.org/whats-love-got-to-do-with-it-economics-serving-others/) - Tina Turner coined the phrase “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” in 1984 when the song was originally released. The question is particularly relevant for why Christians should care about economics. Time after time the Scriptures remind us that God is Love. Jesus tells us in John 15: 9-17: As the Father has loved
- [Towards An Integrated Faith Part II: Knowing & Feeling](https://institutefc.org/towards-an-integrated-faith-part-ii-knowing-feeling/) - Ed. Note: This post has been adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. This series is focused on practical ways of integrating a Biblical perspective on faith & work into daily life. The reconnecting of what we know and believe with what we do and what we feel is essential to this
- [IFWE'S Midweek Memo](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-3/) - Providing relevant news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, & economics. Loving Your Career: New York Times columnist James B. Stewart reminds us of the importance of loving your career through his personal decision to leave his position as a lawyer. Secrets of Creativity: In this interview between Fieldnotes Editor Alissa Wilkinson and Todd Henry,
- [Why Should Christians Care About Economics?](https://institutefc.org/why-should-christians-care-about-economics/) - Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." Matthew 22:37 My colleague Art Lindsley has discussed the importance of connecting intellect with faith. The Biblical basis for this rests in Jesus' command to love God with all our minds, a command that concerns our
- [The Thinking Christian](https://institutefc.org/the-thinking-christian/) - Whether it’s a question of what to make for dinner or which job to take, the majority of the decisions we make every day have something to do with economics. If economic decisions deal directly with the human person and our relationship with our neighbor, then God’s word must have something to say about economics.
- [Millennials and the Biblical Doctrine of Work](https://institutefc.org/millenials-and-the-biblical-doctrine-of-work/) - I was raised up believing I was somehow unique/Like a snowflake distinct among snowflakes/Unique in each way you can see.../What's my name, what's my station?/Oh, just tell me what I should do.../And I don't, I don't know who to believe.../If I know only one thing/It's that everything that I see/Of the world outside is so
- [A Life Verse for A Lifelong Calling](https://institutefc.org/a-life-verse-for-a-lifelong-calling/) - Do you have a "life-verse?" I have two or three verses that qualify as “life-verses” for me. These verses speak into my heart and soul, and I come back to them over and over again. Hebrews 12:1-2 is one of these passages that has always drawn me closer to God: Therefore we also, since we are surrounded
- [An Integrated Faith Part III: Knowing, Feeling & Doing](https://institutefc.org/an-integrated-faith-part-iii-knowing-feeling-doing/) - Last week I explored the connection between belief and emotion and its importance to having a vibrant faith. This week, I want to tie these two concepts to action. There is a sense in which we can say that knowing leads to feeling, which leads to doing: We know what is true. We feel passionately
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-4/) - Providing relevant news, opinion, & analysis on all things faith, work, & economics. Where Does Ministry Take Place? The Answer May Surprise You: Jon Bloom, President of Desiring God, discusses the significance of secular jobs in the context of 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 and what it means to carry out our vocations with faith, diligence, and excellence.
- [Four Questions About Faith & Work](https://institutefc.org/four-questions-about-faith-work/) - I'm currently in the middle of a "radio tour," doing interviews about my new book How Then Should We Work? with radio stations across the country. I've noticed that certain questions pop up consistently in these interviews. I thought I'd take some time to share these questions - and their answers - with you today.
- [The Four Twisted Truths of Marx](https://institutefc.org/the-four-twisted-truths-of-marx/) - In a recent Townhall article, Grove City College political science professor Dr. Paul Kengor described an alarming interaction he had with one of his students: [He] told me of the elite Christian private school he attended, where the newly hired teacher, fresh out of a major university, told the students he was a “Christian communist,”
- [God's Own Peace Corps](https://institutefc.org/gods-own-peace-corps/) - Our vocation is, I believe, to build good out of evil. For if we try to build good out of good, we are in danger of running out of raw material. - Paul Tournier I spoke at a men's retreat last weekend. The last lecture I delivered was on Jeremiah 29:7, where Jeremiah writes to
- [Working Towards Hope and A Future](https://institutefc.org/working-towards-hope-and-a-future/) - Today and tomorrow I will be at Birmingham Southern University, lecturing on the morality of free enterprise. As a Christian and economist, this is something I love to discuss. It is also a concept that has gotten lost in our culture. Last week, I shared one of my favorite life-verses with you, Hebrews 12:1-2. Another
- [Knowing, Feeling, & Doing: Application to the Church](https://institutefc.org/knowing-feeling-doing-application-to-the-church/) - Ed. Note: This paper has been adapted from its original form. Read the full paper here. These last few weeks we've been exploring knowing, feeling, and doing as they relate to Christian faith. Today, I'll tackle the big question: what do these practices mean for the church? If we look at today's church we can
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-5/) - Providing relevant news, opinion, and analysis on all things faith, work, & economics. How Can We Recover the Moral Foundations of Economics? E. Calvin Besiner, Founder of The Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation, argues a Christian worldview can recover the moral fiber of economics. C.S. Lewis & Economics: Most don’t think of C.S. Lewis as
- [Catalyst and the Biblical Doctrine of Work](https://institutefc.org/catalyst-and-the-biblical-doctrine-of-work/) - Last week I wrote about the Millennial generation, and what the messages coming from the latest Catalyst conference in Duluth, Georgia would have to say about faith and work. As it turns out, Catalyst had a lot to say to Millennials about integrating faith and vocation. Here are four messages I took away from the
- [The Entrepreneurial Vocation](https://institutefc.org/the-entrepreneurial-vocation/) - Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. - 1 Corinthians 15:58 Commenting on this verse in a 2009 interview, theologian N.T. Wright says, Your work is ‘not in vain.’ Why not? Because everything you do in
- [Work That Transforms: What Is It?](https://institutefc.org/work-that-transforms-what-is-it/) - God intends our work to be transformative. This week I was reminded of a great quote from Nancy Pearcey’s book, Total Truth, describing the Cultural Mandate given to Adam by God in the Garden of Eden: The first phrase, “be fruitful and multiply,” means to develop the social world: build families, churches, schools, cities, governments, laws.
- [The True Definition of A Hero](https://institutefc.org/the-true-definition-of-a-hero/) - Where have all the heroes gone? I recently watched a Veggie Tales movie with my son called “The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything.” Early in the movie a fight breaks out on a pirate ship transporting a royal family in need of rescue from an evil tyrant. One of the pirates proclaims: Where are the
- [Can Only Priests and Pastors Make An Impact?](https://institutefc.org/can-only-priests-and-pastors-make-an-impact/) - How many of us feel our work is not "spiritual" enough or doesn't matter in God's grand design? Understanding this concept of a priesthood of all believers can help us see how all our vocations bear great importance. The "priesthood of all believers" is an important Biblical idea that has great implications for our personal
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-6/) - Providing relevant news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, & economics. Interview: Tim Keller Tim Keller’s new book, Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City captures the essence of his theological vision. In an interview with Trevin Wax, managing editor of The Gospel Project at The Gospel Coalition, Keller covers topics
- [Faith, Work, & Vocation - As A Single Woman](https://institutefc.org/faith-work-vocation-as-a-single-woman/) - I’d rather be packing school lunches. A 38-year old, single, Christian friend of mine recently told me that she got a promotion. The only problem, she said, is that she’d rather be a stay-at-home mom, “packing school lunches.” This isn’t someone who’s simply dreaming about the greener grass on the other side of the hill.
- [Three Fallacies of the Social Gospel](https://institutefc.org/three-fallacies-of-the-social-gospel/) - Individualism means tyranny. Baptist theologian Walter Rauschenbusch famously preached these words in Christian opposition to the evils of capitalism and big business. Of course, the opposite is true: individualism is freedom from tyranny. But he firmly believed the Gospel promoted a form of Christian socialism that is somewhat reminiscent in some Emerging Church circles today.
- [Presidential Debate: How Both Candidates Missed the Meaning of Work](https://institutefc.org/presidential-debate-how-both-candidates-missed-the-meaning-of-work/) - Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 In the presidential debate last Tuesday night, both President Obama and
- [Markets - A Call to Serve One Another?](https://institutefc.org/markets-a-call-to-serve-one-another/) - Economist Thomas Sowell opens a chapter of his classic Basic Economics with an insightful quote from Will Rogers: You couldn’t live a day without depending on everyone. Will was neither an economist nor theologian, but he hit the nail squarely on the head. In a modern world, we could not live a day without depending
- [The Call To Creativity](https://institutefc.org/the-call-to-creativity/) - The Call to Creativity I love the scenes in the original Star Wars films that show Hans Solo's ship, the Millennium Falcon, jumping into hyperspace. There is a flash of light, a burst of acceleration, and the ship is suddenly light years away from where it took off. The evangelical church needs this burst of light, this
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-7/) - Providing relevant news, analysis, and opinions on all things faith, work, & economics. 4 Steps to Finding Your Calling: Are you having difficulty discerning your vocation? Read four practical steps to help in discovering the good plans God has for your life. What's the Eternal Significance of Everyday Work? Many college students wrestle with the question “Is
- [The Call to Creativity: What's Dignity Got to Do With It?](https://institutefc.org/the-call-to-creativity-whats-dignity-got-to-do-with-it/) - I'm useless. I don't have any gifts or talents to offer. This is what one woman told me during a vocational profile I conducted with her. Many people feel the same way. We have lost our sense of dignity and self-worth. As a result, we are blind to our own inherent creativity and God-given talents.
- [Answering the Call to Creativity Through the Four Chapter Gospel](https://institutefc.org/answering-the-call-to-creativity-through-the-four-chapter-gospel/) - Answering the call to creativity requires a shift in the way we view the gospel and our role in transforming culture. The concept of the four-chapter gospel provides the framework for this change in our thinking. For most of us, our definition of the gospel needs expanding. A failure to grasp the four-chapter gospel has
- [David's Mighty Men: Stewardship In Action](https://institutefc.org/davids-mighty-men-stewardship-in-action/) - Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and carried it to David. But he would not drink of it. He poured it out to the LORD. - 2 Samuel 23:16 The Old Testament contains some of
- [Two Lessons From Taking Faith & Work On the Road](https://institutefc.org/two-lessons-from-taking-faith-work-on-the-road/) - Ed. Note: Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Also, in yesterday's post, the story of David and his mighty men was presented as taking place "during battle." 2 Samuel indicates that the specific conversation referenced between David and his men took place while they were in hiding. We regret
- [Martin Luther's View of Faith & Work](https://institutefc.org/martin-luthers-view-of-faith-work/) - 495 years ago today, on October 31st, 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church of Wittenberg. Vocation was one topic Luther covered prominently in his theological writings. Gene Edward Veith states that, Luther was the first to use "vocation" to refer also to secular offices and occupations. In
- [Open Thread Thursday: What Is the Eternal Significance of Everyday Work?](https://institutefc.org/open-thread-thursday-what-is-the-eternal-significance-of-everyday-work/) - Editor's Media Note: Dr. Art Carden, one of IFWE's senior fellows, is appearing on John Stossel tonight to discuss price gouging laws in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Tune in to FOX Business at 9 p.m. to catch the discussion. What is the eternal significance of everyday work? This has been a big question on
- [Faith, Economics & Liberation Theology](https://institutefc.org/faith-economics-liberation-theology/) - Shannon Craigo-Snell, a theologian at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, describes liberation theology in a New York Times article as “the Sunday school Jesus who healed the sick or took care of the poor people.” She says, It’s what your Sunday school teacher taught you if you grew up in a church. It isn't something people should be
- [Why Should Christians Care to Vote?](https://institutefc.org/why-should-christians-care-to-vote/) - Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God….For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason.
- [Hurricane Sandy & Election Day: What Do They Mean for Christians?](https://institutefc.org/hurricane-sandy-election-day-what-do-they-mean-for-christians/) - What a week. Between Hurricane Sandy and today's election, a lot of momentous events are taking place. How can we think about these events from a biblical, economic perspective? Both have given me occasion to reflect upon what economists call the "Broken Window Fallacy." Consider this quote from "What Is Seen and Not Seen," an
- [Dorothy Sayers: A Revolution In Work](https://institutefc.org/dorothy-sayers-a-revolution-in-work/) - Dorothy Sayers (1893-1957) was a British author most famous for her detective novels involving the character Lord Peter Wimsey. The daughter of an Anglican priest, Oxford-educated, and the contemporary of such literary luminaries as G.K. Chesterton and Agatha Christie, Sayers was well-versed in theology and the arts. In addition to her fiction, she wrote several
- [What Race Are You Running?](https://institutefc.org/what-race-are-you-running/) - Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary,
- [Is Feeling Good Enough to Fight Poverty?](https://institutefc.org/is-feeling-good-enough-to-fight-poverty/) - One of rock 'n' roll's most outspoken activists recently made a startling statement concerning an often overlooked method of poverty alleviation. Bono spoke in front of an audience of 200 leading technology entrepreneurs and investors at the F.ounders tech conference in Dublin last month. He expressed a humbling realization about the importance of enterprise in
- [Three Ways to Think Differently About Your Work](https://institutefc.org/three-ways-to-think-differently-about-your-work/) - I've been thinking a lot about a question Hugh Whelchel asked in a recent post about how God intends for our work to be transformative: The Christian who works on an assembly line turning five screws in a widget over and over: how is his work 'Kingdom Work?' It's a tough question. Work often feels
- [Value, Trade & Faith](https://institutefc.org/value-trade-faith/) - One of the biggest debates throughout the history of economics is how value is defined and determined. I want to take a look at this question and what it means for our work and our faith. How do we determine value? Value is in the eye of the beholder. Think about how you value things
- [Ayn Rand and the Age of Story: Why Should Christians Care?](https://institutefc.org/ayn-rand-and-the-age-of-story-why-should-christians-care/) - The 21st century is the age of story, and few have shaped the narrative of our age like novelist and political philosopher Ayn Rand. Rand's novel Atlas Shrugged has been ranked as second only to the Bible as one of the most influential books in the lives of modern readers. More than 30 million copies of Rand's books
- [Are You Ready? A Biblical View of Ayn Rand's Life and Work](https://institutefc.org/are-you-ready-a-biblical-view-of-ayn-rands-life-and-work/) - Ed. note: this is the first in a series of posts by David Kotter, Ph.D, exploring the life and work of Ayn Rand. This series was adapted from Dr. Kotter's full research paper, "Check Your Premises: Ayn Rand Through A Biblical Lens." “Are you ready?” asked John Galt, as he took the hand of the
- [The Information Gap & Donation Dumping](https://institutefc.org/the-information-gap-donation-dumping/) - For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ […]
- [The Economics of Income](https://institutefc.org/the-economics-of-income/) - I had the exciting experience last Thursday of being interviewed by Janet Parshall on her radio show, “In the Market with Janet Parshall” on Moody Radio Network. Janet is a wonderful host, and asked some very thought-provoking questions based on a research paper I wrote earlier this year, “Why Does Income Inequality Exist?: An Economic
- [Pilgrims, Property Rights, & Prosperity](https://institutefc.org/pilgrims-property-rights-prosperity/) - Ed. Note: this post is adapted from an op-ed appearing today in The Washington Post's "On Faith" forum. Edward Winslow, a passenger on the Mayflower, when speaking of the first Thanksgiving, said on December 11th, 1621: And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness
- [Who Is Ayn Rand?](https://institutefc.org/who-is-ayn-rand/) - I have introduced a new series on Ayn Rand by investigating her impact on our culture. Before diving into her worldview, though, I want to answer the question "Who is Ayn Rand?" Ayn Rand was born on February 2, 1905 to wealthy Jewish parents in St. Petersburg, Russia. Her father was a pharmaceutical chemist, and owned
- [Four Principles of Biblical Stewardship](https://institutefc.org/four-principles-of-biblical-stewardship/) - Every faculty you have, your power of thinking or of moving your limbs from moment to moment, is given you by God. If you devoted every moment of your whole life exclusively to His service, you could not give Him anything that was not in a sense His own already. - C. S. Lewis, Mere
- [The Economics of Income, Part Two](https://institutefc.org/the-economics-of-income-part-two/) - Last week I introduced how salaries emerge within the context of a market economy. I want to expand on this idea today. First, though, let's review some basics about salary and income: The salary you receive is the price for your labor. Prices in markets work very well as signaling devices. They induce people to
- [What Is Objectivism?](https://institutefc.org/what-is-objectivism/) - Ed. Note: This is the next post in a series on Ayn Rand, adapted from Dr. Kotter's larger research paper on Rand's life, work, and philosophy. “Miss Rand, could you give the essence of your philosophy while standing on one foot?” was the question posed at a 1957 publisher sales conference. Her concise response was
- [Why Aren't We Praying From 9-5?](https://institutefc.org/why-arent-we-praying-from-9-5/) - Ed. Note: Today we are pleased to introduce Taylor Barkley, the newest contributor to IFWE's blog. Taylor will blog periodically on issues pertaining to faith, work, & economics. If our work is God’s work, should we not pray for it like it is God’s work? In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he ends the book
- [What Church Charities Can Learn from Wyclef Jean and Dwight Schrute](https://institutefc.org/what-church-charities-can-learn-from-wyclef-jean-and-dwight-schrute/) - What can church charities learn from singer Wyclef Jean and Dwight Schrute, the authority-craving, Battlestar Galactica-loving, gullible paper salesman from NBC's hit sitcom, The Office? Though the relationship between Christianity and Hollywood is often one of tension, these two stars illustrate different approaches to charity that can help Christians understand why it is important to consider
- [A Biblical View of Dominion: Stewardship](https://institutefc.org/a-biblical-view-of-dominion-stewardship/) - …our churches are teaching a low view of stewardship. We’re missing the essential goodness of work in particular, even “non-spiritual” work. “Non-spiritual” work, in case you’re wondering, is any work in which God is not interested, which is just to say there is no such thing. -Tom Gilson, Thinking Christian Christians today need a much
- [Prices, Income, and Education](https://institutefc.org/prices-income-and-education/) - These last few weeks I've been trying to answer a very thoughtful question Moody Radio's Janet Parshall asked me on her radio show. Basically, Janet wanted me to answer why teachers are not paid more if training our children is such an important job to society. When thinking about this question, I find it helpful
- [Navigating the Christmas Consumer Conundrum](https://institutefc.org/navigating-the-christmas-consumer-conundrum/) - So you're out Christmas shopping, finding the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. You're enjoying the sights and sounds of the season - the carols, the snow, perhaps the aroma of chestnuts actually roasting on an open fire. Even the Salvation Army Santa brings a smile to your face. But something is there, nagging
- [The Twelve Days of Significance: Living A More Purposeful Life](https://institutefc.org/twelve-days-of-significance-living-a-more-purposeful-life/) - Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. - I Corinthians 12:1 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it - I Corinthians 12:27 Joseph Brodsky, a Nobel Prize-winning Russian poet and essayist,
- [Stewardship With A Capital "S"](https://institutefc.org/stewardship-with-a-capital-s/) - Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. - I Peter 4:10 We're kicking off the Twelve Days of Significance by exploring the concept of biblical stewardship, what we call "Stewardship With A Capital 'S'." Living a life of purpose and significance begins
- [The Four-Chapter Gospel: A Story of Significance](https://institutefc.org/the-four-chapter-gospel-a-story-of-significance/) - “It is not just a wonderful plan for ‘my life’ but a wonderful plan for the world; it is about the coming of God’s kingdom to renew all things.” -Tim Keller There is a powerful scene at the end of the Lord of the Rings that was not in the movie. After the ring is
- [Made In the Image of God - The Basis for Our Significance](https://institutefc.org/made-in-the-image-of-god-the-basis-for-our-significance/) - Martin Luther said that if he could understand the first two words of the Lord’s Prayer as Christ did, the rest of his life in Christ would fall into place. Luther’s observation shows that is it easy to use God’s words, but much more difficult to grasp the reality they signify. This is true with
- [Called to Creativity and Significance](https://institutefc.org/called-to-creativity/) - Yesterday we discussed the image of God and some of its implications for our lives. Today I'll dive deeper into what being made in the image of God means for our work and vocation. Genesis 1:26-28 tells us that the first task to which image bearers are called is to “rule over” the creation. God
- [How Do I Find My Calling?](https://institutefc.org/how-do-i-find-my-calling/) - In this series, we have discussed what being made in the image of God means for our work. We have also looked at how we are called to use our God-given creativity. But how do we discover the work we are called to carry out? How does each of us find our calling? I have interviewed
- [Economic Trade and the Call to Community](https://institutefc.org/trade-and-community/) - Ed. note: Elise Amyx co-authored this post. What would life in total isolation look like? If you have ever watched the movie Castaway with Tom Hanks, you get a sense of what it might be like. Hanks plays Tom Noland, a busy Federal Express worker who leaves home on a cargo plane and crashes on
- [Making Choices of Significance](https://institutefc.org/making-choices-of-significance/) - We have talked in previous posts about humanity's fallen nature, the implications of the Fall for our lives on earth, and our utter dependance on Christ. God will bring his kingdom in full when Christ returns, but until then, economics can help us think through and even overcome some of the brokenness we encounter in
- [Selfishness, Self-Interest, and Significance](https://institutefc.org/selfishness-self-interest-and-significance/) - Editor's note: this article was co-authored by Dr. Anne Bradley, and adapted from an op-ed published in March. You can read the original article here. This March, Greg Smith, an executive director at Goldman Sachs, announced his resignation in the pages of The New York Times. His reasoning: the company's employees and culture had morphed
- [The Rich, the Poor, and the Significance of Wealth Creation](https://institutefc.org/rich-poor-significance/) - Understanding the role of wealth creation brings new significance to our daily lives because we are all wealth creators, rich or poor. But how is this true? How should Christians understand wealth and poverty as it relates to our faith? Here are a few points I've found helpful as I wrestle with this question. 1. Love
- [Creativity, Purpose, & Freedom: Three Poverty-Fighting Tools](https://institutefc.org/poverty-fighting-tools/) - The Adam Smith Institute, in summarizing Smith’s An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, wrote this: The first theme in The Wealth of Nations is that regulations on commerce are ill-founded and counter-productive. The prevailing view was that gold and silver was wealth, and that countries should boost exports and
- [Securing the Promise: the Hope of the Kingdom of God](https://institutefc.org/the-kingdom-of-god/) - The future has invaded the present. The Kingdom of God which is yet to come in power and glory had already come in a secret and hidden form to work among men and within them.” -George Eldon Ladd Isn’t this quote from George Ladd the story we read on the opening pages of the book
- [Peace On Earth, Goodwill to Men: The Prophecy and Promise of Christ's Birth](https://institutefc.org/peace-on-earth/) - Ed. note: IFWE and Creativity.Purpose.Freedom will not be publishing tomorrow due to the holiday. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a blessed holiday season with friends and family. And in despair I bowed my head/"There is no peace on earth," I said/"For hate is strong, and mocks the song/of 'peace on earth, goodwill
- [Book Review: Work Matters - Lessons from Scripture](https://institutefc.org/book-review-work-matters/) - R. Paul Stevens' new book, Work Matters: Lessons from Scripture, is a nuanced and comprehensive look at how the biblical doctrine of work is revealed in stories throughout the Bible. Particularly compelling is Steven's use of stories to convey theological truths about work. Explaining this approach, Stevens writes in the introduction that (emphasis added), The Bible is
- [Jiro Dreams of Sushi: A Glimpse of God's Intention for Work](https://institutefc.org/jiro-dreams-of-sushi/) - What did God intend work to be like? Earlier this month I watched the film Jiro Dreams of Sushi, an inspirational look into the life of someone who loves their work. Jiro is a documentary about an 85 year old man who has dedicated his life to his work as a sushi chef in Tokyo, Japan.
- [Reading Ayn Rand Through A Biblical Lens](https://institutefc.org/rand-and-the-bible/) - Ed. note: this post is adapted from portions of David Kotter's research paper, Check Your Premises: Ayn Rand Through A Biblical Lens. You can read the full paper here. How does one explain the popularity of Ayn Rand over the decades? All of her books are still in print, and more than thirty million copies
- [IFWE's Top Ten Posts of 2012](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-top-ten-posts-of-2012/) - We're looking back on the top ten posts that received the most attention this year from you, our readers, to close out 2012. Our blog is taking a break tomorrow, and will return on January 2nd. Until then, be sure to check out any of these top posts you might have missed, or share them with
- [A New Year, A New Perspective on Faith and Work](https://institutefc.org/new-year-faith-work/) - The plans of the diligent surely lead to advantage. - Proverbs 21:5 In the mid-sixties there was a successful television series called Run for Your Life. Actor Ben Gazzara plays a lawyer who is told by his doctor in the first episode that he will die in nine to eighteen months. Gazzara's character decides
- [The Biblical Foundations of Economic Principles](https://institutefc.org/the-biblical-foundations-of-economic-principles/) - We have spent a lot of time over the last year on our blog talking about some basic economic principles and why they are important for Christians to understand. At IFWE, we talk about whole-life stewardship, which is the concept that stewardship extends far beyond how you spend your money or perhaps how you care
- [What Do You Do When Work Fails to Fulfill?](https://institutefc.org/when-work-fails-to-fulfill/) - A Christian attitude toward work is an assurance that no matter what we are doing, we are doing it for God. His work can be done through nearly any kind of job. When speaking about the biblical meaning of work, it can be easy to slip into the thought that work must be enjoyable. But
- [Have We Hidden the Light of the Gospel?](https://institutefc.org/have-we-hidden-the-light-of-the-gospel/) - You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your
- [Should Christians Care About Incentives? A Biblical Perspective](https://institutefc.org/christians-incentives-biblical-perspective/) - Why do we do good things? Why do we carry out acts of love and charity? Conversely, why do we make bad decisions, or choose to do evil or harmful things? The answer is a concept we're covering as part of our series on basic economic principles Christians need to know: the importance of incentives.
- [Should Christians Care About Incentives? An Economic Perspective](https://institutefc.org/christians-incentives-economic-incentives/) - What exactly are incentives, and why should they be important to Christians? Yesterday we began answering this question by looking at how the Bible treats incentives. Today we'll look at incentives from an economic perspective stemming from what the Bible says about reality and human nature. As we'll see, incentives can be a powerful tool
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo](https://institutefc.org/midweek-memo/) - Providing relevant news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. The Hobby Lobby Hubbub: Can the government force private business owners to act against their religious convictions? Halee Gray Scott at Revelant Magazine examines three reasons why Christians should be concerned about the ruling in the Hobby Lobby case. Dreaming A Dream Gone
- [Gleaning - A Guide to Christian Charity?](https://institutefc.org/guide-to-christian-charity/) - And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God. – Leviticus 23:22 This passage is among several that teach the practice
- [How Do You Meet the World's Needs Through Your Calling?](https://institutefc.org/meeting-needs-through-calling/) - Last week, Elise Amyx detailed some helpful strategies for discerning one's calling in the context of community. The advice she presented is helpful in identifying your gifts and passions. William Messenger also offers some tips for listening for God's vocational guidance in a piece written for the Theology of Work Project. Messenger's work calls to
- [Three Lessons About Faith & Work from the Book of Daniel](https://institutefc.org/three-lessons-about-faith-work-from-the-book-of-daniel/) - The life of Daniel provides a clear example of a man who was faithful to God in his career. Here are three lessons Daniel models for Christians seeking to honor God in the workplace. Daniel lived in the context of foreign conquest and exile. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, solidified his conquest over the people of
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 02.06.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-02-06-13/) - Offering relevant news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. Desiring God Talks Business as Ministry: Over at the Desiring God blog, Andre Yee details three reasons that all work is God-honoring. "Why Work?", Part Two: “Human beings were created to worship and glorify God in everything they do, including their work.” Matthew
- [The Myth of the Zero Sum Game](https://institutefc.org/the-myth-of-the-zero-sum-game/) - It's not a question of enough...It's a zero-sum game. Somebody wins. Somebody loses. - Gordon Gecko, Wall Street This striking declaration from Gordon Gecko, Michael Douglas' notorious character from Wall Street, defines free enterprise for many people. It portrays the system as dog-eat-dog competition. Winners always create losers. This view represents the Zero Sum Game Myth,
- [Counting the Cost, Even When It Hurts](https://institutefc.org/counting-the-cost-even-when-it-hurts/) - Our broader mission at IFWE is to help Christians understand the power of economic thinking as part of whole-life stewardship. We believe that the tools of economics are God-given, and once we understand them better we can see that they are grounded in biblical truth. Earlier I explained one of the most foundational principles in economics,
- [How to Find Your Calling](https://institutefc.org/how-to-find-your-calling/) - How do you find your calling? I expected to discover my calling in college. I planned to take different classes, see what subjects I did or didn't like, and my calling would be discovered. But it didn't turn out that way. I was still clueless about calling when graduation rolled around. I trusted God and
- [The Internet, Human Creativity, and Freedom](https://institutefc.org/the-internet-human-creativity-and-freedom/) - The executive chairman of Google, Eric Schmidt, recently visited North Korea with the former governor of New Mexico, Bill Richardson, to promote a free and open internet. In a country of 24 million people, only a handful of elites in North Korea have the kind of access to the internet that we have in Western
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 01.30.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-01-30-13/) - Offering relevant news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. Does Your Job Matter Enough?: Evangelical students today struggle with choosing a career in ministry or a job in the marketplace. What's missing? KC McGinnis argues it's a proper understanding of God’s design for work. Why Work?: People formulate many reasons to go
- [The Piety Myth](https://institutefc.org/the-piety-myth/) - God's Heart for the Poor During my senior year in college, I decided to read the Bible straight through quickly rather than in bite-sized chunks. When I did so, a larger pattern jumped out at me: God's abiding concern for the poor, and his expectation that we share his concern. God's concern for the poor isn't
- [Should Christians Seek Wealth Creation?](https://institutefc.org/should-christians-seek-wealth-creation/) - This next installment of our series on the biblical foundations of economic principles touches on a question many Christians wrestle with: should Christians seek wealth and its creation? Answering this question involves understanding one of the major ways wealth is created - trade, which is principle #4 in our series. Principle #4: Trade promotes economic
- [Is There Dignity In Your Work?](https://institutefc.org/does-your-work-have-dignity/) - On the wall at our office at IFWE is a beautiful picture of Ruth, as illustrated in the new Saint John’s illuminated Bible. In this print, Ruth seems to celebrate as she lives out the dignity of her calling to work. Her arms are filled with sheaves of grain that she gathered when gleaning in
- [Can't We Build A Just Society?](https://institutefc.org/build-a-just-society/) - Can't we build a just society? Many people look at our modern economy and ask this question. Christians especially are rightfully concerned with the justice of the systems we live within. Answering this question requires that we tackle the first myth in our series on the eight most common myths about wealth, poverty, and free
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 1.23.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-1-23-13/) - Offering relevant news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. Why We Need Plumbers And Pastors: Growing up, Drew Dyck saw Christians exalting ministry vocations to unhealthy heights, but now he raises the question: is the pendulum swinging too far in the opposite direction? Rick Warren Weighs In On Hobby Lobby: Every
- [The Image of God: Three Implications for Your Life & Work](https://institutefc.org/implications-of-god-life-work/) - In a previous blog we looked at the importance of the image and likeness of God for our own dignity. In this post we will look at what aspects of the image of God humanity has lost, and what aspects it has retained after the Fall. We will also look at the implications of being
- [Should Christians Play Golf? Making Decisions at the Margin](https://institutefc.org/should-christians-play-golf/) - Today's post explores a key driver of human decision making. We're going to talk about an economic principle called marginalism. This is a term economists use to describe how individuals make choices when facing multiple alternatives. And it's the subject of the third basic economic principle in our series on the biblical foundations of twelve such
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 01.16.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-01-16-13/) - Offering relevant news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. Do Truck Drivers Matter to God? Can the work of a florist, realtor, and truck driver be as meaningful to God as the work of a pastor, missionary, or humanitarian relief worker? Paul Rude says, “absolutely.” Monday-Friday: Why the Rest of Your Week
- [The Eight Most Common Myths about Wealth, Poverty, and Free Enterprise](https://institutefc.org/myths-of-poverty-wealth-free-enterprise/) - He answered, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" - Luke 10:27 I'm often asked why Christians should care about economics. In reply, I refer to Abraham Kuyper's famous quote from his Sphere
- [Why Is There No Free Lunch?](https://institutefc.org/why-is-there-no-free-lunch/) - Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. - Ephesians 5:15 -17 Although the origin of the phrase “There is no such thing as a free lunch” is unknown, it
- [Les Miserables and the Cultural Mandate](https://institutefc.org/les-miserables-and-the-cultural-mandate/) - Growing up in an evangelical household, I noticed tension between secular culture and Christianity. There was secular music and there was Christian music. There was Harry Potter, and then there was The Left Behind series. There were Hollywood films, and there were Christian films. Christ and Culture H. Richard Niebuhr might call this division of
- [Are Christians Living to Consume?](https://institutefc.org/are-christians-living-to-consume/) - Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes-Benz?/My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends/Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends/So Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes-Benz? - Janis Joplin, "Mercedes-Benz" In my last post, I suggested that God made us to produce quality goods and services as a product
- [Is Productivity Moral?](https://institutefc.org/is-productivity-moral/) - There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? - Ecclesiastes 2:24 In his Doing Business and Pleasing God seminar, theologian Wayne Grudem states
- [What Is Biblical Self-Interest?](https://institutefc.org/what-is-biblical-self-interest/) - I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. - Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 A recent Los Angeles Times article began with this statement: The rich
- [John Calvin's Contribution to the Biblical Doctrine of Work](https://institutefc.org/john-calvin-doctrine-of-work/) - During the Reformation, John Calvin, along with Martin Luther and others, helped Christians rediscover the biblical doctrine of work. Calvin held a dynamic view of calling, believing that every Christian has a vocational calling to serve God in the world in every sphere of human existence, lending a new dignity and meaning to ordinary work. He
- [What Is Greed?](https://institutefc.org/what-is-greed/) - The point is, ladies and gentleman, that greed -- for lack of a better word -- is good. Greed is right. Greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit. Greed, in all of its forms - greed for life, for money, for love, knowledge - has marked the upward
- [Wealth from A Christian Perspective](https://institutefc.org/wealth-from-a-christian-perspective/) - I continually find it necessary to guard against that natural love of wealth and grandeur which prompts us always, when we come to apply our general doctrine to our own case, to claim an exception. —William Wilberforce This week I had the opportunity to listen to one of my co-workers, Dr. Anne Bradley, answer questions
- [Why Christians Should Care About Transaction Costs](https://institutefc.org/why-christians-should-care-about-transaction-costs/) - Last week we began our discussion of transaction costs and why they are important for Christians to understand. Lowering costs associated with our activities when and where we can is an important part of whole-life stewardship. Reflect back on the scripture we studied last week. In Luke 14:28-30, which tells the parable of the tower-builder, Jesus implores
- [Is Wealth Created or Transferred?](https://institutefc.org/is-wealth-created-or-transferred/) - Last week we asked whether or not free enterprise is a "win-lose" proposition. This is the myth of the Zero Sum Game, and it's a myth closely linked to the next one in our series on the eight most popular myths about wealth, poverty, and free enterprise. Myth #4: The Materialist Myth - believing that
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 02.13.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-02-13-13/) - Offering relevant news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. What makes works “Christian?”: J.D. Greear offers five biblical qualities of true Christian work. Making Beauty Out of Blight: Nathan Clark’s new documentary features the story of gardener Riet Schumack, who is an inspiring example of creating value in her community through
- [What Does Exodus Teach About Calling?](https://institutefc.org/exodus-teach-calling/) - Does God give special callings to particular kinds of work? If so, does that make everyone else's work less meaningful? Exodus 31 can help us with answers to these questions. When instructions are given to Moses for building the tabernacle, he receives specific information about two categories of men. The first category contains those who
- [Is Charity Ultimately Selfish?](https://institutefc.org/is-charity-always-selfish/) - If giving to charity makes you feel good, are your motivations selfish? This question came up at a local IFWE book club meeting last week as we discussed altruism from a Christian and economic perspective. Most weren’t sure how to answer. How can we ever be sure our motivations aren’t somewhat selfish? The idea that
- [Asceticism Vs. Self-Denial](https://institutefc.org/aceticism-vs-self-denial/) - We read in Genesis that God created the heavens and the earth ex nihilo, out of nothing, and that all he had made was good (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25). It is clear from this creation story that the Lord delights in the work of his hands. Genesis 1:31 tells us, And God
- [How Do We Set Just Prices?](https://institutefc.org/how-do-we-set-just-prices/) - How do prices emerge in a market economy, and are such prices legitimate, or just? The theory of just prices is considered an “ethical theory” of economics. It dates all the way back to Thomas Aquinas. This theory questions the legitimacy of certain prices. It is often based on the labor theory of value: the
- [Is Free Enterprise Based on Greed?](https://institutefc.org/is-free-enterprise-based-on-greed/) - Is free enterprise based on greed? Friends and foes of free enterprise often claim greed is its basis. Writer Ayn Rand even claimed that selfishness is a virtue (it's not, as Hugh Whelchel argued in a recent post). Greed, according to the Christian tradition, is one of the seven deadly sins. If free enterprise is
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 02.20.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-02-20-13/) - Providing relevant news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. 5 Biggest Career Mistakes Christians Make (Part One): When J.B. Wood chose to pursue a secular career instead of going into ministry, he had a sinking feeling that he was somehow letting God down. Wood shares his inspiring journey reconciling his career
- [Are Spiritual Gifts Intended for My Work?](https://institutefc.org/spiritual-gifts-for-my-work/) - It is essential for you to be able to discern your gifts in order to better understand who you are made to be and what you are to do in your work. Your specific calling is related to the Spirit's work in several areas, including: 1. Creation 2. Regeneration 3. Empowering Christians for work in
- [A Christian Approach to Economic Uncertainty](https://institutefc.org/a-christian-approach-to-economic-uncertainty/) - When economists talk about the free-market economy, they use principles that help explain what may come from certain actions. Their explanations emphasize an element of predictability. But no one can know exactly what will happen in particular situations since unseen variables can affect outcomes. How should Christians approach the unpredictability inherent in our market economy?
- [What Is Christian Hedonism?](https://institutefc.org/what-is-christian-hedonism/) - It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant
- [Five Reasons Why Christians Should Care About Economic Freedom](https://institutefc.org/five-reasons-why-christians-should-care-about-economic-freedom/) - This past week, I gave talks at the International Students for Liberty Conference and at Regent University about why Christians should care about economic freedom. What resonated with me most were the different perspectives of these two audiences: 1. The ISFL crowd was already excited about economic freedom, but some didn’t understand if or how it connected
- [Hasn't Christianity Always Opposed Free Enterprise?](https://institutefc.org/hasnt-christianity-always-opposed-free-enterprise/) - Hasn't Christianity always opposed free enterprise? It's easy to think so. In fact, my colleague, Anne Bradley, was asked this question by a student at a recent conference. One of the reasons people think Christianity has historically opposed free enterprise is because of certain Bible verses about money and lending. Some Christians continue to treat
- [IFWE'S Midweek Memo - 02.27.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-8/) - Providing relevant news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. How You Can Teach Your Kids Basic Economics: “It’s true that few people enjoyed economics in high school or college. […] The fact is, economics is one of the most important subjects to understand because we make economic decisions every day. Our
- [Four Lessons About Gifts of the Spirit From the Old Testament](https://institutefc.org/four-lessons-from-the-old-testament/) - Do the gifts of the Holy Spirit matter for our everyday work? In the Old Testament, there are a number of gifts the Holy Spirit gives Israel that are applicable to our life and work today. Strength and Leadership The Holy Spirit empowered various people in different ways to establish and protect the kingdom
- [An Adventurer's Guide to Integrating Faith and Work](https://institutefc.org/an-adventurers-guide-to-integrating-faith-and-work/) - There’s something particularly disturbing about seeing nothing but black when your eyes are wide open. As I crawled around on my hands and knees on the ground of Glade Cave, I carefully listened for the voice of our tour guide behind of me. A small light quickly consumed the darkness. After my eyes adjusted, I
- [How Does Pursuing Profit Fulfill the Cultural Mandate?](https://institutefc.org/profit-and-the-cultural-mandate/) - There are three misconceptions about profits that arise in most conversations I have with people about businesses seeking profit: 1. Businesses seeking profit codifies greed and encourages corruption. 2. Profit-maximization exploits the poor and benefits the rich. 3. Some firms, in seeking profit, become too big and have too much power. To dismantle these myths
- [Seven Reasons the Gifts of the Holy Spirit Matter for Our Work](https://institutefc.org/seven-reasons-the-the-holy-spirit-matter-for-our-work/) - The work of the Holy Spirit in the world has several implications for Christians and their work. Whether working in creation or regeneration, the Spirit constantly empowers us to carry out the callings God places on our lives. Last week we explored the many stories throughout the Old Testament of the Spirit bestowing gifts of leadership,
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 03.06.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-03-06-2013/) - Providing relevant news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. What 'Made in the Image of God' Really Means Relevant Manufacturers make things with raw materials; chefs make things with fruits, vegetables, meats and spices. Every human has the capacity to make things, to create, because we are all made in the image
- [Does Free Enterprise Lead to An Ugly Consumerist Culture?](https://institutefc.org/does-free-enterprise-lead-to-an-ugly-consumerist-culture/) - Does free enterprise lead to an ugly consumerist culture? For many critics, the modern market economy is not a pretty sight. People hear "free enterprise" and think urban sprawl, strip malls, grasping merchants, homogeneous suburban developments, ugly billboard signs, and bland McDonald's hamburgers served everywhere from St. Louis to Shanghai, all accompanied by the persistent
- [Sending A Message to Business: A Christian Perspective On Creative Destruction](https://institutefc.org/sending-a-message-to-business-a-christian-perspective-on-creative-destruction/) - Taylor University, my alma mater, is a small, Christian, liberal arts university in Upland, Indiana. I attended that fine institution from 2005-2009. Whenever someone spends more than a day on campus or around the student body, they always remark about the tight sense of community. In August 2012, this community rallied to save a local convenience
- [Innovation, Change, and Economic Growth: A Christian Economist's Perspective](https://institutefc.org/innovation-change-economic-growth-a-christian-economists-perspective/) - I’ve been a Christian most of my life, and scripture has always been a part of that walk. I have been a trained economist for a shorter period of my life. Reading scripture as both a Christian and an economist, I am often struck by what I learn. Innovation In Scripture There are many places
- [In It for the Long Haul: What Sin and Obedience Mean for Our Work](https://institutefc.org/in-it-for-the-long-haul-what-sin-and-obedience-mean-for-our-work/) - There is a great scene in the comedy film O Brother, Where Art Thou? that speaks to the subject of sin and obedience. After escaped convicts Pete and Delmar are saved and baptized, they have a discussion with the skeptic Everett about the extent of the forgiveness of their past sins: Pete: "The Preacher said it
- [Will We Use Up All Our Resources?](https://institutefc.org/will-we-use-up-all-our-resources/) - You've heard the warnings: the earth is overpopulated, and soon we'll run out of food, farmland, and fuel. If we don't make changes now, we'll destroy the earth. Fears about running out of resources are as old as the human race. In the 1800's, demographer Thomas Malthus predicted that a swelling human population would quickly overtake
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 03.13.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-03-13-13/) - Offering relevant news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. 5 Ways to Find Joy in a Job You Don't Love The Gospel Coalition …what do you do when you get stuck in a job you don't love? When you're waiting for a better one to come along, feel called to stay in
- [Five Lessons for Our Lives from the Parable of the Talents](https://institutefc.org/five-lessons-for-our-lives-from-the-parable-of-the-talents/) - How should Christians think about work, success, and wealth? I was recently asked by byFaith magazine to write an article answering these tough questions. As I thought about how to approach these topics, I realized the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 provides a helpful framework for thinking about them. While we've talked a lot
- [Are Markets An Example of Providence?](https://institutefc.org/are-markets-an-example-of-providence/) - These past eight weeks we've looked at the eight most popular myths about wealth, poverty, and free enterprise. If anything has been conveyed in tackling these myths, hopefully it's the oft-neglected truth that the creation of wealth and the alleviation of poverty has as much to do with the spirit as with matter. Christians should
- [In It for the Long Haul, Part Two: Obeying God Amid the Mundane](https://institutefc.org/in-it-for-the-long-haul-part-two-obeying-god-amid-the-mundane/) - If I obey Jesus Christ in the seemingly random circumstances of life, they become pinholes through I see the face of God. - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest The word obedience does not carry a very positive connotation for me. In my youth I was told to brush my teeth, finish my vegetables,
- [How Should Christians Think about Income?](https://institutefc.org/how-should-christians-think-about-income/) - As Christians living in the modern western world, it is easy to be concerned and confused about living in such affluence. This is especially easy when there are many people living on so little. How do we reconcile that for those of us born in the United States in the 20th century? We live in
- [Two Tips for Conducting Ministry In Your Workplace](https://institutefc.org/two-tips-for-conducting-ministry-in-your-workplace/) - Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. - Colossians 4:5-6 Relationships are an integral part of most jobs. Whether the job specifically requires interacting with people or
- [What Principles Are Important for Human Flourishing?](https://institutefc.org/principles-important-for-flourishing/) - If properly understood, our vocations can help Christians impact our communities, our cities, and our world by helping restore the culture to the glory of God. - Hugh Whelchel, How Then Should We Work? Restoring the culture to the glory of God: it's the reason we at IFWE are working to inspire Christians to live
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 03.21.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-03-21-13/) - Offering relevant news, opinion, and analysis on all things faith, work, and economics. The Duck Commander’s Business as Mission Acton Institute …the popular A&E series Duck Dynasty, focusing on the lives of the Duck Commander products, embodies a vision of business as mission on a variety of levels. As Phil puts it, "we all are
- [Five Ways to Make the Most of Your Commute](https://institutefc.org/five-ways-to-make-the-most-of-your-commute/) - Many Americans spend a significant amount of time commuting. One of the greatest challenges for those who have long commutes is how to redeem the time. I have been making an hour long commute around the city of Raleigh for five years now, as I make my way toward my job as a senior nuclear
- [Dealing with Moral Relativism and Absolute Truth In the Workplace](https://institutefc.org/dealing-with-moral-relativism-and-absolute-truth-in-the-workplace/) - In his farewell address to the nation, delivered September 19th, 1796, George Washington stated: Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars. Washington knew that religion was the
- [Announcing IFWE's Webinars: Register Today to Discover How Your Work Matters to God](https://institutefc.org/announcing-ifwes-webinars-register-today-to-discover-how-your-work-matters-to-god/) - Have you ever felt like what you do the majority of the week at work doesn’t matter to God? Many Christians struggle to find any meaning in their work. Many are taught it’s just a place to share your faith or earn a paycheck to donate to missions… Businessman and IFWE Executive Director Hugh Whelchel was just
- [How Creating Value Fulfills the Cultural Mandate](https://institutefc.org/how-creating-value-fulfills-the-cultural-mandate/) - Ecclesiastes 1:9 says, "There is nothing new under the sun." It seems to be true. Consider how humans have approached crises throughout history: In the fifteenth century, Niccolo Machiavelli is quoted as saying, "Never waste the opportunities afforded by a good crisis." In 2009, Rahm Emmanuel, then the President's Chief-of-Staff, took a lot of heat
- [How Can Renewing Character Renew Our Culture?](https://institutefc.org/renewing-character-renew-our-culture/) - In his book How Then Should We Work: Rediscovering the Biblical Doctrine of Work, Hugh Whelchel writes, The separation of faith and calling by Christians through the loss of the biblical doctrine of work had a devastating effect on the landscape of American culture during the twentieth century. What were some of these "devastating effects?" An increase
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 03.27.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-03-27-13/) - Offering relevant news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. Work Is More Than a Means to Evangelism Acton PowerBlog Indeed, there is an unfortunate tendency in evangelicalism to prioritize short-term evangelism over long-term cultural engagement, whether in business, the arts, or even the family. Yet in addition to the negative
- [In the Long Run, We Are Still Very Much Alive](https://institutefc.org/in-the-long-run-were-all-still-very-much-alive/) - The Daily Currant recently reported that Paul Krugman, an American economist famous for recommending Keynesian economic policy, ironically found himself in a personal financial crisis: Economist and columnist Paul Krugman declared personal bankruptcy today following a failed attempt to spend his way out of debt. The article goes on to explain that Krugman racked up
- [What the Resurrection Means for Our Work](https://institutefc.org/what-the-resurrection-means-for-our-work/) - Editor's Note: We at IFWE wish you and your family a blessed Easter weekend. If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith...But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits
- [Markets & Morality from a Biblical Perspective](https://institutefc.org/markets-morality-from-a-biblical-perspective/) - In a recent Washington Post article Steven Pearlstein, a professor of public and international affairs at George Mason University, asked the question “Is Capitalism Moral?” His answer, although interesting, seemed incomplete. To answer the question, you have to ask "what is moral?" Pearlstein fails to ask and answer this question. Admittedly, trying to answer the question
- [Four Essential Elements of Economic Progress](https://institutefc.org/four-essential-elements-of-economic-progress/) - What are some of the essential elements of economic progress? There are four key elements I'd like to explore today. Before jumping in, let's get a biblical take on the background for economic progress. The Cultural Mandate & Economic Progress In Genesis 1:28 we read, God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and
- [Four Tips for Cultivating Character](https://institutefc.org/four-tips-for-cultivating-character/) - Last week we looked at the importance of cultivating character to impacting culture. A revival of character can lead to a renewal of culture. But how do we cultivate such character? There is a saying: Sow a thought, reap an act. Sow an act, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 04.03.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-04-03-13/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. Service with a Side of Arrogance Peter Greer’s Blog Short-term mission trips are an incredible experience. …But may I humbly suggest short-term trips have a much greater impact on the people who go to serve than on the recipients of
- [Is The Image of God An Engine of Economic Progress?](https://institutefc.org/is-the-image-of-god-an-engine-of-economic-progress/) - On Tuesday, Dr. Anne Bradley outlined four essential elements to economic progress. Human beings are the engines of this economic progress, and it turns out that the Bible has a lot to say about this role we've been given. Where does our ability to create economic progress come from? Engines Made In the Image of
- [Do Markets Promote the Worst Kinds of Behavior?](https://institutefc.org/do-markets-promote-the-worst-kinds-of-behavior/) - Editor's Note: Paul Cleveland, Ph.D. is a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics. He makes his debut on the IFWE blog with a piece exploring the connection between moral values and markets, and arguing why any discussion of morality and markets must define not only morality, but markets as well.
- [Markets & Morality from a Biblical Perspective, Part Two](https://institutefc.org/markets-morality-from-a-biblical-perspective-part-two/) - Before we can even ask how things might go wrong, we must first explain how they could ever go right. - Friedrich Hayek As we explore the relationship between markets and morality, one big question on people's minds is, "are markets and morality at odds?" Before we start, it is important to note that the Bible
- [Markets & Morality from a Biblical Perspective, Part Three](https://institutefc.org/markets-morality-from-a-biblical-perspective-part-three/) - Yesterday we looked at biblical principles found in the Four-Chapter Gospel -- principles that impact how we approach economics. A failure to understand this connection is one reason Christians do not see any relationship between biblical and economic principles. As I suggested yesterday, there is another reason Christians do not make the connection between markets
- [What Is A Market?](https://institutefc.org/what-is-a-market/) - It seems like a good time get to know markets better. What are they, and how do they function? What Is A Market? When I tell people I am an economist, some ask me if I can advise them on how to invest in the stock market. My response is usually: I have no idea,
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 04.10.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-04-10-13/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. Work and Worship Theology of Work Project This is a reminder that the world of work does not exist in a vacuum, separated from the rest of life. If we do not ground our values and priorities in God’s covenant, then
- [Is the Church Responsible for the Welfare State?](https://institutefc.org/is-the-church-responsible-for-the-welfare-state/) - In When Helping Hurts, Dr. Brian Fikkert makes a bold claim: the current welfare state is the fault of the evangelical church. In The Great Reversal: Evangelism Versus Social Concern, scholar David Moberg argues that prior to the twentieth century, the early church played a huge role in ministering to both the spiritual and physical
- [Economics: Part of God's Created Order](https://institutefc.org/economics-part-of-gods-created-order/) - By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen. - Hebrews 11:3 The market economy we live and participate in everyday here in the United States is impersonal. It is often derided because of that characteristic. However,
- [What are the Economic Implications of Creation?](https://institutefc.org/economic-implications-of-creation/) - Our confidence in Christ does not make us lazy, negligent, or careless, but on the contrary, it awakens us, urges us on, and makes us active in living righteous lives and doing good. There is no self-confidence with this. - Reformer Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531) We're in the midst of a series exploring the ties between markets
- [What Is the Invisible Hand Guiding Us to Flourishing?](https://institutefc.org/what-is-the-invisible-hand-guiding-us-to-flourishing/) - Every individual... neither intends to promote the public interest, nor knows how much he is promoting it... he intends only his own security; and by directing that industry in such a manner as its produce may be of the greatest value, he intends only his own gain, and he is in this, as in many
- [A Wealth-Creating Vs. A Wealth-Hoarding Culture](https://institutefc.org/a-wealth-creating-vs-a-wealth-hoarding-culture/) - A wealth-creating culture can be a sign of human flourishing, especially when a culture once in extreme poverty begins to create enough wealth to move beyond destitution. We should celebrate it when cultures reach a point where they can feed, clothe, and shelter themselves and use their God-given abilities more fully. Still, we shouldn't forget that
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 04.17.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-04-17-13/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. Work Is Not the Enemy Center for Faith & Work Yet when we devote ourselves to God, He fills us with life and the ability to enjoy His good gifts, rather than sucking us dry. He gives us the ability
- [What Can Jesus Teach Us About Our Work?](https://institutefc.org/what-can-jesus-teach-us-about-our-work/) - There is no doubt that Jesus’ greatest purpose while on earth was to glorify God and bring about atonement through his death on the cross. His death paved the path for salvation, and his life showed us what the Kingdom of God looks like. When Jesus came, he came to roll back the curse brought
- [Business As Cultural Engagement?](https://institutefc.org/business-as-cultural-engagement/) - Editor's note: Today we introduce Dr. Vincent Bacote, a new contributor to the blog. He is an Associate Professor of Theology and Director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics at Wheaton College. He will post periodically about business as cultural engagement and developing a theology encompassing work and economics. In recent decades evangelical Christians
- [What are the Economic Implications of the Fall?](https://institutefc.org/what-are-the-economic-implications-of-the-fall/) - Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you… By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food. - Genesis 3:17-19 Today we continue to look to the scriptures in an attempt to answer our questions
- [The Call of Stewardship: Seeing the Unseen](https://institutefc.org/the-call-of-stewardship-seeing-the-unseen/) - We are all economists now. Stewardship is about counting costs and using limited resources wisely. We are called to be stewards of God’s creation (see the cultural mandate). In this sense, we are all called to be economists. Stewardship Over the Seen and Unseen The dominion we are given by God is powerful. We exercise this dominion
- [How Should Christians Pursue the Common Good?](https://institutefc.org/how-should-christians-pursue-the-common-good/) - The late theologian and Christianity Today editor Carl Henry once called on Christians not to restrict the Christian life to evangelism alone, but also to engage the culture in the public square. We can think of that task in terms of pursuing the common good. This is the shalom God calls us to through the prophet Jeremiah. In Jeremiah
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 04.24.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-04-24-13/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. Why Tim Keller Wants You to Stay in That Job You Hate This Is Our City If you're doing a lot of stuff that's just useless, it's only useless in the short term because in the long term you might be
- [Digging Deeper Into the Four-Chapter Gospel](https://institutefc.org/digging-deeper-into-the-four-chapter-gospel/) - In a recent article entitled "Is the News Making Us Dumb?", Gospel Coalition editor Joe Carter warns of the danger present in divorcing news and information from their larger context. He writes, As Christians, we're expected to take an eternal perspective, viewing events not only in their historical but also in their eschatological context. This
- [Card-Counting Christians and...Value Creation?](https://institutefc.org/card-counting-christians-and-value-creation/) - Anyone who wants to be a serious disciple of Jesus should learn blackjack. With a shocking quote like this in the trailer, it’s no wonder why Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians was a controversial documentary when it was released in 2011. The film follows the rise of the “Church Team,” one
- [Redemption: Our Only Hope](https://institutefc.org/redemption-our-only-hope/) - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. - John 3:16-17 In a previous post we
- [How do Markets Handle Sin and Human Nature?](https://institutefc.org/how-do-markets-handle-sin-human-nature/) - I saw a great bumper sticker on my way to work last week. It said: Liberals confuse the state with charity. Conservatives confuse the state with security. There is some truth to both of these statements. Regardless of our political positions, we are always tempted to place our hope in something other than Jesus Christ.
- [Three Common Mistakes About Creation](https://institutefc.org/three-common-mistakes-about-creation/) - One of my colleagues recently attended a global missions conference, where a common question was posed to a panel of Christian entrepreneurs: "How many people came to Christ as a result of your business?" This question is not new. In his essay Learning In Wartime, C.S. Lewis writes about his efforts to answer a similar
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 05.01.2013](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-05-01-2013/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. When Food Isn’t the Answer to Hunger New York Times When the Indian Ocean tsunami hit in December 2004…the great global humanitarian machine sprung to life. First on the list of donations, of course, was food — bags of food
- [How Can We Practice Better Stewardship?](https://institutefc.org/how-can-we-practice-better-stewardship/) - Stewardship is a big topic in churches and other Christian circles. Understanding economics can help us practice better stewardship, but exactly how can we use concepts like trade and "comparative advantage" to become better stewards? How Does Trade Make Us Better Stewards? None of us is able to produce all that we need to survive.
- [Meeting Needs In Unexpected Places](https://institutefc.org/meeting-needs-in-unexpected-places/) - The Wall Street Journal recently published an article about high school students in Citronelle, Alabama using the Wi-Fi at McDonald's restaurants because they did not have internet connectivity at home. It's a real story of low income families creatively making ends meet for the sake of their children’s education. It may seem surprising that companies like
- [Cronyism and the Free Market](https://institutefc.org/cronyism-and-the-free-market/) - Culture, then, may be either godless or godly, depending on the spirit which animates it. - Henry R.Van Til After looking more closely at the idea of redemption in my last blog, how can this third chapter in the Four Chapter Gospel help answer our questions about markets and morality? Markets, Morality, and the Four Chapter
- [Should We Let the Rich Fail?](https://institutefc.org/should-we-let-the-rich-fail/) - Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
- [Is Your Work Useless?](https://institutefc.org/is-your-work-useless/) - Tim Keller, Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, is an influential thought leader in the faith and work movement. The message he’d like Christians to embrace is that all work is eternally significant and meaningful to God, but comments he made in a recent Christianity Today interview seem to be inconsistent with this notion.
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 05.08.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-05-08-13/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. The RJ Moeller Show: Jay Richards Values and Capitalism Podcast Dr. Richards recently debated Jim Wallis of Sojourners, and we chat with him about the on-going conversation between religious Americans who are pro-free enterprise and those who favor increased government
- [Should You Stay In A Job You Hate?](https://institutefc.org/should-you-stay-in-a-job-you-hate/) - Should you stay in a job you hate? It's a question we often get asked here at IFWE. In fact, it was a question that came up during one of our recent webinars on faith and work. It's also a question that came up in a recent Christianity Today interview with Tim Keller, Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian
- [The Christian Way to Land An Airplane](https://institutefc.org/the-christian-way-to-land-an-airplane/) - There might be a Christian way to write a play, but is there a Christian way to land a plane? In other words, is there a "Christian way" to carry out all work? In Wednesday's and Thursday's posts, we've discussed the subject of useless work raised by Christianity Today's interview with Tim Keller. In the
- [Four Ways Christians Live and Work In the Marketplace](https://institutefc.org/four-ways-christians-live-and-work-in-the-marketplace/) - Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. - I Thessalonians 4:11-12 Last week we suggested
- [Are We Flourishing?](https://institutefc.org/are-we-flourishing/) - What is "flourishing" and how do we achieve it? Christians can agree that we are called to bring about flourishing. As Jay Richards recently wrote, the Bible calls Christians to work for the good of the world: Everything from the Cultural Mandate to the Great Commission calls us to live out our faith for the good of the world.
- [Life, Work, & The Ten Commandments](https://institutefc.org/life-work-the-ten-commandments/) - Once I was given a private tour of the US House of Representatives. Our tour guide, a congressman's chief of staff, had us sit in the Speaker’s chair, look straight ahead, and say what we saw. Directly in front of us was a representation of Moses, whose writings were a primary basis for our country's
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 05.15.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-05-15-13/) - How to Change Your Company’s Culture Jeff Haanen So how do you move from simply being a Christian “in” an organization to actually engaging its culture with the gospel? - Jeff Haanen Gift, Gratitude, and the Grace of Stewardship Acton Institute The connection between gift and gratitude invigorates a life of stewardship and responsibility. - Jordan
- [Balancing Work, Family, Community, and Faith](https://institutefc.org/balancing-work-family-community-and-faith/) - What is the right amount of time to spend at work? I recently watched the documentary Happy, which explores the concept of happiness in different cultures. The filmmakers travel the world looking at different communities and how they think about happiness. The film's segment on Japan focuses in part on the Japanese notion of "karōshi."
- [What Is Flourishing?](https://institutefc.org/what-is-flourishing/) - The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. - Psalm 92:12-13 I recently came across an interesting article in World magazine, written by Anthony Bradley, a professor at The King's College in
- [Economics, Politics, and the Kingdom of God](https://institutefc.org/economics-politics-and-the-kingdom-of-god/) - The journey we are on in life matters for the future we are building. It matters for the work God has called us to accomplish. Using our skills and talents, we are making contributions to the flourishing of individuals and society, both now and in the new heavens and new earth, where we will spend eternity.
- [Discover How the Next Generation Is Embracing Faith & Work](https://institutefc.org/discover-how-the-next-generation-is-embracing-faith-work/) - We've written a bit about the millenial generation and its approach to the biblical doctrine of work. With so many young Christians struggling with what's been termed a "quarter life crisis," it's important that they understand what the Bible says about vocation, faith, and work. One young man in particular is answering God's call on
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 05.22.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-05-22-13/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. Churches Mobilize Professional Response for Oklahoma Acton Institute Church responders have transformed into “well-oiled machines” and are being praised by The Red Cross and federal agencies. - Ray Nothstine The Age of the Millennial has Arrived, but Are They Ready
- [The Biblical Roots of Private Property](https://institutefc.org/the-biblical-roots-of-private-property/) - Did you know that private property has biblical roots? It does, though many people don't realize it. Property is rooted in the grand story of the Bible. It was given by God at creation, as a means by which we exercise our call to stewardship and dominion as we fill the earth and develop it.
- [Seven Faith, Work, & Economics Books for Your Summer Reading List](https://institutefc.org/seven-faith-work-economics-books-for-your-summer-reading-list/) - You might be thinking about what to pack for beach reading during your family summer vacation. Perhaps you're wondering what to read during a lazy summer afternoon in your hammock out back. Maybe you have a son or daughter or other family member who just graduated, and you want to offer them something to read
- [What Is Our Role In Human Flourishing?](https://institutefc.org/what-is-our-role-in-human-flourishing/) - On this earthly journey we as Christians have the chance to bring hope into the lives of others through our work. We can lead others to better material conditions, such as: Longer lifespans. Less sickness and death from disease. Less poverty and suffering. When we live out our vocations through work, we are being salt
- [Flourishing: The Way Things Ought To Be](https://institutefc.org/flourishing-the-way-things-ought-to-be/) - And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more,
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 05.29.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-05-29-13/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. The Huge Economic Crisis No One Will Talk About AEI Videos Since the 1950s, America's basic family unit has changed dramatically, and the economic impact is significant. – AEI How to Discourage Artists in the Church The Gospel Coalition Many
- [How Does Your Workplace Showcase Human Dignity?](https://institutefc.org/how-does-your-workplace-showcase-human-dignity/) - Since childhood, many of us were raised to respect the people around us, particularly our elders. Since that time, habits and training can be either lost or honed. The work environment is an excellent place to demonstrate respect for those around us, of both high and low rank. This was a lesson I recently learned
- [Transforming Lives & Culture Through Business: One Entrepreneur's Story](https://institutefc.org/transforming-lives-culture-through-business-one-entrepreneurs-story/) - Here at IFWE, we are often asked if it is biblical to make a profit. Many Christian employers and employees alike experience guilt when they prosper at work, and they struggle to discover a biblical way to view their success. Firefighter-turned-businessman Ken Petersen is using profits and prosperity to transform his community and culture. Petersen's
- [The New Testament's View of Flourishing](https://institutefc.org/the-new-testaments-view-of-flourishing/) - Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. - Matthew 5:9 What does the New Testament have to say about flourishing, or shalom, and how does that impact how we live our lives and go about our work? New Testament writers translated shalom as the Greek word eirene. “Peace” in the
- [Triumph, Joy, and Faith Through Trials](https://institutefc.org/triumph-joy-and-faith-through-trials/) - Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. - James 1:2-3 Two months ago I was reading John Piper’s daily devotional. There was a compelling post about how faith works in our lives. The takeaway hit me
- [Business As Discipleship?](https://institutefc.org/business-as-discipleship/) - I give you my tithe and my Sunday mornings. Now you want my business, too? My eyebrows raised when I read this part of one of the responses to my first post about business as a means of culture-making. To put it in context, this was the response of someone in business when their pastor began
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 06.05.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-06-05-13/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith,work, and economics. How to Discover Your Spiritual Gifts Relevant Magazine Spiritual gifts are all intended to help us serve others, and in so doing, we are ultimately becoming more like the one who gives the best gifts of all. – Andy Bilhorn Faith
- [The Biblical Definition of Flourishing](https://institutefc.org/the-biblical-definition-of-flourishing/) - At the Institute for Faith, Work, and Economics, we often talk about the word "flourishing." But what does it mean? Flourishing means peace, or shalom, in every direction. Hugh Whelchel often talks about "reweaving shalom." But what does shalom mean? We could look at a dictionary definition. But is it possible to find a biblical definition
- [Your Calling: Is It Who You Are, or What You Do?](https://institutefc.org/your-calling-is-it-who-you-are-or-what-you-do/) - In a recent Relevant article on calling, Karen Yates raises the question: Who says our job is our calling? She laments that the term “calling” is over-used, over-emphasized, and over-preached. Perhaps she’s right. Have we forgotten that our calling is more than a job? Yates makes a great point about our culture’s misunderstanding of the
- [Three Biblical Blessings That Illustrate Flourishing](https://institutefc.org/three-biblical-blessings-that-illustrate-flourishing/) - The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. - Numbers 6:24-26 Last week Art Lindsley referenced Hebrew poetry found in the Bible to give a more complete picture of flourishing. He referred
- [Salt, Light, and A Stockbroker: A Story of Flourishing](https://institutefc.org/salt-light-and-a-stockbroker-a-story-of-flourishing/) - How can the skills needed to be a stockbroker be used to save the lives of nearly 700 children? It all has to do with being salt and light in our vocations, and how being salt and light helps bring about flourishing. Being Salt & Light In Our Vocations We have recently spent time discussing
- [God the Entrepreneur](https://institutefc.org/god-the-entrepreneur/) - In the beginning, God created... - Genesis 1:1 Editor's note: today we introduce Dr. Brian Baugus, a new contributor to the IFWE blog. He is an assistant professor of economics at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and a visiting professor of the African Bible University in Kampala, Uganda. Dr. Baugus will post will post periodically
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 06.12.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-06-12-13/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. Working for God’s Best The High Calling You see, even though Mark is a faithful follower of Jesus, he is conflicted about being merely a “healer” of kids' bodies instead of a shepherd of people’s souls. - Paul Sartarelli A
- [Five Myths About the Millennial Worker](https://institutefc.org/five-myths-about-the-millennial-worker/) - Millennials are rising from their futons, emerging from their parents’ basements, and stepping out of their dorms into a brave new world of employment and one of the most challenging economies in modern history. As a new generation is now entering the workforce, how should Christian employers prepare to hire employees that look and act
- [Enterprise Is the Most "Effective Altruism"](https://institutefc.org/enterprise-is-the-most-effective-altruism/) - Editor's Note: One of the many issues Christians wrestle with is how to best answer the biblical imperative to care for the poor. From Genesis to Revelation, God's abiding concern for the poor, and his expectation that we as Christians share his concern, is clear. How do we care for "the least of these" to
- [Five Tools for Applying Faith, Work, & Economics to Your Life](https://institutefc.org/five-tools-for-applying-faith-work-economics-to-your-life/) - Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test what God's will is - his good, pleasing, and perfect will. - Romans 12:2 Thinking Biblically In a world of differing voices competing for our allegiance, God tells us that
- [The Five Best Economics Articles for Beginners](https://institutefc.org/the-five-best-economics-articles-for-beginners/) - For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
- [Five Christian Traits Every Entrepreneur Needs](https://institutefc.org/five-christian-traits-every-entrepreneur-needs/) - The first post in this series established that entrepreneurship is an act of creation, and in that sense it is derived from being made in God's image. Successful entrepreneurship turns chaos into order. It creates value where others see nothing. However, beyond the creative impulse, successful entrepreneurs need other traits that Christians should find familiar.
- [The Connection Between Flourishing and Economic Freedom](https://institutefc.org/the-connection-between-flourishing-and-economic-freedom/) - On Tuesday I shared some of the best articles for beginners wanting to dig deeper into economics. Economics is tied to flourishing, but what's the connection? Establishing Flourishing We have talked before about what flourishing means for Christians. In a previous post, we established that: Flourishing occurs when we fulfill our original job description, the
- [Ten Books Tackling Faith, Work, and Economics](https://institutefc.org/ten-books-tackling-faith-work-and-economics/) - At IFWE we're always coming across writers and resources that are tackling the tough questions about faith, work, and economics. Some of these resources are especially thoughtful, and when we discover them we want to share them with you. As Christians we're working to love the Lord our God with our all our hearts, all our
- [Why Is Personal Vision Important?](https://institutefc.org/why-is-personal-vision-important/) - Where there is no vision, the people perish. - Proverbs 29:18 Last week we began exploring five tools for applying biblical principles to all of life, including how we approach work and economics. Personal vision is the first of the five tools, or mental models, we want to discuss. It starts with understanding who God
- [Do You Have a Career with a Cause?](https://institutefc.org/do-you-have-a-career-with-a-cause/) - For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:10 I was flipping through T.V. channels the other day, and a commercial came on for an upcoming special called “Careers with a Cause.” The show was to air highlights of
- [The Entrepreneur Next Door](https://institutefc.org/the-entrepreneur-next-door/) - Who is an entrepreneur? We often think of businessmen like Steve Jobs or Bill Gates as entrepreneurs, but is it possible there might be an entrepreneur living next door? In my previous two posts I explained how entrepreneurship is an act of creation and listed the traits entrepreneurs must have to be successful. It is
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 06.26.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-06-26-13/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. Towards the end of poverty The Economist Most of the credit […] must go to capitalism and free trade, for they enable economies to grow—and it was growth, principally, that has eased destitution. - The Economist What “Making More”
- [Christians are Called to the Unseen](https://institutefc.org/christians-are-called-to-the-unseen/) - So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. -2 Corinthians 4:18 Last week I offered a few articles that are good for Christians to read when it comes to breaking the ice with economics. Over the
- [Wilberforce: A Model for Influencing Culture, Morals, and Values](https://institutefc.org/wilberforce-a-model-for-influencing-culture-morals-and-values/) - Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports...reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principles. - George Washington, Washington's Farewell Address (1796). How can Christians work to influence culture? Virtue plays a key role in the
- [Discovering Your Personal Vision](https://institutefc.org/discovering-your-personal-vision/) - Everyone will be forgotten, nothing we do will make any difference, and all good endeavors, even the best, will come to naught…Unless there is God. If the God of the Bible exists, and there is a True Reality beneath and behind this one, and this life is not the only life, then every good endeavor,
- [Freedom and Flourishing](https://institutefc.org/freedom-and-flourishing/) - This week, most Americans will take time off to celebrate the Fourth of July. These celebrations will include pool time, beach time, hotdogs, fireworks, and other merriment. Independence Day is worthy of celebration as a day that institutionalizes the biblical principles of individual freedom and limited government. On July 2, 1776, during the American Revolution,
- [Entrepreneurship in the Bible](https://institutefc.org/entrepreneurship-in-the-bible/) - In previous posts, I have made the argument that entrepreneurship is a creative act made possible by the creative impulse that God gave us. In addition, it requires certain personal traits that God desires us to have. If this is so, then that leads to the next logical question: Does the Bible provide examples of
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 07.03.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-07-03-13/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. Faith in the Free Market Christianity Today Selke, now 36, is part of a vanguard of young Christians who believe that God uses not only the church and formal ministry but every sphere of society, including business and free markets,
- [Four for the Fourth: Great Reads on Faith, Work, & Economics for Independence Day](https://institutefc.org/four-for-the-fourth-great-reads-on-faith-work-economics-for-independence-day/) - Freedom and flourishing are deeply connected, a point Anne Bradley explored on Tuesday. She writes, We awake each morning and have something significant and unique to offer the world. The more limited our government and the more free our society, the better we are able to offer our gifts to others and to serve the
- [Joel Salatin on Work and Stewardship (Part 1)](https://institutefc.org/joel-salatin-on-work-and-stewardship-part-1/) - Speaker, writer, and full-time farmer Joel Salatin is one of the most well-known leaders for the local and organic food movement. He has been featured on ABC World News, the award-winning documentary Food Inc., and the New York Times bestseller Omnivore’s Dilemma. Known for combining humor with common sense, this Virginia farmer brings hands-on experience
- [Writing Your Personal Vision](https://institutefc.org/writing-your-personal-vision/) - Alice came to a fork in the road. "Which road do I take?" she asked. "Where do you want to go?" responded the Cheshire Cat. "I don't know," Alice answered. "Then," said the Cat, "It doesn't matter." - Lewis Carroll, Alice In Wonderland As I wrote in my last post, discovering one's personal vision is perhaps
- [The Price of Equality](https://institutefc.org/the-price-of-equality/) - We hear a lot of talk about making people more equal, particularly as it relates to their incomes. A recent article equated income inequality in America to a feudal system, claiming that we are a nation of a few overlords and many serfs. It might seem wrong that some people make so much income when
- [The Four-Chapter Gospel in Our Work](https://institutefc.org/the-four-chapter-gospel-in-our-work/) - Authors on this blog often make reference to the four-chapter gospel: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. How do these concepts show up in our daily work? Creation Although the original condition of the earth is something that we haven’t experienced in its entirety due to sin, the Bible tells us how things originally were when
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 07.10.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-07-10-13/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. Following Jesus, the Best Tech Guru This Is Our City We don't tie technology to spirituality, but I think they are connected. – Michael Fang The Innovation Mindset in Action Harvard Business Review Our research indicates that whether they are
- [Have Entrepreneurs Gone Missing?](https://institutefc.org/have-entrepreneurs-gone-missing/) - In my previous posts, I detailed the necessary conditions and attributes a successful entrepreneur must possess. I have focused on the individual, because it is the visionary willing to go against the grain that makes the difference when it comes to entrepreneurship. While there is no easy way to fit entrepreneurship into the equations that
- [Joel Salatin on Forgiveness Farming and Redemptive Work (Part 2)](https://institutefc.org/joel-salatin-part-2-forgiveness-farming-and-redemptive-work/) - My dad used to always admonish us: "Remember, machines don't forgive." - Joel Salatin In this second part of my three part interview with Virginia farmer Joel Salatin, Salatin explains some of the theological principles that inform his farming. Inanimate things—objects, systems, social structures—are not forgiving. If you mishandle a chainsaw, says Salatin, [I]t can
- [Why I Am Not A Plumber](https://institutefc.org/why-i-am-not-a-plumber/) - Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that
- [The Price of Equality, Part Two](https://institutefc.org/the-price-of-equality-part-two/) - Last week, we began talking about the price of equality by discussing the biblical principles that frame how we think about income inequality. What the Bible says about human anthropology, specialization and division of labor, creativity, and hard work all matter to the discussion. Simply put, the price of equality is that these principles are
- [Why Entrepreneurs are Wary](https://institutefc.org/why-entrepreneurs-are-wary/) - Have entrepreneurs gone missing? That's the question we started asking last week. Why would entrepreneurs be wary or reluctant to engage in entrepreneurship in today's economic climate? The concept of trust is central to answering these questions. Last week’s post explored the biblical basis for trust, examining how God’s law established a society of trust among
- [IFWE's Midweek Memo - 07.17.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-07-17-13/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. When Faith and Creativity Collide: An Interview with Blaine Hogan Religion News Service The real problem with how faith and creativity intersect practically is that we have some terrible storytellers. Want to get someone to believe in something? Want them to
- [Wal-mart and the Prosperity Magic Wand](https://institutefc.org/walmart-and-the-prosperity-magic-wand/) - Caring for the poor and downtrodden is central to most major religious faiths. For Christians, it is clear that Jesus was deeply concerned for the poor both in his personal ministry on earth and in his call for all Christians past, present, and future to actively help the poor as a part of their faith.
- [Joel Salatin on Economics, the Environment, and God (Part 3)](https://institutefc.org/joel-salatin-on-economics-the-environment-and-god-part-3/) - Economists and environmentalists generally stand on opposite sides of the aisle in Washington. But one of the most fascinating lessons to learn from Virginia farmer Joel Salatin is how to apply theology to the environment and economics to see both as inseparable and in need of each other. Earlier, in parts one and two of
- [Gifts, Talents, and Virtue](https://institutefc.org/gifts-talents-and-virtue/) - Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. - I Peter 4:10 God has given each one of us unique abilities, talents, and gifts. The question is, how do we put them to work? The Purpose of Gifts & Talents We talked about
- [We Work to Change the World](https://institutefc.org/we-work-to-change-the-world/) - Have you ever thought, “It’s just a job!”? Have you ever been in the middle of your day, stressed out and in a panic over what you need to do, and begin to wonder why you even care? I mean, it’s just a job, right? It’s certainly important to “not sweat the small stuff.” In
- [Can Entrepreneurs Change the Way We Do Charity?](https://institutefc.org/change-the-way-we-do-charity/) - The Bible is very clear about a believer’s obligation to help the poor. Scripture is replete with commands to help the poor, to visit and care for the downtrodden, with curses pronounced on those who do not. This command is at the root of Christian charity in general. This Christian impulse has carried over into
- [IFWE’s Midweek Memo – 07.24.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-07-24-13/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. Do Americans Believe Capitalism & Government Are Working? Brookings More than eight in ten religious conservatives agree that if enough people had a personal relationship with God, social problems would take care of themselves, but nearly seven in ten religious progressives
- [A Former Blackjack Player's View of Faith, Work, and Economics](https://institutefc.org/a-former-blackjack-players-view-of-faith-work-economics/) - Editor's note: This is a follow-up interview to a previous blog post, Card Counting Christians and...Value Creation? Five years ago, Mark Treas and his business partners started TorchPrep, a standardized test prep program for high school students in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. The founders say they were driven to start TorchPrep by their genuine love for teens
- [Five Ways Pastors Can Affirm Faith, Work, and Vocation](https://institutefc.org/five-ways-pastors-can-affirm-faith-work-vocation/) - Today's evangelical Church has largely failed to address the subjects of faith, work, and calling. There is a tendency to focus on issues pertaining to salvation, evangelism, or basic personal discipleship (Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, etc.) but to ignore what most people do forty, sixty, or eighty hours a week. When I read the following
- [Putting Virtue into Practice, Part 1](https://institutefc.org/putting-virtue-into-practice-part-1/) - Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. - Philippians 4:8 Last week, we began exploring how the gifts and talents God gives us are to be used within a framework of virtue.
- [The Best Way to Help the Poor](https://institutefc.org/the-best-way-to-help-the-poor/) - Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
- [C.S. Lewis and the Three Enemies of Work](https://institutefc.org/c-s-lewis-and-the-three-enemies-of-work/) - Meanwhile the cross comes before the crown, and tomorrow is a Monday morning. - C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory It’s hard to imagine what life as a student in England during World War II might have been like. How could you possibly learn anything, let alone believe your schoolwork was important, while your friends
- [IFWE’s Midweek Memo – 07.31.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-07-31-13/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. You Were Born an Entrepreneur Isaac Morehouse Experts believed that people needed to be molded into uniform widgets, then plugged into an assembly line like spare parts, ready to take orders. It wasn’t a great model then, and it’s even
- [Tradition, Business, and Culture](https://institutefc.org/tradition-business-and-culture/) - Last week, I taught a graduate level course called Christian Traditions as part of Wheaton College's M.A. Biblical Studies program. The course covered a range of Christian traditions: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Anabaptist, Reformed, Anglican, Baptist, Wesleyan, Dispensational, and Pentecostal. Reflecting on the past week, it occurred to me that the range of Christian
- [Loving God's Law: the Key to A Flourishing Society?](https://institutefc.org/loving-gods-law-key-flourishing-society/) - I grew up listening to Tina Turner, and one of her famous songs was “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” As Christians, we understand that our primary calling is to love God, and our secondary calling is to love others. Turns out, love's got everything to do with it. In fact, the four-chapter gospel
- [Putting Virtue Into Practice, Part 2](https://institutefc.org/putting-virtue-into-practice-part-2/) - For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or
- [Four Lessons about Faith & Work from Brother Lawrence](https://institutefc.org/four-lessons-faith-work-brother-lawrence/) - What can a seventeenth century laymen teach us in the twenty-first century about faith and work? One of the biggest questions that we face as Christians is how to integrate our faith and our work. How can we keep our mind on God when we are doing a task that seems unrelated to our faith?
- [Navigating the "Wilderness Walk" of Unemployment](https://institutefc.org/navigating-wilderness-walk-of-unemployment/) - The economy added 162,000 jobs in July, falling short of what analysts had expected. Fifty-three percent of American adults are still out of full-time work, and Tanya Ross-Lane is one of them. After the 2008 financial crisis, she watched her salary slowly slip from fifty-five thousand dollars to forty thousand dollars as she worked as
- [Service or Competition: Which Best Characterizes Free Markets?](https://institutefc.org/service-or-competition-which-best-characterizes-free-markets/) - Serving one another and free-markets might not spring to your mind simultaneously. But should they? Does service or competition best characterize the free-market system? Defining Free Markets A market-based economy is a system that harnesses scarce resources through a system of well-defined and well-protected property rights. It is characterized by private ownership of the means
- [IFWE’s Midweek Memo – 08.07.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-08-07-13/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. Your Help Is Hurting: How Church Foreign Aid Programs Make Things Worse Forbes [W]hen he gave something the first time, there was gratitude; and when he gave something a second time to that same community, there was anticipation; the third
- [Did Jesus Tell Martha Not to Work?](https://institutefc.org/did-jesus-tell-martha-not-to-work/) - According to a study by the American Psychological Association in 2009, sixty-nine percent of employees report that work is a significant source of stress. Fifty-one percent said that stress makes them less productive at work. God calls us to steward the earth, not live in anxiety over every single incident that occurs in the workplace.
- [The Summer of Discontent: the Millennial Generation's Search for Meaningful Work](https://institutefc.org/the-summer-of-discontent-the-millennial-generations-search-for-meaningful-work/) - With due respect to Shakespeare and John Steinbeck, for millennials, the "winter of our discontent" has continued into summer. At least, that's the impression one gets after reading the latest jobs report released last Friday. The pace of job growth has slowed, ABC News and other sources report, and that doesn't bode well for the
- [You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know: Knowledge, Understanding, and Wisdom](https://institutefc.org/you-dont-know-what-you-dont-know-knowledge-understanding-and-wisdom/) - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. -Proverbs 1:7 In our first post on thinking biblically about faith, work, and economics, we suggested five tools, or mental models, that should shape and support our thinking and decision-making, as well as help us build a holistic biblical worldview. By
- [Why Thieves Hate Free Markets](https://institutefc.org/why-thieves-hate-free-markets/) - When you think of market competition, you might get the stereotypical vision of Gordon Gekko from the movie Wall Street. We often envision capitalists as cut-throat competitors who will do anything to get ahead and make a buck, including stealing from others. We rarely picture executives sharing and cooperating with one another as part of
- [The Call to Do Good and the Call to Work: Are They at Odds?](https://institutefc.org/the-call-to-do-good-and-the-call-to-do-work-at-odds/) - Editor's note: today we introduce Matt Perman, the newest guest contributor to the IFWE blog. He is the author of the book What's Best Next: How the Gospel Transforms the Way You Get Things Done. He will post periodically about the connections between theology and work and economics, and how the biblical doctrine of work
- [IFWE’s Midweek Memo – 08.14.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-08-14-13/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. Why ‘The Family’ Matters in Economics Mere Orthodoxy The American family is in a state of crisis, which in turn is having a profound impact on the economy. -Michael Hendrix Faith and Work: What Needs to Be Read and What
- [How Should Christians Think About Retirement?](https://institutefc.org/how-should-christians-think-about-retirement/) - What is the Christian understanding of work?…It is that work is not, primarily, a thing one does to live, but the thing one lives to do. It is, or it should be, the full expression of the worker’s faculties…the medium in which he offers himself to God. - Dorothy Sayers, Unpopular Opinions If work is,
- [C.S. Lewis and the Inner Ring of Cronyism](https://institutefc.org/c-s-lewis-and-the-inner-ring-of-cronyism/) - Do you remember when General Electric (GE) supported a bill banning the incandescent lightbulb? Back in 2007, GE and the lightbulb industry lobbied for a law that intended to phase out traditional incandescent bulbs, forcing consumers to buy more expensive, energy-efficient, compact florescent bulbs. The concern about this law is that it would hurt smaller
- [General & Special Revelation: the Knowledge of God](https://institutefc.org/general-special-revelation-knowledge-of-god/) - The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. -Psalm 111:10 We’re in the middle of discovering five tools that will help us think biblically about faith, work, and economics. This week we continue our look at knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. How do
- [How Do You Love Your Neighbor At Work?](https://institutefc.org/how-do-you-love-your-neighbor-at-work/) - In a previous post, we explored how the things we do at work are part of the good works that God has prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10; 6:8). Just as with everything else, the chief motive behind our work is to serve others in love (1 Corinthians 16:14). But what does it mean to love your
- [Why Should Economic Ideas Matter to Christians?](https://institutefc.org/why-should-economic-ideas-matter-to-christians/) - Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. -Philippians 4:8 Ideas have consequences. John Piper articulates this when he tells the story of Victor Frankl who was imprisoned in the Nazi concentration
- [IFWE’s Midweek Memo – 08.21.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-08-21-13/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. Can Work Become an Idol? New Film About Steve Jobs Inspires and Repels Christian Post Christian reviewers praised the new film "Jobs" as inspirational, a great example of one man using his God-given talents to bless the world, but they
- [Book Review: The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good](https://institutefc.org/book-review-the-spiritual-danger-of-doing-good/) - "I have seen friends and mentors throw themselves into the causes of justice and do extraordinary work for Jesus. I admired their passion, their devotion, and their sacrifice. But despite their extraordinary dedication, things went wrong. Burnout. Personal meltdowns. Infidelity. Lost faith. Financial compromise. Personal meltdowns. My heart breaks for these friends and for the
- [Biblical Principles of Law and Regulation](https://institutefc.org/biblical-principles-of-law-and-regulation/) - In The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis portrays hell as a bureaucracy full of rules and regulations. The book's antagonist, the demon Screwtape, is a mid-level functionary in a nearly endless lowerarchy. Lewis may have portrayed hell this way partly as a commentary on Hitler’s Germany. However, the United States also has a large number of
- [Why Humility Matters for Faith, Work, & Economics](https://institutefc.org/why-humility-matters-faith-work-economics/) - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. -2 Timothy 3:16-17 The Apostle Paul tells Timothy that the Holy Scriptures prepare God’s people to be “thoroughly equipped for every good work.” That includes not
- [The Church, Work, and Economics](https://institutefc.org/the-church-work-and-economics/) - Editor’s Note: Today’s post is the second part of our interview with Tanya Ross-Lane. In part one, Ross-Lane shared her experience struggling with unemployment. Today she discusses what unemployment has taught her about economics, and why it is essential that churches teach about work and economics. As someone who has been unemployed for a few
- [The Soul in...Advertising?](https://institutefc.org/the-soul-in-advertising/) - When Super Bowl Sunday comes around each year, there is almost as much anticipation about the commercials as there is about the game itself. As this clip reveals, there are many commercials that people love to talk about. Some take on an iconic status, such as Apple’s 1984 commercial, and some seem to keep us
- [IFWE’s Midweek Memo – 08.28.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-08-28-13/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. How to Find Your Calling (And Why Most People Get This Wrong) Relevant But the truth is, finding your calling is a process full of tensions to be managed. And it's just as much about responding to the signs God
- [Why Christians Can't Disengage from the World](https://institutefc.org/why-christians-cant-disengage-from-the-world/) - On June 29, 2013 in Starke, Florida, the first monument to atheism to be erected on government property was dedicated. It will sit alongside the Ten Commandments on the Bradford County courthouse grounds. What caught my attention, in addition to the event itself, was a particular quote on the side of the granite bench monument.
- [More Biblical Principles of Law and Regulation](https://institutefc.org/more-biblical-principles-of-law-and-regulation/) - How should Christians think about regulation? An earlier post described a few biblical principles that can guide our thinking about regulations. Today's post explores a couple more of these principles. Within the Ten Commandments, five of the six commandments dealing with human relations begin “Thou shall not…”. In explaining these and extending them into application, God
- [Why Do We Work? Six Labor Day Reflections](https://institutefc.org/why-do-we-work-six-labor-day-reflections/) - Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. - Proverbs 6:6-8 As a young boy growing up in rural Florida, I loved Labor Day. My hometown celebrated the holiday like many small
- [iPhones, Economics, and Absolute Truth](https://institutefc.org/subjective-value-and-absolute-truth/) - I always want to have the latest technology, so when the iPhone 5S is finally released this fall, I will probably buy one. My sister, on the other hand, will likely spend her savings on the latest fashion trends. Whose choice is better? The answer is, "neither." The phone is better for me and the
- [What Is The Harmful Side of Regulation?](https://institutefc.org/the-harmful-side-of-regulation/) - In my previous post, I outlined the biblical case for regulation. In Scripture, regulations serve as guidelines for how to live out the command to love one another beyond merely refraining from doing evil. The underlying principle of these regulations is protection. But being sinful, flawed, and limited creatures, we regularly take a God-given idea
- [IFWE’s Midweek Memo – 09.04.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-09-04-13/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. The Contested American Dream Kern Pastors Network …some have gone as far as to make the American Dream a concept against which the church ought to be opposed. For them, the American Dream represents material greed, self -promotion, naïve nationalistic
- [Man Does Not Live by Cheap Vacuum Cleaners Alone](https://institutefc.org/man-does-not-live-by-cheap-vacuum-cleaners-alone/) - IFWE’s book club recently finished reading A Humane Economy, written in 1960 by Wilhelm Röpke, a Swiss-German Christian economist. Influenced by Germany’s post-war social climate, Röpke’s economic and moral insights provide a deeper understanding of markets and why economic principles cannot be separated from human behavior. These truths still ring true and give us insight
- [Should We Have Christian Companies?](https://institutefc.org/should-we-have-christian-companies/) - Some of the largest companies in the United States have been identified as “Christian,” and this occasionally makes news headlines. Last summer, Chick-fil-A took a controversial stand against gay marriage because of the beliefs of its Christian ownership. This summer, Hobby Lobby went to court because of its Christian convictions. And now, Forever 21 is
- [How Do We Create Long-Term Value for the Kingdom of God?](https://institutefc.org/creating-long-term-value-for-kingdom-of-god/) - An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. - Proverbs 18:15 (ESV) “How do I know what God wants me to do in this situation?” This is a question that I hear often. It’s a question that I had myself, back when I was a college graduate. After I graduated
- [Five Insights About Private Property from Aquinas](https://institutefc.org/five-insights-about-private-property-from-aquinas/) - Is private ownership of property contrary to human nature? Since the "earth is the Lord's" (Psalm 24:1), it would seem that humans have no right to own anything. Is there a natural precedence to reject private property? Reading church history often provides answers to what appear to be novel questions in our own day (Ecclesiastes
- [Should We Create Jobs or Create Wealth?](https://institutefc.org/should-we-create-jobs-or-create-wealth/) - Is there a difference between creating value and creating jobs? This week’s video helps us understand that there is a significant difference between creating value, which leads to wealth accumulation, and creating jobs, which may actually destroy wealth and create dependencies. It’s easy to believe that we can support a government job creation program to solve
- [IFWE’s Midweek Memo – 09.11.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-09-11-13/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. Work and the American Character Kern Pastor Network God didn’t create us just to sit back and think good thoughts. He made us to go out and love our neighbors – to love our neighbors in action, not just with cheap
- [What the Bible Says About Government](https://institutefc.org/bible-says-about-government/) - The United States of America was born out of a debate about the size and scope of government. The American colonies separated from England over the issue. They then ratified the United States Constitution only after lengthy deliberation about the role and scope of their new federal government. The first political parties built their platforms
- [C.S. Lewis and Community](https://institutefc.org/c-s-lewis-and-community/) - As Americans, we value the freedom to choose. We honor the initiative and individuality of each person. We value independence and self-reliance, and this is a good thing to some extent. Yet our culture is becoming increasingly focused on self, as illustrated by the recent media attention regarding the millennial generation. Cindy Perman, writing for
- [For the Least of These: A Biblical Answer to Poverty](https://institutefc.org/for-the-least-of-these-a-biblical-answer-to-poverty/) - Over two hundred years ago, Adam Smith wrote his most famous work, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. This book was written in 1776, on the eve of the most explosive growth and capital accumulation human history has ever known. Prior to this, most of human experience was a
- [Who Are The Rich & The Poor?](https://institutefc.org/who-are-rich-and-poor/) - Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of excerpts from IFWE’s forthcoming book, For the Least of These: A Biblical Answer to Poverty. Today begins chapter one, "Who Are the Poor," by Dr. Glenn Sunshine. Dr. Sunshine's chapter examines poverty from a biblical perspective in an effort to better understand the biblical call
- [The Miracle of the Market](https://institutefc.org/the-miracle-of-the-market/) - The English man of letters G.K Chesterton once wrote that “We are perishing for lack of wonder, not for lack of wonders.” I believe that this is so in our understanding of economic life. We in the West have come to assume that the grocery store shelves will be fully stocked when we go shopping,
- [IFWE’s Midweek Memo – 09.18.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-09-18-13/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion in all things faith, work, and economics. The Necessity of Distinguishing Relief and Development What’s Best Next In both cases, the goal is to help the person back to self-sufficiency. But the strategies in each case are different—often profoundly so. - Matt Perman Federal Student Loans: A
- [The Role of Government](https://institutefc.org/the-role-of-government/) - Editor's Note: This is the second in a series on a biblical view of limited government. These posts have been adapted from Dr. Lindsley's white paper, Government: Small or Large? If you are interested in learning more about a biblical perspective on government, check out Dr. Lindsley's white paper and IFWE's recently published research on the
- [Seven Movies You Didn't Know Were Pro-Enterprise](https://institutefc.org/seven-movies-you-didnt-know-were-pro-enterprise/) - Films are one of the most influential forms of art in our culture today. Some argue that movies can change our behavior, laws, ideology, or even the course of history. This may be concerning to Christians, since Hollywood is often criticized for being too liberal or anti-Christian. But upon taking a closer look, you can
- [What Does It Mean to Help the Poor?](https://institutefc.org/what-it-means-help-the-poor/) - Editor’s Note: Today we continue our series of excerpts from IFWE's forthcoming book, For the Least of These: A Biblical Answer to Poverty, due to be released in early 2014. In this post Dr. Glenn Sunshine continues his discussion of poverty by examining the role of government in addressing poverty relief. In my last post
- [Martin Luther King, Jr. on Faith, Work, and Economics](https://institutefc.org/martin-luther-king-jr-on-faith-work-and-economics/) - This past Martin Luther King Jr. day I was made aware of one of Dr. King’s sermons called “The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life.” He delivered this sermon at New Covenant Baptist Church, in Chicago, Illinois, on 9 April 1967. In this sermon, Dr. King preaches some powerful truths about the connection between faith,
- [How Does the Market Work?](https://institutefc.org/how-do-markets-work/) - Have you ever called the manager of your grocery store? Ever sent him or her an e-mail? Can you imagine having to do so every time you planned to go shopping, just to make sure the store stocked the goods you needed? This rarely happens, if ever. But how can we go to the store
- [Limited Government and Human Nature](https://institutefc.org/limited-government-and-human-nature/) - Editor’s Note: This is part of a series on a biblical view of limited government. These posts have been adapted from Dr. Lindsley’s white paper, Government: Small or Large? If you are interested in learning more about a biblical perspective on government, check out Dr. Lindsley’s white paper and IFWE’s recently published research on the Bible and
- [Lela Pittenger: Faith at Work in Politics](https://institutefc.org/lela-pittenger-faith-at-work-in-politics/) - Editor's Note: Lela was the winning contestant in IFWE's "Faces of Faith and Work Contest." IFWE readers and fans selected Lela out of a pool of five finalists featured on IFWE's Facebook page. Congratulations, Lela! Before 2008, Lela Pittenger had never even voted in a primary. But in answer to God’s calling, she became a
- [The Measure of A Man](https://institutefc.org/the-measure-of-a-man/) - Jesus replied, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:62 On September 9th, 2013 my father had a massive stroke. Seven days later, he went to be with the Lord. My father's passing has given me reason to spend
- [How Should the Church Help the Poor?](https://institutefc.org/how-should-the-church-help-the-poor/) - Editor’s Note: Today we continue our series of excerpts from IFWE’s forthcoming book, For the Least of These: A Biblical Answer to Poverty, due to be released in early 2014. In this post, Dr. Glenn Sunshine continues his discussion of poverty by looking at how the Church has responded to poverty throughout history. What are
- [Biblical Warnings About Government](https://institutefc.org/biblical-warnings-about-government/) - Editor’s Note: This post has been adapted from Dr. Art Lindsley’s white paper, Government: Small or Large? If you are interested in learning more about a biblical perspective on government, check out Dr. Lindsley’s white paper and IFWE’s recently published research on the Bible and limited government. In my last post, I talked about how humans are
- [IFWE’s Midweek Memo – 09.18.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-09-18-13-2/) - Working Harder and Smarter: What Ashton Kutcher and Mike Rowe Have to Teach Us Acton Institute So as Kutcher and Rowe urge, in the words of the latter, "work smart and hard." But as Kutcher's final point in his acceptance speech makes clear, our work needs to be oriented toward something larger. –Jordan Ballor In
- [Are Economists Basically Immoral?](https://institutefc.org/are-economists-basically-immoral/) - Are economists basically immoral? This question is the title of a collection of essays written by the late economist and ordained minister Paul Heyne. While it is safe to conclude that economists, as humans, are no more flawed, sinful, and immoral than anyone else, some have asserted that one must be immoral to be successful
- [A Missionary with A Mind for Economics](https://institutefc.org/missionary-mind-for-economics/) - Mark Aubry is a missionary with a mind for economics. He’s passionate about basketball, sharing the gospel, and creating jobs in Haiti. Aubry spends his time in Haiti working on small business development projects and teaching "Business as Ministry" classes as an adjunct professor at Emmaus Biblical Seminary. He also started Hoops for Haiti, a
- [The Future of Entrepreneurship](https://institutefc.org/future-of-entrepreneurship/) - The issue of poverty can often seem overwhelming and too big to tackle. A group of young entrepreneurs is giving me reason to believe the future of poverty relief might be brighter, though. During the last weekend in September, I accompanied a student group from Regent University, where I teach, to Orlando, Florida for the
- [Looking Beyond the "Inner Ring"](https://institutefc.org/looking-beyond-the-inner-ring/) - Have you ever felt “excluded” or “out of it?” It’s a miserable feeling. Yet the desire to be “in” can make you say things you would not otherwise say, or not say things you should say. In his essay called “The Inner Ring,” C.S. Lewis addresses this desire to be on the inside of whatever
- [IFWE’s Midweek Memo – 10.09.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-09-18-13-3/) - Is the government shutdown really that bad? Acton Institute Do we need federal government? Of course. But, do we need as much federal government as we have? It sure doesn’t seem so. –Elise Hilton I’m living the dream Smorgasblurb If we really believe we’re all priests, my work is no more significant than Christians manufacturing
- [Redeeming the Time at Work](https://institutefc.org/redeeming-the-time-at-work/) - One more hour. It wasn’t that I disliked my job. But after a long day of filing papers at my internship, I was losing my edge. My sense of urgency about my work was dissipating. I felt guilty about it, but also powerless to change. Jesus’ words to his disciples seemed extremely relevant at that
- [A Missionary with A Mind for Economics Part Two](https://institutefc.org/a-missionary-with-a-mind-for-economics-part-two/) - Editor's Note: Today's post is the second installment of a two part interview with Mark Aubry, a missionary with a mind for economics. In part one, Mark shared with us about Hoops for Haiti, the basketball ministry he started, and his efforts to promote entrepreneurship and business development in Haiti. Today he continues the conversation,
- [What Does the Old Testament Say About Poverty and Riches?](https://institutefc.org/what-the-old-testament-says-about-poverty-and-riches/) - Editor's Note: Today we continue our series of excerpts from IFWE's forthcoming book, For the Least of These: A Biblical Answer to Poverty. Today's post begins Dr. Walter Kaiser's chapter entitled "Poverty and the Poor in the Old Testament," which examines some key Old Testament passages about poverty and poverty relief. According to the count
- [Should Christians Compete to Win?](https://institutefc.org/should-christians-compete-to-win/) - As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. -Proverbs 27:17 In an article last year, New York Times columnist David Brooks suggested that the world of competitive sports and the world of faith—whether Jewish, Christian, or Muslim—are two moral universes which are not reconcilable. In the realm of work and economics, this argument extends
- [How Business Can Contribute to Flourishing](https://institutefc.org/how-business-contributes-to-flourishing/) - If you’re a Christian working in business, or a young Christian interested in pursuing a career in business, what does it look like to use your God-given talents in this arena? What does it look like to serve others through business? Today I’d like to share some stories that give a glimpse of how we
- [Economic Opportunity and Kingdom-Building](https://institutefc.org/economic-oppurtunity-and-kingdom-building/) - Philip Luca is the Communications and Marketing Manager for the Telecommunications Industry Association and serves on the board of the American Marketing Association as VP of Social Media in Washington, D.C. He grew up in Romania, experienced communism for a few years, and its effects for many more. He came to America in 2005 to attend
- [Why Economics Is Part of God's Created Order](https://institutefc.org/why-economics-is-part-of-gods-created-order/) - It is not uncommon to hear Christians call for economic policy designed to relieve human suffering. Certainly, as Christians who are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, we should and do have compassion on our suffering neighbor. Yet some approaches, while well-intended, may in fact lead to more economic hardship and less human flourishing.
- [There Is No Going Back](https://institutefc.org/there-is-no-going-back/) - This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." - Jeremiah 6:16 Have you ever been in a situation where you weren’t sure that you wanted to go on
- [Ancient Rome, Mosaic Law, and Poverty Relief](https://institutefc.org/ancient-rome-mosaic-law-and-poverty-relief/) - Editor’s Note: Today we continue our series of excerpts from IFWE’s forthcoming book, For the Least of These: A Biblical Answer to Poverty. Today’s post continues Dr. Walter Kaiser’s chapter entitled “Poverty and the Poor in the Old Testament,” which examines some key Old Testament passages about poverty and poverty relief. The Old Testament perspective
- [Working Toward Flourishing Through Stewardship](https://institutefc.org/working-toward-flourishing-through-stewardship/) - The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. - Psalm 92:12-13 Do you care about raising life expectancy, lowering infant mortality rates, lowering levels of poverty and corruption, protecting civil liberties,
- [The Protestant Work Crisis](https://institutefc.org/the-protestant-work-crisis/) - Last month, IFWE’s book club read The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Max Weber. Weber coined the phrase “Protestant work ethic” over one hundred years ago, referring to the Protestant belief in hard work and frugality as proof of salvation. Weber argues that this ethic is an important force in developing capitalist
- [Should Christians Wield Power?](https://institutefc.org/should-christians-wield-power/) - They take their faith into every sphere of life, including the workplace, politics, economics, education, and the arts. And in all these realms, they seek to glorify God. They obey, imperfectly to be sure. But their incipient obedience leads to significant changes in society. - Hugh Whelchel, How Then Should We Work? What if power
- [The Church's Role in Poverty Alleviation](https://institutefc.org/the-churchs-role-in-poverty-alleviation/) - Editor’s Note: Today we continue our series of excerpts from IFWE’s forthcoming book, For the Least of These: A Biblical Answer to Poverty. Today’s post concludes Dr. Walter Kaiser’s chapter entitled “Poverty and the Poor in the Old Testament,” which examines some key Old Testament passages about poverty and poverty relief. Not too long ago,
- [The Human Impact of Economic Freedom](https://institutefc.org/impact-of-econ-freedom/) - Tell me how I can encourage my people to flourish in Zimbabwe under a devastating economy, where jobs are being lost daily and the nation is virtually grinding to a halt with unemployment at 90% plus?? - Reverend Kevin Thomson Reverend Thomson asked this question in response to last week's post on the relationship between
- [What If I'm Stuck in the Wrong Job?](https://institutefc.org/what-if-i-am-stuck-in-the-wrong-job/) - Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Remember, O LORD, your compassion and unfailing love. - Psalm 25:4-6 A young man asked
- [You Are Now Entering the Mission Field](https://institutefc.org/now-entering-mission-field/) - You are now entering the mission field. That's the message Dr. Anne Bradley gave to undergraduate students at Regent University's recent convocation ceremony. It's not just a message for students, though - it's inspiration and encouragement for all of us as we go about our work. Dr. Bradley reminds us that, There has never been
- [Business: A Sequel to the Parable of the Good Samaritan](https://institutefc.org/business-a-sequel-to-the-parable-of-the-good-samaritan/) - When we think of the parable of the Good Samaritan, we tend to think of the importance of charity and giving to those in need. That is one of the chief points Jesus is making. But is it possible that the parable might have something to say about work and business as well? A Sequel
- [Does God Want You to Be Rich...or Poor?](https://institutefc.org/does-god-want-you-to-be-rich-or-poor/) - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11 One of the most perplexing issues facing Christians in the marketplace today is whether God wants us to be rich or poor. It
- [TOMS Shoes Joins Bono on the Role of Enterprise](https://institutefc.org/toms-shoes-joins-bono-on-role-of-enterprise/) - Many young Christians look up to social entrepreneurs like U2’s front man Bono, co-founder of ONE, and Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS Shoes, for their companies’ philanthropic missions. However, academics and economists have criticized both men for dumping aid into impoverished communities, which ends up hurting the economy by undermining local business. Last year, Bono
- [The Causes of Poverty in the New Testament](https://institutefc.org/causes-of-poverty-new-testament/) - Editor’s Note: Today we continue our series of excerpts from IFWE’s forthcoming book, For the Least of These: A Biblical Answer to Poverty. Today’s post begins Visiting Scholar David Kotter's examination of the New Testament's teaching on poverty. Can the advance of the gospel reduce poverty until it is ultimately eliminated in heaven? Can the
- [IFWE’s Midweek Memo – 11.06.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-11-06-13/) - Fellow Christians: I'm Rich and I'm Sorry Christianity Today The church needs a more open conversation about wealth and stewardship—and not just for pastors. - Jen Pollock Michel What C.S. Lewis and Modern Family Understand that Conservatives Don't Values & Capitalism People are not moved or motivated by abstract concepts in the same way that
- [Is "Follow Your Passion" Really Bad Advice?](https://institutefc.org/is-follow-your-passion-really-bad-advice/) - We often hear the advice “follow your passion” or “do what you love and the money will follow.” Is that good advice? A few business thinkers have recently been saying that it is not. Even the author of the popular Dilbert comic, Scott Adams, was recently interviewed by the Wall Street Journal, where he argued
- [Fighting Back Against Disease, Poverty, and Corruption](https://institutefc.org/fighting-back-against-disease-poverty-and-corruption/) - Sickness. Disease. Extreme poverty. Corruption. These are all marks of a fallen world. Yet the grand story of the gospel tells us there is hope. The chapters of Redemption and Restoration follow that of the Fall. As Christians, our place within that story is to point to the way things could be. Christ will bring
- [What Is the Secret of Contentment?](https://institutefc.org/what-is-the-secret-of-contentment/) - I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry,
- [How to Follow Your Passion...and Your Strengths](https://institutefc.org/how-to-follow-your-passion-and-your-strengths/) - Some thinkers have started arguing that “follow your passion” is bad advice. The real problem is not with the advice itself, but rather with a failure to understand the true definition of "passion" and the role it plays in a person's life. This issue is extremely important not only because we need to know how
- [A Christian Entrepreneur's Story in The New York Times](https://institutefc.org/christian-entrepreneur-in-new-york-times/) - Would you expect to read a story about a Christian entrepreneur who credits God with her ingenious idea to show up in The New York Times? Perhaps not, but that’s what happened a couple of weeks ago in a lengthy article written by Jack Hitt. Mary Hunter, age seventy-three, is an accomplished cook who, for
- [Can Millennials Help Your Company?](https://institutefc.org/can-millennials-help-your-company/) - “Entitled,” “know-it-all,” “addicted to technology”—these are some labels that Generation Y - the millennial generation - has earned for itself at work. Many writers have pointed out that “millennials” have very different expectations and values than their older counterparts in the workforce. Do these young workers have anything to add to the workplace? A New
- [Sin: The Root Cause of Poverty](https://institutefc.org/sin-the-root-cause-of-poverty/) - Last Friday, Typhoon Haiyan slammed into the Philippines, killing ten thousand people and crippling an already-impoverished area. Typhoon Haiyan is just one example of the tragedies that cause devastating poverty. Natural disasters, oppression, laziness, and simply living in a fallen world are all unfortunate situations which bring about suffering and poverty. In my last post,
- [Humanizing the Workplace](https://institutefc.org/humanizing-the-workplace/) - Can work ever become dehumanizing? In an economic atmosphere where jobs are scarce and many firms and offices are known for cutthroat competitiveness, many people are asking themselves what a healthy work environment looks like. A recent article by Bethany Jenkins at the Gospel Coalition addressed this issue, opening with a story about an investment
- [Understanding God Through Economics](https://institutefc.org/understanding-god-through-economics/) - Can Christians gain a better understanding of God and faith through economics? Francisco Rodriguez thinks so. He shared during a recent interview that, In the study of economics, men can experience a better understanding of God. My hope is they will see their faith built because of this better understanding. Rodriguez is the Outreach Director
- [What Christians Need to Understand About Wealth Creation](https://institutefc.org/what-christians-need-to-understand-about-wealth-creation/) - As Christians, we want to be good stewards of what we have. Part of this involves using our resources to create wealth and then using some of this wealth to help the poor flourish. What is the best way to do this? In a recent speech at Grove City College, Dr. Anne Bradley explained one
- [What is "Helping People?"](https://institutefc.org/what-is-helping-people/) - Can a business 101 course change someone’s life? It certainly had an impact on Gillian Foster, senior at Colorado Christian University and editor of the Nil Sine Numine blog. Foster recently recounted her high school missions trip to the Philippines. During that time, she said, There were meaningful moments of meeting immediate needs and opportunities for
- [Popcornomics: Why Are Popcorn Prices So High?](https://institutefc.org/popcornomics-why-are-popcorn-prices-so-high/) - Every weekend, millions of Americans take part in a weekly ritual at their local movie theater. I’m not talking about going to see a movie. Yes, people stand in line for tickets and sit through films every weekend, but the ritual I’m referring to is a little different. Every weekend, millions of Americans stand in
- [Why Libertarians Need God](https://institutefc.org/why-libertarians-need-god/) - On Thursday, November 7th, IFWE distinguished scholar Dr. Jay Richards delivered a lecture in D.C. entitled "Why Libertarians Need God: A Theological Defense of Free Markets." Richards claimed that core libertarian values - such as individual rights, personal freedom and responsibility, and limited government - only make sense in the context of a theistic worldview.
- [Seeking the Well-Being of the City](https://institutefc.org/seeking-the-well-being-of-the-city/) - Do you ever feel like you are in exile? As if the city that you are living in is not worth engaging in? After all, we know that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, so it sometimes seems pointless to seek the well-being of others around us here on earth. Yet, as Tyler Castle notes,
- [IFWE’s Weekly Recap – 11.15.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-weekly-recap-11-15-13/) - In case you missed it - here are some of the top articles published on the blog this week. 1. What is the Secret of Contentment? Hugh Whelchel "Real contentment is not being satisfied with what you have or where you are in life. It is working diligently to glorify God, serve the common good, and
- [Echoes of Eden: Reflections On Art, Faith, & Vocation](https://institutefc.org/echoes-of-eden-art-faith-vocation/) - How is it that we can read a story, comprised only of words of ink printed on pages of paper, and be so deeply moved? This question recently crossed my mind last week as I was wrapping up speaking at a weekend conference for several churches in Missoula, Montana. I was prompted to mull over
- [What do Calling and Vocation Mean for Women?](https://institutefc.org/calling-vocation-women/) - How do women navigate vocation and identity to embrace and use the gifts that God has given them? Q, an organization which brings Christian leaders together to effect both personal and cultural renewal, hosted a conference entitled “Women and Calling,” to explore this question. As one of the speakers, author and social commentator Rachel Held
- [The Future of U.S. Manufacturing](https://institutefc.org/the-future-of-u-s-manufacturing/) - Over the past few decades, U.S. manufacturing has suffered from a bad public image, overseas competition, and lack of innovation. Is there any hope for this large sector of the U.S. economy? Forbes contributor Rebecca Bagley believes that there is - if companies approach manufacturing with an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset. U.S. manufacturing is not
- [How Do You Make Good Career Choices?](https://institutefc.org/how-do-you-make-good-career-choices/) - How do you make good career choices? What do good career choices look like when you’re trying to make a decision about your life’s work? In recent posts, we’ve been looking at how “follow your passion” is actually important advice, though it’s been recently criticized by some thinkers. We've also discovered that our passions are
- [When to Quit Your Job](https://institutefc.org/when-to-quit-your-job/) - You’ve worked hard all your life to get your dream job – something that you love and through which you can make a difference. But somehow, you got stuck in a work environment that feels stagnant, dull, and insignificant. Your job seems to be completely disconnected from your interests and dreams. Now what? Relevant contributor
- [Business...as a Mission?](https://institutefc.org/business-as-a-mission/) - When we think of ways to fight human trafficking, we often think of nonprofits, churches, and charitable organizations - not businesses. But Elise Hilton at the Acton Institute believes that business is crucial in the effort against human trafficking. She writes, The private sector is in a unique position to fight sex trafficking. By working
- [Can Entrepreneurs Be Good Christians?](https://institutefc.org/can-entrepreneurs-be-good-christians/) - Tiffany DuPuy is an entrepreneur who runs a dance studio. She is also a Christian who strives to be a witness of her faith through her work. I try to live in such a way that people will see my faith come through in what I do and how I treat others…It's not something that
- [What Can the New Testament Teach Us About Fighting Poverty?](https://institutefc.org/what-can-the-new-testament-teach-us-about-fighting-poverty/) - The New Testament says a lot about the underlying causes of poverty. Does it also have anything to say about poverty’s possible solutions? One might conclude that since poverty is a problem of scarcity, and riches can pose temptations associated with abundance, the simple solution would be to redistribute money to make everyone equal. However,
- [Is Suburbia Bad for American Community?](https://institutefc.org/is-suburbia-bad-for-american-community/) - Is suburbia destroying America? Will Seath in FareForward notes, Suburban sprawl, characterized by enormous houses, big-box stores, massive parking lots, and high-traffic multi-lane roads, is in conflict with the traditional wisdom about the connection between the built environment and the moral order. And yet, the suburban lifestyle is part of American culture. People are free
- [Evangelical Leader Preaches Pullback from Cultural Engagement?](https://institutefc.org/evangelical-leader-preaches-pullback-from-cultural-engagement/) - A minor controversy erupted in October when the Wall Street Journal reported on its front page, “Evangelical Leader Preaches Pullback From Politics, Culture Wars.” The evangelical leader referred to was Russell Moore, the new president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, the public voice of the Southern Baptist Convention. Many of us at IFWE
- [Business Provides Clean Drinking Water](https://institutefc.org/business-provides-clean-drinking-water/) - How do you bring clean drinking water to remote villages in India? Most people would respond with charity and aid, but Paul Polak started a for-profit business, according to Amy Alexander at Investor’s Business Daily. Mal Warwick, who co-authored The Business Solution to Poverty with Polak, said, The endless possibilities that can come out of
- [Bill Gates' Plan to Improve the World](https://institutefc.org/bill-gates-plan-to-improve-the-world/) - The Bible has a lot to say about poverty and helping others. Proverbs 14:31 tells us, Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these
- [C.S. Lewis Leaves a Lasting Legacy](https://institutefc.org/c-s-lewis-leaves-a-lasting-legacy/) - C.S. Lewis died fifty years ago today, leaving behind an incredible literary legacy ranging from the beloved children’s series, The Chronicles of Narnia, to great theological and apologetic works such as Mere Christianity. But Christians might not be as familiar with his views on faith, work, and economics. Lewis believed that all work was spiritual
- [IFWE’s Weekly Recap – 11.22.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-weekly-recap-11-22-13/) - In case you missed it - here are some of the top articles published on the blog this week. 1. Echoes of Eden: Reflections on Art, Faith, & Vocation Hugh Whelchel "In whatever we do, Sayers writes, we are called to image the God who made us and create something that will be a pleasure
- [What the Five Myths of Jubilee Mean for Poverty](https://institutefc.org/what-the-five-myths-of-jubilee-mean-for-poverty/) - Found in Leviticus 25, the biblical practice of Jubilee is becoming ever more prominent in discussions about justice, poverty, and debt relief. Many evangelical authors mention Jubilee as a biblical example of debt forgiveness and redistribution of land. But what is the context for the scriptural practice of Jubilee? When the Israelites reached the Promised
- [The Calling of the Christian Intellectual](https://institutefc.org/the-calling-of-the-christian-intellectual/) - If you’re someone who reads, writes, and thinks for a living, it’s easy to forget that your work is or should be a real vocation rather than merely an indulgence. And now that Christianity is increasingly marginalized in high culture and the academy, it’s tempting for Christian intellectuals to hunker down in a defensive posture.
- [Do Pastors Have a Harder Calling?](https://institutefc.org/do-pastors-have-a-harder-calling/) - Is it actually hard to be a pastor? It is, writes Mike Niebaur, pastor of Redeemer Anglican Parish in Chicago, but the pastoral vocation is not unique in these difficulties. He says, After all, being a pastor involves almost no manual labor, which makes it physically easier than most other occupations in history. It doesn't
- [What Does the Image of God Have to Do With Economics?](https://institutefc.org/what-does-the-image-of-god-have-to-do-with-economics/) - The first question the "Westminster Longer Catechism" asks, What is the chief and highest end of man? The answer, drawn from Scripture, says, Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever. In a way that is perhaps surprising, we can do these things - glorify God and enjoy
- [How We Lost the War on Poverty](https://institutefc.org/how-we-lost-the-war-on-poverty/) - Nearly fifty years ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson stood on Tom Fletcher’s front porch in eastern Kentucky and outlined his "War on Poverty." He wanted to conquer poverty through government aid which included welfare, food stamps, affordable housing, and many other initiatives. But the plan backfired. As New York Post contributor William McGurn writes, A
- [Generous Giving Makes You More Attractive](https://institutefc.org/generous-giving-makes-you-more-attractive/) - This morning in the Wall Street Journal, Arthur Brooks, president of the American Enterprise Institute, says generous givers are happier, healthier, and better-looking than the less charitable. He also claims America gives more than other prosperous countries like Denmark and Israel. Not only is it good news for those receiving, but it’s good news for
- [Pilgrims, Prosperity, & Property Rights](https://institutefc.org/pilgrims-prosperity-property-rights/) - Editor's Note: Last year, so many of you enjoyed learning this piece of little known American and Thanksgiving history we thought we'd share it again. We at IFWE wish you and your families a blessed Thanksgiving. Edward Winslow, a passenger on the Mayflower, when speaking of the first Thanksgiving, said on December 11th, 1621: And
- [We are Characters in the Theater of the World](https://institutefc.org/we-are-characters-in-the-theater-of-the-world/) - We are, all of us, characters in the “theater of the world.” The phrase is from Swiss theologian Hans Urs Von Balthasar, though the idea itself isn’t uniquely Christian. Various Greek and Roman myths described human beings as actors on a stage set by the gods. Still, clearly history can’t have a plot, it can’t
- [IFWE’s Midweek Memo – 11.27.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-11-27-13/) - Offering you the latest news, opinion, and analysis on all things faith, work, and economics. Lord of Our Wealth and Our Workweek byFaith If Christians struggle to connect their faith to their jobs, connecting faith to economics can feel especially abstract. But Jay Richards, an IFWE distinguished fellow and author, believes that economics, like physics,
- [Markets, Movies, and Media](https://institutefc.org/markets-movies-and-media/) - It is a common stereotype that the media and entertainment business is not friendly to free markets. I don't want to comment on the beliefs of an entire industry made up of thousands of people, because I am sure there is a wide range of beliefs on all issues. There are media products that are
- [Can Farmers be Capitalists?](https://institutefc.org/can-farmers-be-capitalists/) - Is economic freedom consistent with environmental stewardship? For years, many Christians believed that they had to choose between the economy and the environment. But self-labeled “Tree Hugging, Christian, Libertarian, Lunatic Farmer,” Joel Salatin, things that the health of the economy and the health of the environment are perfectly consistent. And Christians who want to
- [IFWE’s Weekly Recap – 11.29.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-weekly-recap-11-29-13/) - A recap of what's happened on the blog this week. What the Five Myths of Jubilee Mean for Poverty Art Lindsley State involvement does not absolve Christians of individual or corporate responsibility. Certainly Christians must be concerned about the poor, the stranger, the widow, and the orphan because God requires us to do so. What
- [Acts 2-5 and Poverty](https://institutefc.org/acts-2-5-and-poverty/) - Acts 2-5 is a provocative passage detailing the narrative of the early church in Jerusalem immediately following Pentecost. This passage is commonly used to determine whether the Bible supports the implementation of socialist or free market principles in governance, an issue addressed in full here. A less common perspective of this passage regards its implications for
- [Our Responsibility to the Poor](https://institutefc.org/our-responsibility-to-the-poor/) - Who exactly is responsible to help the poor? Since the poor are everywhere, where should we focus our attempts at poverty alleviation? Rev. Dwight Longenecker reminds readers of some important principles that can help us answer these questions. In light of Pope Francis’ recent comments about economics, capitalism, and poverty, Longenecker says, I am not
- [Three Reasons You Shouldn't Be Content](https://institutefc.org/three-reasons-you-shouldnt-be-content/) - If you are happy with what you have and the way things are, you may not be responding to the call of Scripture. There is no part of Scripture that tells us to passively sit back and watch life go by, and there is no part of Scripture that implies that the status quo of
- [Seven Ways to Create a Better Workplace](https://institutefc.org/seven-ways-to-create-a-better-workplace/) - Job satisfaction is declining in the United States, according to a recent Forbes article by Joseph Folkman. The reason? With unemployment so high, fewer people are quitting their jobs for more satisfying work. Folkman comments, As a result something much worse is happening within organizations. Employees “quit,” but they stay. In the last year, overall
- [Mothers Have Vocations, Too!](https://institutefc.org/mothers-have-vocations-too/) - We don’t often celebrate the work of stay-at-home mothers. But Matt Bieler has done just that with his new video. It’s short and it includes very little narration, but it is a powerful celebration of individuals who have chosen to pursue their vocational calling by investing in the lives of their children. It’s easy to
- [Breaking Out of the Poverty Mindset, One Child at a Time](https://institutefc.org/ending-poverty-child-by-child/) - Editor's Note: Today we introduce Sylvie Somerville, a program manager with Hope International, as a guest contributor sharing wisdom and biblical insights gained from her experiences working to alleviate poverty in Africa. “Give me money! Give me money!” I was on my first mountain bike ride through Malawi, high above the capital city of Lilongwe,
- [What Does The Pope Say About "Capitalism?"](https://institutefc.org/pope-francis-and-capitalism/) - Pope Francis’s new apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (“The Joy of the Gospel”) has created a media firestorm, with far more heat than light. My own policy with any papal statement is pretty simple. I ignore media reports until I’ve read an authorized translation of the actual text. Media presentations of any papal statement tend to
- [How Missioneering Is Revolutionizing Overseas Missions](https://institutefc.org/sustainable-overseas-missions/) - Four years ago, twin brothers Jason and David Benham heard a disturbing statistic: every month, over six hundred overseas missionaries return home due to lack of funding. Recognizing their call to be ministers of the gospel, the Benham brothers began to pray about how God could use them to reverse this trend. They recognized that
- [Restoring the Relationship Between Rich and Poor](https://institutefc.org/restoring-the-relationship-between-rich-and-poor/) - Wealth. Poverty. Income Inequality. Prestige. Our modern society has striven to break the tension between the rich and the poor. Yet socioeconomic status still seems to matter. How do we approach this issue biblically? Greg Forester tackles this topic on The Gospel Coalition. He notes that despite the fact that we live in a democratic, capitalistic
- [Shackleton's Success](https://institutefc.org/shackletons-success/) - It’s so easy just to work for recognition. If your efforts get overlooked or your project doesn’t quite turn out the way you planned, it’s easy to think that you have wasted your time. It’s especially easy to think this way as a leader who has a great deal of responsibility and resources. But Earnest
- [Pope Francis & Capitalism: Are We Overreacting?](https://institutefc.org/pope-francis-capitalism-are-we-overreacting/) - Pope Francis seems to be capturing the attention, not just of Catholics, but of all Christians these days. His recent comments in the apostolic letter, Evangelli Gaudium, encouraged a dynamic conversation among Christians last week, trying to make sense of what he meant in critiquing trickle-down economics. Was the Pope condemning capitalism, or only a warped caricature
- [IFWE’s Weekly Recap – 12.06.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-weekly-recap-12-06-13/) - In case you missed it - here are the top articles published on the blog this week. Acts 2-5 and Poverty Art Lindsley Acts 2-5...is not a support of wealth redistribution by church or state as a means to care for the least of these. It is a testament to the extent to which early
- [Christian History's Radical Approach to Poverty](https://institutefc.org/christian-historys-radical-approach-to-poverty/) - How can Christians learn from history how best to serve the poor? The competing paradigms within evangelical thought on poverty alleviation can best be distinguished by the voluntary principle versus the principle of redistribution. Evangelicals have historically embraced the voluntary principle, which relies on promoting the biblical doctrine of work, the interworking of free-market competition,
- [Theologian Wayne Grudem Weighs in on Poverty](https://institutefc.org/theologian-wayne-grudem-weighs-in-on-poverty/) - What’s the most moral and biblical solution to poverty? Theologian Wayne Grudem argues that free enterprise is the best answer to this question, according to Tyler O’Neil at the Christian Post. While presenting his new book, A Poverty of Nations, at the Family Research Council on December 4, Grudem said, If you are a leader
- [Doing Development Right In Africa](https://institutefc.org/doing-development-right-in-africa/) - I have noticed something peculiar during my time as a visiting professor at the African Bible University (ABU). On several visits I noticed that the Western media covered a parade of celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Madonna, Angelina Jolie, Bono, and Bob Geldoff as they went about their charity work. I do not question the motives
- [How to Determine Which Work Is God's Work](https://institutefc.org/how-to-determine-which-work-is-gods-work/) - Are you a minister of God? If you are a layperson, is your work as important as full-time ministry? In the above video, Jason and David Benham argue that it is. But the idea that ministry is somehow higher than other work has a long history. The Benham brothers explain that Aristotle split work into
- [Faith, Work, and Journalism](https://institutefc.org/faith-work-and-journalism/) - Many Christians consider “the media” at large to be hostile toward their beliefs. So what’s it like to be a Christian journalist at a secular newspaper? How do you incorporate your faith into what you write? Michael Luo, a reporter for the New York Times, provides insight into how his faith informs his profession and
- [10 Values Wayne Grudem Says Will Enable a Nation to Overcome Poverty](https://institutefc.org/10-values-wayne-grudem-says-will-enable-a-nation-to-overcome-poverty/) - Why do some nations prosper and others perpetually struggle? Last week at the Family Research Council in Washington D.C., theologian Wayne Grudem shared which factors are most influential in helping underdeveloped nations grow. You can watch this entire event here. In his new book, The Poverty of Nations, Grudem partners with economist Barry Asmus to
- [How to Become a Leader at Work and Beyond](https://institutefc.org/how-to-become-a-leader-at-work-and-beyond/) - What does it mean to be a leader? How do we make an impact in our workplace? What does it take to change the world? This week, the world has been mourning the death of Nelson Mandela, who, despite his controversial past, was a great leader. What sets great leaders like Mandela apart from other
- [May the Most Well-Connected Win: How Cronyism Steals our Wealth and our Values](https://institutefc.org/christians-against-cronyism/) - What if you or someone you knew were kept from pursuing a vocation or making a living because someone else had the power to put you down or block you from opportunities? What if that theft were legal? It is, and some people - even some Christians - think it’s legitimate. This theft takes place
- [The Problem with Raising the Minimum Wage](https://institutefc.org/the-problem-with-raising-the-minimum-wage/) - At first glance, it seems as though minimum wage increases are a great way to help low income workers. After all, it means less money for big business and more money for individuals, right? Harry J. Holzer, a professor of public policy at Georgetown University and chief economist for the Clinton administration, disagrees. Though he
- [Money Isn't What's Ruining Christmas](https://institutefc.org/money-isnt-whats-ruining-christmas/) - It’s Christmas time! For you, this might be a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, enjoy time with friends and family, or listen to Christmas music. But it probably also means spending money on gifts, decorations, and food. There is no doubt that Christmas means commercialism and consumerism, at least to some extent.
- [Sugar Subsidies: Sweetening the Deal, But At Whose Expense?](https://institutefc.org/sugar-subsidies-sweetening-the-deal/) - Ever had a cavity? Then you know how sugar contributes to painful decay. Yet those sweet treats are so hard to resist! Cronyism is another sweet temptation that business often succumb to, yet causes a great deal of decay in our culture. The sugar industry in particular has a sweet tooth for such practices. Yesterday
- [How Free Is the State You Live in?](https://institutefc.org/how-free-is-the-state-you-live-in/) - Yesterday, the Fraser Institute released its annual report, Economic Freedom of North America 2013. The report measures the impact government restrictions have on economic freedom in the United States and Canada, taking into account: Size of government Takings and discriminatory taxation Regulation Legal system and property rights Sound money Freedom to trade internationally The research
- [IFWE’s Weekly Recap – 12.13.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-weekly-recap-12-13-13/) - In case you missed it - here are the top articles published on the blog this week. Christian History's Radical Approach to Poverty Richard Turnbull Evangelicals have historically embraced the voluntary principle, which relies on promoting the biblical doctrine of work, the interworking of free-market competition, and fostering wealth-creation. Doing Development Right in Africa Brian
- [What Can George Bailey, Jerry Maguire, and Gordon Gekko Teach Us About Entrepreneurship and Evangelism?](https://institutefc.org/george-bailey-jerry-maguire-gordon-gekko-teach-us-entrepreneurship-evangelism/) - What can George Bailey, Jerry Maguire, and Gordon Gekko teach us about entrepreneurship and evangelism? This question came to mind as I was reading Brad Reagan's recent essay, "What do George Bailey, Jerry Maguire, and Gordon Gekko Have in Common?" The answer was that each of these fictional characters tells us something about how America
- [Video: The Secret to Doing Good Work](https://institutefc.org/video-the-secret-to-doing-good-work/) - Editor's note: We'd like to extend a special thanks to Sovereign Hope Church for this interview. Work is good and it’s a key way to serve God. So what do we do when we start putting work in the place of God? In an interview with Tyler Velin at Sovereign Hope Church, Hugh answers two
- [Taking Taxis to the Next Level](https://institutefc.org/taking-taxis-to-the-next-level/) - In a world where most taxi services are heavily regulated, “Uber” is managing to take transportation to a new level. Its secret? Rafi Mohammad at the Harvard Business Review attributes it to two things: Great customer service An innovative pricing strategy Government regulations mandate that in most cities, taxis have to purchase medallion licenses in
- [Two Proven Ideas to Help the Poor](https://institutefc.org/effective-ways-to-help-the-poor/) - In alleviating poverty, we often talk about the need for solutions on the local and individual level. But what does this look like in reality? In today’s post, I want to offer two examples of Christian men who were successful in alleviating poverty. Two pioneering men stood out as examples of the voluntary principle in
- [Video: Work is a Balancing Act](https://institutefc.org/video-work-is-a-balancing-act/) - Editor's note: We'd like to extend a special thanks to Sovereign Hope Church for this interview. Yesterday, we talked about how we can turn work into an idol. But what if, by successfully avoiding idolatry and workaholism, we become complacent? There is a tendency for Christians either to idolize or neglect work. Is it possible
- [IFWE's Top 13 in 2013](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-top-13-in-2013/) - It has been an amazing year here at IFWE. This has only been our second full year in existence, but God has grown us and blessed us in so many ways! We invite you to celebrate with us as we count down our staff picks for the IFWE Top 13 of 2013. 1. Top White
- [Sufjan Stevens's Capitalist Christmas Discord](https://institutefc.org/sufjan-stevenss-capitalist-christmas-discord/) - Christmas music is the best thing about the Advent season next to baby Jesus, in my opinion. Every year, I anticipate the moment after Thanksgiving dinner when I finally allow myself to begin the Christmas music indulgence. Though I prefer listening to classic carols and hymns, Sufjan Steven’s more alternative Christmas album, Silver and Gold,
- [How Greedy Is Your State?](https://institutefc.org/how-greedy-is-your-state/) - Geographers from Kansas State University created a series of maps of the Seven Deadly Sins across America. The maps highlight the most sinful regions in red and the least sinful regions in blue. The sins are mapped spatially and calculated per capita as follows: Wrath - total number of violent crimes reported to the FBI.
- [C.S. Lewis on True Progress](https://institutefc.org/c-s-lewis-on-true-progress/) - We have seen so much progress in science, technology, and medicine that has proven to be beneficial, and even life-saving. But C.S. Lewis warns that we cannot give a blank check to “progress” in itself. After all, some progress leads to sickness rather than health. Progress, but In What Direction? A story from The Voyage
- [Video: Give a Man a...Computer?](https://institutefc.org/video-give-a-man-a-computer/) - If you walked up to a homeless man and offered him either one hundred dollars or a laptop and some coding lessons, which do you think he’d take? When Patrick McConlogue, a computer programmer, met Leo Grand, a homeless man in New York City, he saw someone who had tenacity and unlimited potential. So he
- [How Christians Can "Rebuild the City"](https://institutefc.org/how-christians-can-rebuild-the-city/) - What makes a city or community thrive? In the midst of today’s economic downturn, Joseph Sunde and Chris Horst write that business is a big factor…and they aren’t just referring to local or small ventures: Though Christians and Americans more broadly are more willing to celebrate the ways small businesses contribute to our cities, in
- [How Can Economic Law Help Us Fulfill the Cultural Mandate?](https://institutefc.org/how-can-economic-law-help-us-fulfill-the-cultural-mandate/) - "Economics is a discipline that is merely about the things of this world!" So goes a common fallacy one hears occasionally from Christians who are suspicious of the notion of an economic science that can be compatible with Christian doctrine. If that were true, studying economics would be perhaps useless at best and downright destructive
- [Income Inequality Isn't the Real Problem](https://institutefc.org/income-inequality-isnt-the-real-problem/) - Is income inequality wrong? Not according to theologian Ron Sider, theologian Jordan Ballor, and economist Anne Bradley. According to Christian Post reporter Tyler O'Neil, Sider said, I think that a good, short statement of a biblical definition of economic justice is that God wants every person and every family to have access to the productive
- [IFWE’s Weekly Recap – 12.20.13](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-weekly-recap-12-20-13/) - In case you missed it - here are this week's blog highlights. What Can George Bailey, Jerry Maguire, and Gordon Gekko Teach Us About Entrepreneurship and Evangelism? Hugh Whelchel This Christmas season, we all have the opportunity to be both entrepreneurs and evangelists by finding creative ways to share the gospel with our friends and
- [Critiques of Market-Based Poverty Alleviation](https://institutefc.org/critiques-of-market-based-poverty-alleviation/) - In my previous blog posts, I have explained two important principles Christians have used in fighting poverty: the voluntary principle and the market. We looked at the stories of how Thomas Chalmers and Anthony Ashley Cooper, Earl of Shaftesbury, fought poverty in Britain using local, market-driven techniques, leading to much success. Given these arguments for
- [There Is Nothing Ordinary about Your Shirt](https://institutefc.org/there-is-nothing-ordinary-about-your-shirt/) - Planet Money created a video series about what it takes to make a t-shirt. The host says in the intro clip, Behind this shirt, there is an entire world. And once you see that world, you realize, there is nothing ordinary about a simple t-shirt. The videos are divided into five chapters: Cotton Machines People
- [The Mystery of the Magi](https://institutefc.org/the-mystery-of-the-magi/) - Editor's Note: Creativity.Purpose.Freedom. will not publish tomorrow due to the holiday. We at IFWE wish you a Merry Christmas, and a wonderful holiday with your friends and family. Enjoy today's look into the mystery of the Magi! There is no brighter symbol of the Christmas story than that of the star of Bethlehem. Every year
- [The Year In Freedom](https://institutefc.org/the-year-in-freedom/) - Here at the Institute for Faith, Work, & Economics, we're committed to promoting biblical and economic principles that help individuals find fulfillment in their work and contribute to a free and flourishing society. To build a free, flourishing society, we believe that people need an economic environment that not only provides them the freedom to
- [The Year In Fulfillment](https://institutefc.org/the-year-in-fulfillment/) - What does it mean to be fulfilled? In part, it means feeling a sense of satisfaction, significance, and affirmation about your work. It means having a peace of mind when you discover and live out your purpose in the world. But what does that look like? As some of these stories show, 2013 was a
- [The Year In Flourishing](https://institutefc.org/the-year-in-flourishing/) - Here in the twenty-first century, we are bombarded by multiple news feeds every second of every day. It is easy to get sucked in to the never-ending stream of negative stories, news of fallen sinners making bad decisions, or the tragedies experienced every day in our fallen world. As Christians we are called to take
- [IFWE's Top 10 Blog Posts of 2013](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-top-10-blog-posts-of-2013/) - 2013 was the year of myth-busting here on the IFWE blog. Jay Richards's examination of the eight most common myths Christians believe about wealth, poverty, and free enterprise was our most viewed post of the year. Gabrielle Jackson debunked five myths about the millennial worker, too. But that's not all. These are the top ten
- [How to Be Productive](https://institutefc.org/how-to-be-productive-in-2014/) - The Bible speaks very highly of planning. For example, Proverbs tells us to “commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3) and that “the plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5). Likewise, Paul planned (Romans 15:20-28), Jesus
- [Should Christians Set Goals?](https://institutefc.org/should-christians-set-goals/) - Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.
- [There's Even a Formula for Happiness?](https://institutefc.org/theres-even-a-formula-for-happiness/) - What’s the secret to achieving happiness? Arthur Brooks, president of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) thinks that he’s found it. Ramesh Ponnuru, a Bloomberg View columnist and visiting fellow at AEI, notes that according to Brooks, work is one of the four components of happiness: Once basic material needs are met...satisfying work matters more than
- [Taking from the Rich and Giving to the Powerful](https://institutefc.org/taking-from-the-rich-and-giving-to-the-powerful/) - Is there a solution to poverty and income inequality? In a series of recent articles on income inequality in the Christian Post, Ron Sider, a professor at Palmer Theological Seminary proposed: High taxes for the rich and tax breaks for the poor. More spending on public schools, especially in low-income areas. More government-sponsored programs and
- [Are Markets Just?](https://institutefc.org/are-markets-just/) - Are markets just? Answering this question requires examining three main features of the market economy: Institutions that provide for a system of well-defined and readily enforced property rights Voluntary exchange of that property The ability to associate freely with other people and organizations Today we’ll look at the issue of markets and justice by
- [5 Great Organizations That Helped the Poor in 2013](https://institutefc.org/5-great-organizations-that-helped-the-poor-in-2013/) - Do you want to see examples of ministries that are really good at helping others? As we celebrate the close of 2013 this week, we need look no further than WORLD News Group’s Hope Award for Effective Compassion. This contest recognizes and awards some of the best nonprofit Christian organizations of the year. The winner
- [IFWE’s Weekly Recap – 01.03.14](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-weekly-recap-01-03-14/) - In case you missed it - here are the top posts for the week. The Year in Freedom Greg Ayers To build a free, flourishing society, we believe that people need an economic environment that not only provides them the freedom to pursue their calling and flourish in their work, but also reflects the inherent
- [C.S. Lewis on Progress in Economics and Politics](https://institutefc.org/c-s-lewis-on-progress-in-economics-and-politics/) - Every day, we move forward toward a goal. But what if we are actually moving backward? In my last post, I talked about how C.S. Lewis viewed “progress” in general. While he was certainly not against progress, he warned against pursuing progress for its own sake. Instead, he said, we need to actively reevaluate whether
- [How to Best Help Young Workers](https://institutefc.org/how-to-best-help-young-workers/) - Let’s face it: recent college graduates are not inheriting the greatest economic situation, and it's taking a toll on their generation. So if we want to help young people out specifically, which economic policies should we pursue? A recent Rolling Stone article by Jesse Myerson entitled “The Five Economic Reforms Millennials Should Be Fighting for,”
- [Video: Is Individualism Good or Bad?](https://institutefc.org/video-is-individualism-good-or-bad/) - As Americans, individualism is just part of our culture. And with the advent of iPhones and iPads, we often rely more on our gadgets than on other people. What should Christians think about this? Is autonomy a good thing, or should we be more dependent? In an interview at Sovereign Hope Church, Hugh Whelchel argues
- [New Video: The Role of Freedom in Human Flourishing](https://institutefc.org/video/) - There is a way that leads a man to flourish. It is freedom. - "Freedom to Flourish" narrator IFWE has released a new video highlighting the sacred importance of all work, and pointing to the critical role freedom plays in each person truly flourishing in their work. Shot in Portland, Oregon and rural Colorado, "Freedom
- [How One Woman Overcame Homelessness](https://institutefc.org/how-one-woman-overcame-homelessness/) - Lisa Warren never expected to be homeless. But according to Orlando Sentinel columnist Beth Kassab, Warren lost her job as an elementary school teacher in 2012 and was unable to find work for nine months. As savings ran low, Warren and her six-year-old son, Niklas, were evicted from their apartment. Faced with the need for
- [Does the Bible Condemn Trade?](https://institutefc.org/does-the-bible-condemn-trade/) - Is trade good? How much does it reflect and shape our individual values? In Matthew 19:16, Jesus encounters a rich young ruler and gives him the following advice: Go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow me (Matthew 19:16). Is Jesus condemning
- [IFWE’s Midweek Memo – 01.07.14](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-midweek-memo-01-07-14/) - Offering you the latest news, analysis, and opinion on all things faith, work, and economics. Five Conservative Reforms Millennials Should Be Fighting For Washington Post Wonkblog A bit of a firestorm has been kicked up by Jesse Myerson's piece, "Five Economic Reforms Millennials Should Be Fighting For" in Rolling Stone. But when we at wonkblog
- [Johnson's War on Poverty Turns Fifty](https://institutefc.org/johnsons-war-on-poverty-turns-fifty/) - Today’s the fiftieth anniversary of the beginning of the War on Poverty. On January 8, 1964 in his Annual Message to Congress on the State of the Union, President Lyndon Johnson said, This administration today, here and now, declares unconditional war on poverty in America. I urge this Congress and all Americans to join with
- [Can Genesis Teach Us Anything about Economics?](https://institutefc.org/can-genesis-teach-us-anything-about-economics/) - The Bible is a book with a particular focus, and we must be careful when we extract other lessons from it. That said, there are many lessons and applications we can learn and should consider that I think we overlook, especially when it comes to economics. My attempt in this and future posts will be to
- [7 Poignant Films on Poverty](https://institutefc.org/7-poignant-films-on-poverty/) - The winners of the PovertyCure International Short Film Festival have been chosen. And all seven winning films are poignant calls to awareness about the causes of and solutions to poverty. The $10,000 grand prize winner, Eviction (shown above), depicts the devastation caused by Cambodia's eminent domain policies - and the difference that one individual can
- [Federal Debt - A Moral Issue?](https://institutefc.org/federal-debt-a-moral-issue/) - The federal debt is at an all-time high of seventeen trillion dollars. Is this morally questionable? Is it to be expected from a government that is seeking to care for its citizens? David P. Gushee, Gary Moore, and Amy E. Black each offer different perspectives on the government debt in Christianity Today. Black noted that
- [What Does Forbes' "30 under 30" List Say about Success?](https://institutefc.org/what-does-forbes-30-under-30-list-say-about-success/) - When you first start your career, it sometimes feels as if you will never get to the place where you can really make a difference. If that’s you, take a look at Forbes' "30 under 30" list. Featuring individuals (under the age of 30) who have made waves in industries ranging from finance to education
- [Jim Wallis on How to Win the War on Poverty](https://institutefc.org/jim-wallis-on-how-to-win-the-war-on-poverty/) - Yesterday on his personal blog, president of Sojourners and Obama’s spiritual advisor, Jim Wallis, discussed how he believes Americans can win the war on poverty: The only way to win the “war on poverty” is for liberals and conservatives to make peace — for the sake of the poor. […] Making peace means replacing ideologies
- [IFWE’s Weekly Recap – 01.10.14](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-weekly-recap-01-10-14/) - In case you missed it - check out the highlights of this week on the blog below: C.S. Lewis on Progress in Economics and Politics Art Lindsley Sometimes...we need to go back in order to go forward, turning the “clock back” or doing an about-turn on the wrong road in order to find the right
- [Working Together - In the Church and in the Market](https://institutefc.org/working-together-in-the-church-in-and-the-market/) - We usually don't object to trade or organization on a small scale. In fact, we see local operations like small businesses or farmers' markets as good things. But what about when we start signing contracts? What happens when people organize themselves into potentially large institutions and organizations? Should we be suspicious of these things? Are
- [The Falling Unemployment Rate Is Not Good News...](https://institutefc.org/the-falling-unemployment-rate-is-not-good-news/) - The US economy added 74,000 jobs in December and the unemployment rate fell from 7% to 6.7%. When I first saw the headline, I was pretty excited. But then I kept reading. That's because the number of jobs added last month was the lowest in three years. And according to Wall Street blogger Phil Izzo,
- [How One Nonprofit Reduces High School Dropout Rates](https://institutefc.org/how-one-nonprofit-reduces-highschool-dropout-rates/) - From likely high school dropouts to successful teenage entrepreneurs - these are the participants in BUILD, a four-year program that teaches high schoolers how to write business plans, create a product, and actually launch a business. According to Sophie Quinton at the National Journal, BUILD looks for ninth graders who enter high school with socioeconomic
- [How Effective Is Our Aid?](https://institutefc.org/how-effective-is-our-aid/) - Poverty is an extraordinary waste of human potential. The phrases used to describe creation – "let the water teem with living creatures," "let birds fly above the earth and the expanse of the sky," "be fruitful and increase in number," all suggest abundance, profusion, extravagance, even excess. At the end of every stage of creation,
- [Philanthropy Is More Than Just Giving](https://institutefc.org/philanthropy-is-more-than-just-giving/) - Amidst our many debates concerning how to best help the poor, it's easy to forget why we are helping in the first place. Of course, as Lord Brian Griffiths mentioned in his post today, the Bible tells us to care for the poor, and we should seek to do so wisely and effectively. But is
- [Anne Bradley Discusses Income Inequality Tonight](https://institutefc.org/anne-bradley-discusses-income-inequality-tonight/) - Should Christians be for or against income equality? Why is it an important issue? Listen to Anne Bradley, IFWE's vice president of economic initiatives, chat with Janet Parshall on Moody Radio about the realities of income inequality and how it impacts economic well-being tonight at 5:00 EST. You can access the broadcast here. Want to
- [What Is the Prosperity Gospel?](https://institutefc.org/what-is-the-prosperity-gospel/) - One error Christians can make in their understanding of money is to think wealth is inherently sinful, and creating and accruing wealth is contrary to God's plan. In fact, wealth creation and proper stewardship are consistent with human flourishing. A twin error to the disparagement of wealth is the idea that faithfulness to God necessarily
- [New Report: Is the US Losing Its Freedom to Flourish?](https://institutefc.org/new-report-is-the-us-losing-its-freedom-to-flourish/) - During its twenty-year history, the Heritage Foundation's annual Index of Economic Freedom has put the US in the top ten. Last year, the US slipped to ninth place. Heritage has just released its 2014 Index, and for the first time, the US has dropped out of the top ten. It is now number twelve, behind
- [Is Switchfoot a Christian Band?](https://institutefc.org/is-switchfoot-a-christian-band/) - The Grammy-award winning rock band Switchfoot released its latest album, Fading West, two days ago. But since every member of the band is a professing Christian, why doesn't Fading West mention Christianity in any of the songs? Are the band members missing an opportunity to obey Jesus’ command to be the “light of the world?”
- [Can You Achieve the American Dream in Your State?](https://institutefc.org/can-you-achieve-the-american-dream-in-your-state/) - If you started at the bottom, how likely are you to reach the top? A new study by the Equality of Opportunity Project mapped the chance of upward mobility across the United States. The study measures the impact of tax expenditures on intergenerational mobility. A quick glance at the map below shows a wide spread.
- [Video: How to Guarantee Poverty](https://institutefc.org/video-how-to-guarantee-poverty/) - Here's a new video from LearnLiberty that shows how both well-intentioned and not-so-well-intentioned ideas can guarantee poverty. Watch the video to find out how we can reduce poverty and further prosperity by avoiding these mistakes. Want to see more videos like this? Check out IFWE's new video that shows why the freedom to flourish is
- [The Morality of the National Debt](https://institutefc.org/the-morality-of-the-national-debt/) - Is the national debt immoral? This is the question on the minds of many Christians lately. Christianity Today recently asked three thought leaders - David Gushee, Gary Moore, and Dr. Amy Black - about their views on the national debt, and before posing the question the editors opined: When a country borrows this much in excess, it risks
- [Are DC's Minimum Wage Increases a Step Up?](https://institutefc.org/are-dcs-minimum-wage-increases-a-step-up/) - On Wednesday, the mayor of Washington, DC signed a minimum wage hike into law. This means that the minimum wage will rise in increments until it hits $11.50 in July of 2016, becoming one of the highest rates in the entire nation. It also means that young and unskilled workers who live and work in
- [IFWE’s Weekly Recap – 01.17.14](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-weekly-recap-01-17-14/) - In case you missed it - here are the highlights of this week's blog posts. Working Together - In the Church and in the Market R. Mark Isaac I believe that free markets fall within the realm of mundane institutions that have the potential to achieve much good. But like any realm of human activity,
- [What Is the Right Way to Carry out Enterprise?](https://institutefc.org/the-right-way-to-do-enterprise/) - If foreign aid is not necessarily the best approach to economic development because it muddles incentives and is ineffective, what are our alternatives? Can we help those trapped in poverty through enterprise? Are there any caveats to this approach? In my last post, I said that enterprise is the most effective solution to poverty because
- [What Martin Luther King Says about Persistence and Change](https://institutefc.org/what-martin-luther-king-says-about-persistence-and-change/) - Martin Luther King Day is an opportunity to celebrate the life of a man who worked tirelessly against racial segregation. It’s a time to remember how the persistence of determined individuals completely changed society. Martin Luther King’s era marked the beginning of another great struggle: the War on Poverty headed up by President Lyndon B.
- [New Op-Ed: What's Wrong with Inequality?](https://institutefc.org/op-ed-whats-wrong-with-inequality/) - Income inequality is a big issue these days. It's going to be one of the main topics of the president's State of the Union speech on January 28th. The president's attention to the issue reflects the entire country’s concern. A recent Pew Research Center poll shows that seventy-six percent of respondents believe that the income
- [Is the Prosperity Gospel Biblically Sound?](https://institutefc.org/is-the-prosperity-gospel-biblically-sound/) - In their book, When Helping Hurts, Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert write, At its core, the health-and-wealth gospel teaches that God rewards increasing levels of faith with greater amounts of wealth. When stated this way, the health-and-wealth gospel is easy to reject on a host of biblical grounds. Here are three counterexamples to the idea
- [Should the Workforce Fear Innovation?](https://institutefc.org/should-the-workforce-fear-innovation/) - What does innovation mean for the workforce? On one hand, innovation makes everyone’s lives better, creating new jobs and putting new products on the market. Improvements in medicine, transportation, and communication have made the impossible possible and have created whole new sectors of jobs. Economist John Maynard Keynes predicted this increase in the quality of
- [How One Family Does Ministry through Business](https://institutefc.org/how-one-family-does-ministry-through-business/) - According to the Cardone family, business is ministry. CARDONE Industries has become one of the largest automotive parts remanufacturers in the world. According to Michael Cardone, Sr., the work that his company does... ...enables people to keep their cars longer, it helps them reduce the cost of their repairs of their vehicle, and it makes
- [I'm Teaching My Son to Be a Quitter](https://institutefc.org/im-teaching-my-son-to-be-a-quitter/) - Parenting is full of teachable moments. I’m finding that’s true both for the parent and the child. My son came home the other day and exclaimed, “Mommy, you know what word we never say?!” I always cringe a little before responding with “What, honey?” (You never know what’s going to follow). But this time I
- [Five Things Christians Need to Know about Income Inequality, and What You Can Do about It](https://institutefc.org/five-things-christians-need-to-know-about-income-inequality/) - Income inequality is once again at the forefront of conversation for many people. As Jay Richards and Elise Amyx wrote on Monday, the subject is receiving renewed emphasis in the president’s upcoming State of the Union address. Bringing about flourishing through good stewardship requires discerning the biblical principles that will lead us to understand whether
- [What the March for Life Can Teach Us about People](https://institutefc.org/what-the-march-for-life-can-teach-us-about-people/) - Snow and piercing cold meant that yesterday wasn’t a pleasant day to be out in D.C. But it didn’t stop the thousands who descended on the national mall for the annual March for Life on the anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court decision to legalize abortion in Roe v. Wade. Whether or not you agree
- [Video: Bill Gates on the Minimum Wage](https://institutefc.org/video-bill-gates-on-the-minimum-wage/) - When Bill Gates appeared on MSNBC on Tuesday morning, he shocked many viewers with his comments about raising the minimum wage. When asked whether raising the minimum wage was a good idea, Gates responded, “Well, jobs are a great thing. So you have to be a bit careful: If you raise the minimum wage, you’re
- [What Foreigners Think about America on Government, Economics, and Religion](https://institutefc.org/what-foreigners-think-about-american-on-government-economics-and-religion/) - American image abroad is a topic we seem to be obsessed with as a nation. What do other countries think of us? Do they think we are greedy, wasteful, or individualistic? Even though outside perception isn’t everything, and some opinions should be taken with a grain of salt, foreign insight can help us recognize areas
- [Calvin Coolidge on Government and Business](https://institutefc.org/calvin-coolidge-on-government-and-business/) - Commonly known as the “Roaring 20s,” the 1920s still fascinates us today. We remember this decade for invention and innovation, rapid economic growth, and glamor. But there was a dark side to all of this. Corruption in business and politics as well as rampant consumerism and borrowing were factors which led to an eventual economic
- [IFWE's Weekly Recap - 01.24.14](https://institutefc.org/ifwes-weekly-recap-01-24-14/) - Here are this week's highlights of the blog. What is the Right Way to Carry out Enterprise? Lord Brian Griffiths and Dato Dr. Kim Tan I claim that to end poverty, we need to create jobs in the small-medium enterprise sector and transition the poor from the informal into the formal economy. Is the Prosperity
- [A Sustainable Solution to Poverty](https://institutefc.org/a-sustainable-solution-to-poverty/) - What’s the best way to help the poor without trapping individuals in a cycle of dependency? It’s not aid. Not philanthropy. Not even straightforward commercial activity. Previous posts have shown how all of these solutions have unintended consequences that can actually harm the most vulnerable in society. So, do we have any options left? It turns out
- [In the Church, Business Leaders Write Themselves Off](https://institutefc.org/in-the-church-business-leaders-write-themselves-off/) - Business leaders often feel inadequate for church leadership according to Sutton Turner, executive pastor at Mars Hill Church. In his latest Resurgence article, "Jesus Wants Business Leaders," he says there are at least three reasons why so many business-minded individuals write themselves off in the church: Nobody ever asks them to lead in the area
- [The Importance of Rejecting the Prosperity Gospel](https://institutefc.org/the-importance-of-rejecting-the-prosperity-gospel/) - A 2006 Pew Forum poll of self-identified US Christians* revealed that forty-six percent of respondents agreed with the following statement: God will grant material prosperity to all believers who have enough faith. Amazingly, this is tied for the eighth lowest of ten countries involved in the survey. Only Chile had fewer positive responses than the
- [The HHS Mandate Undermines Our Work](https://institutefc.org/the-hhs-mandate-undermines-our-work/) - Many Americans have objected to the HHS mandate as an unconstitutional threat to religious freedom that denies many Christians’ right of conscience. But according to IFWE Distinguished Fellow Jay Richards, it denies another important theological point: the fact that all work – not just ministry – is sacred. Richards explains, The HHS mandate boils down
- [Can the Minimum Wage Close the Opportunity Gap?](https://institutefc.org/can-the-minimum-wage-close-the-opportunity-gap/) - In his State of the Union Address, President Obama spoke about using an executive order to increase the minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $10.10 per hour for federal contractors. This is in an effort to close what he calls the “opportunity gap” for lower-skilled laborers. This executive order begs the larger question: Would
- [Blue-Collar vs. White-Collar: Which Is More Important?](https://institutefc.org/blue-collar-vs-white-collar-which-is-more-important/) - Are you a blue-collar worker who believes your work is less important than white-collar work? If so, you are far from alone. This way of thinking is pervasive in American society, according to my colleague Kristie Eshelman, …our society still thinks in these terms: some work is respectable, important, and prestigious while other jobs are
- [IFWE Co-Signs Supreme Court Brief for Hobby Lobby Case](https://institutefc.org/ifwe-co-signs-supreme-court-brief-for-hobby-lobby-case/) - Contrary to popular conversation, the upcoming Supreme Court case on the HHS mandate is not just about contraception. Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby has much larger implications for Christians in the workplace. This case is really about the sanctity of work and the fallacy of the sacred and secular divide. This past Tuesday, the Institute for
- [Christians, Couch-Surfing, and Cronyism](https://institutefc.org/christians-couch-surfing-and-cronyism/) - Over 8 million people live in New York City. It is the most densely populated city in the US, with over 27,000 people per square mile. With an exceedingly high demand for limited living space in the city, it is no surprise that the cost of living in New York City is astronomical. There has
- [How to Find Eternal Meaning in Your Work](https://institutefc.org/how-to-find-eternal-meaning-in-your-work/) - Have you ever been working hard and wondered, “Why am I doing this? No one’s going to remember me or this project, so what’s the point?” Stephen Miller makes the point in a Gospel Coalition article that we are all going to die and be forgotten. No matter how hard we work today, it’s certainly
- [Why Religious Freedom Matters for Our Work](https://institutefc.org/why-religious-freedom-matters-for-our-work/) - For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” - Galatians 5:13-14 (ESV) There is a great scene in the movie Braveheart were
- [An Economic Lesson from the Sermon on the Mount](https://institutefc.org/economic-lesson-sermon-on-the-mount/) - Matthew is a book written for first-century Jewish Christians. It is full of important lessons and facts about Jesus’ life and ministry, and like all the gospels, is primarily focused on individuals and personal behavior as opposed to the Old Testament which deals more with the conditions of the nations. Matthew records the most famous
- [Book Review: The Soul of Atlas](https://institutefc.org/book-review-the-soul-of-atlas/) - Every good author writes with a target audience in mind, but it is rare to find a book aimed simultaneously at strictly rationalist adherents to Ayn Rand’s political philosophy and also at believers in the Christian faith. Nevertheless, in The Soul of Atlas, Mark David Henderson has successfully authored a book that should be intellectually
- [Why Extreme Poverty Will Not Always Be with Us](https://institutefc.org/why-extreme-poverty-will-not-always-be-with-us/) - The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation released its 2014 Annual Report last week. In it, Bill and Melinda Gates outline and challenge three myths about global poverty. The first myth is that poor countries are doomed to stay poor. Bill Gates challenges this myth by stating that extreme poverty is on the decline unlike any
- [How Violence Perpetuates Poverty](https://institutefc.org/how-violence-perpetuates-poverty/) - “Who’s looking after the poor when the machete is coming after them?” Gary Haugen, President and CEO of International Justice Mission (IJM), asked this question in a live webcast put on by Q Ideas to talk about his new book, The Locust Effect: Why the End of Poverty Requires the End of Violence. Haugen asserts
- [Is Foreign Aid a Big Waste?](https://institutefc.org/is-foreign-aid-a-big-waste/) - In his recent Gates Foundation’s annual letter Bill Gates makes the shocking prediction that, “By 2035, there will be almost no poor countries left in the world.” What is shocking is that the news media has done little if no reporting on the fact that over the last 25 years, hundreds of millions of people
- [The Truth About Missionaries](https://institutefc.org/the-truth-about-missionaries/) - Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And
- [What the Bible Says about Property](https://institutefc.org/what-the-bible-says-about-property/) - Why have societies like the Soviet Union or present-day Zimbabwe led to so much human suffering? One foundational reason for the collapse of so many of these countries has been the lack of respect for private property in all forms. Can you imagine living in a world where, if you were too successful, someone came
- [Glorifying God in Sochi](https://institutefc.org/glorifying-god-in-sochi/) - We know that all work is sacred, a way of worshiping God by cultivating and restoring his creation. But when we think of vocation and calling, we often don't think about training for the Olympics. As the world watches the Olympic Games for the next two weeks, Team USA will include several athletes who compete
- [Does Saving Lives Lead to Overpopulation?](https://institutefc.org/saving-lives-overpopulation/) - Have you ever heard that our well-being is threatened by overpopulation? That we must choose between the planet and the people? It’s a myth that has been around a long time, at least as long as 1798 when Thomas Malthus wrote An Essay on the Principle of Population, which theorized that the population would soon
- [Five Thoughts about Success](https://institutefc.org/five-thoughts-about-success/) - If you are like me, your parents might have told you as a child, “You can be anything you want to be,” or “You can be the best in the world.” Now that I’m an adult, the American Dream is more than just securing a stable future for myself. It’s about becoming an influential person
- [Ayn Rand and Christianity: An Interview with Mark David Henderson](https://institutefc.org/ayn-rand-and-christianity-an-interview-with-mark-david-henderson/) - Mark David Henderson is the author of Soul of Atlas: Ayn Rand, Christianity, and a Quest for Common Ground, a review of which can be found here. Having grown up with a Christian father and atheist stepfather who adhered to Objectivism, the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Henderson is passionate about reconciling the differences and concentrating
- [Ashton Kutcher, Uber, and the "Mafioso" Mentality](https://institutefc.org/ashton-kutcher-uber-and-the-mafioso-mentality/) - Usually, I wouldn’t say you can learn much about economics from celebrities. But last week, Ashton Kutcher was the exception when he appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live. When Kimmel asks Kutcher about his current business investments, like Uber and Airbnb, Kutcher brings up the harmful effect of regulation and cronyism. Lamenting about the difficulties city
- [How Cronyism Impacts the Way You Light Your House](https://institutefc.org/how-cronyism-impacts-the-way-you-light-your-house/) - Which is more important to you, the environment or your family’s health? Is it more vital for a company to strive to lower costs for consumers or increase efficiency of their product? Are aesthetics or price more crucial to you when purchasing a product? Many of you will probably answer these questions in unique
- [Why Private Property Rights Help the Poor](https://institutefc.org/why-private-property-rights-help-the-poor/) - In his groundbreaking book, The Mystery of Capital: Why Capitalism Triumphs in the West and Fails Everywhere Else, Peruvian economist Hernando de Soto says that private property rights are crucial to eradicating poverty. This is consistent with my previous post in which I argued that private property is biblical and necessary to human flourishing. But
- [What George Washington and Abraham Lincoln Thought about Work](https://institutefc.org/what-george-washington-and-abraham-lincoln-thought-about-work/) - On President’s Day, we remember the lives of two great men - George Washington and Abraham Lincoln - and how these individuals served our country. But though they are best remembered for what they did as the presidents of the United States, did you know that they were also both known for their work ethic
- [What Is Stewardship - Really?](https://institutefc.org/what-is-stewardship-really/) - God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning - the sixth day. - Genesis 1:31 Many Christians in the church today view stewardship only as giving money to the church. Even those who understand stewardship as the godly management of their time, talent,
- [Fixing Foster Care in America](https://institutefc.org/fixing-foster-care-in-america/) - Today, the poor seem to have less of a chance to climb the socioeconomic ladder than ever in America. One group that is especially vulnerable to this trend is the 400,000 children in foster care in America. But unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like we’re doing much to help them. My colleague, Kristie Eshelman, attended an
- [New Study: How the Church Can Guide the Workforce](https://institutefc.org/new-study-how-the-church-can-guide-the-workforce/) - Is there room for the church to give more vocational guidance as Christians enter and navigate the workforce? The answer is yes, according to a recent Barna Group study that came out this month. The study noted that, Only 40% of practicing Christians say they have a clear sense of God's calling on their lives.
- [Your Work and the Call to Community](https://institutefc.org/your-work-and-the-call-to-community/) - In a recent Relevant article, Curt Devine sums up a dilemma that many Christians - especially young professionals - face: We often sacrifice depth in friendships, closeness to family members and commitments to local organizations and churches for the sake of adding lines to our resumes. Sometimes this takes the form of moving to new
- [Video: Organic Farmer Joel Salatin on Stewardship](https://institutefc.org/video-organic-farmer-joel-salatin-on-stewardship/) - Joel Salatin is a "beyond organic" farmer in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. He sat down with IFWE for a video interview to talk about the biblical view of stewardship and how this translates into his work at Polyface Farms. Stewardship in Work To Salatin, stewardship is the Christian calling to create abundance in our
- [Video: Mike Rowe on Wealth Envy](https://institutefc.org/video-mike-rowe-on-wealth-envy/) - Mike Rowe, the former host of Dirty Jobs, recently dismissed worries over income inequality on CNN. In an interview with Erin Burnett, he said, The idea that everybody who’s poor, and everybody who’s in the middle, and everybody who’s wealthy stays there their whole life — that I don’t believe. I think there’s a lot
- [What Perfect Shalom Looks Like](https://institutefc.org/what-perfect-shalom-looks-like/) - You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for you have created all things, and for your pleasure they are and were created." - Revelation 4:11, KJV Do you want to lead a personally fulfilling and spiritually significant life? To be able to do so, we need to know why we
- [Property Rights in Uganda](https://institutefc.org/property-rights-in-uganda/) - How do well-enforced property rights affect the poor? In a video produced by the International Justice Mission, one Ugandan woman explains, In this part of the country, land is life. Good dreams are about your land. You find a person standing at the top of a hill and just surveying their land and this is
- [Why Income Inequality Has Little to Do with Poverty](https://institutefc.org/why-income-inequality-has-little-to-do-with-poverty/) - Next month the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics is launching its first edited volume, For the Least of These: A Biblical Answer to Poverty. I author a chapter on income inequality, and the first thing to know is that income inequality doesn’t have much to do with poverty (as I'll explain). So why would
- [Why Understanding Economics Means Understanding People](https://institutefc.org/understanding-economics-people/) - What comes to your mind when you think of economics? Do you think of charts, graphs, and mathematical models, or general principles of human behavior? Can our understanding of the Bible inform our economic thinking? How we answer these questions can tell us how the discipline of economics can help us: whether we can use
- [Review: The Lego Movie](https://institutefc.org/review-the-lego-movie/) - I am a fully grown man and I’m not ashamed to admit I went to see The Lego Movie with two other fully independent adults. And we had a great time. Initially drawn in by the jokes and the creative animation, I was pleasantly surprised by what I took to be a biblical narrative: we
- [When Income Inequality Is - and Isn't - a Problem](https://institutefc.org/when-income-inequality-is-and-isnt-a-problem/) - As I mentioned in a previous post, income inequality per se is not a harbinger of poverty. But why? Economist David Henderson explains it this way: How does an increase in inequality mean that income was shifted from poor to rich? It doesn't. An increase in inequality tells us nothing about income shifts. You could
- [A Biblical View of Productivity](https://institutefc.org/a-biblical-view-of-productivity/) - Many years ago I heard a quote attributed to Thomas Edison: If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves. I have been haunted by quotes like this all my life. On the first page of What's Best Next: How the Gospel Transforms the Way You Get Things Done,
- [Envy on the Upswing in America](https://institutefc.org/envy-on-the-upswing-in-america/) - Is envy is on the upswing in America? Echoing what Mike Rowe said recently about wealth envy, American Enterprise Institute President Arthur Brooks pushes further to say wealth envy is on the upswing in America. In a New York Times article, he says, Unfortunately, in the wake of the Great Recession, such a shift may
- [Unconventional Ways to Fight Poverty](https://institutefc.org/unconventional-ways-to-fight-poverty/) - Should you sponsor a child? Donate your old clothes? Get involved with activism? Or go on a church service trip? With all of the options to get involved in the fight against poverty, sometimes it’s hard to know what’s best to do, let alone know whether or not what you’re doing is actually helping. But
- [Can Christians Flourish While They Suffer?](https://institutefc.org/can-christians-flourish-while-they-suffer/) - Are the notions of suffering and Christian flourishing incompatible? Can a Christian flourish while they suffer? These are difficult questions needing to be answered if we are to have a truly robust understanding of biblical flourishing. Christian flourishing stands apart from all other versions in that it provides not only a vision, but also the
- [From the Garden of Eden to a City: The Journey from Global Poverty to Human Flourishing](https://institutefc.org/journey-from-global-poverty-human-flourishing/) - I live in Washington D.C., and I love the excitement and conveniences of living in a big city. But one of my favorite things to do on the weekends is escape to go camping in the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia. There’s a peace in the wild that you can’t find amidst all the concrete. Joni
- [How Americans Spend Their Time and What It Means for Whole-Life Stewardship](https://institutefc.org/how-americans-spend-their-time-and-what-it-means-for-whole-life-stewardship/) - The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its American Time Use Survey on Wednesday. It's fascinating to read through how people spend their time. In a sense, the survey provides a snapshot of how people are living (or not living) out God's command to be fruitful and multiply and develop the world. Joe Carter, a senior editor
- [Love at Work - Is That Allowed?](https://institutefc.org/love-at-work/) - Many of us would jokingly dismiss the idea of love at work as something silly or inappropriate. I can imagine someone chuckling awkwardly at the concept and sheepishly returning to his cubicle. Some of us might dismiss the idea on more serious grounds. What does love have to do with productivity? Love is too ill-defined
- [What to Do When Jesus Christ Feels absent from Your Work](https://institutefc.org/what-to-do-when-jesus-christ-feels-absent-from-your-work/) - Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. -
- [Why Eliminating Poverty Requires Economic Development](https://institutefc.org/why-eliminating-poverty-requires-economic-development/) - In a recent interview with Christianity Today, development economist and New York University professor William Easterly talks about the theme of his most recent book, The Tyranny of Experts. The title of the interview is “Poverty is a Moral Problem,” and discusses how the aid approach of wealthy countries to poor countries has been, and largely continues
- [The Surprising Link between Church Attendance and Job Satisfaction](https://institutefc.org/surprising-link-church-attendance-job-satisfaction/) - A high level of involvement in your church can help you have higher job satisfaction and commitment. That's what Baylor University sociologists discovered in a recently published study. Describing the results in the ABP News/Herald, Terry Goodrich writes, A congregation’s beliefs about work attitudes and practices affect a churchgoer’s job satisfaction — but how much
- [How You Can Practice Patience at Work](https://institutefc.org/how-you-can-practice-patience-at-work/) - We face delays every day in the working world. The internet connection goes down just as the web meeting is about to start. The copier breaks just as it’s printing handouts for that big presentation. Delays force us to wait, and we don’t like waiting. When we are forced to wait, we are reminded that
- [Hobby Lobby: A Victory for Religious Freedom and the Christian View of Work](https://institutefc.org/hobby-lobby-religious-freedom-supreme-court/) - The Institute for Faith, Work & Economics (IFWE) commends the Supreme Court’s decision in Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. for honoring religious freedom and the Christian view of work. It indicates the Court's intention to preserve religious rights, at least for now. As I have written in previous blogs, we in the United States
- [You Can Still Serve God in Retirement](https://institutefc.org/serve-god-in-retirement/) - Retirement is generally recognized as a part of the American Dream. We grow up, we work, we retire, and we die. It’s just another part of the rhythm of life. But is the hope of an easy life of retirement something Christians should cling to? The model that the culture seems to point toward for
- [Why Entrepreneurship Is Essential for Economic Development](https://institutefc.org/entrepreneurship-and-economic-development/) - Since our banishment from the Garden of Eden, man has faced a central cultural dilemma: how do we fulfill God’s creation mandate in a world of aggravated scarcity without either starving to death or killing one another? This is not at all a moot point. Whether they know it or not, different societies seek to
- [The Reason We Celebrate Freedom, Flourishing, and the Fourth of July](https://institutefc.org/freedom-flourishing-fourth-of-july/) - As we celebrate the Fourth of July, we reflect on what it means to, in fact, celebrate. According to Webster’s Dictionary (1828 ed.), a celebration incorporates, among other nuances, a setting apart by marks of joy or respect of an event or distinction worth honoring. The Fourth of July is a celebration of the American
- [Is Your Office Too Cutthroat for Kindness?](https://institutefc.org/is-your-office-too-cutthroat-for-kindness/) - The office can sometimes feel too cutthroat for kindness. But it doesn't have to be that way. Welcome back to our blog series on love at work. We’ve been taking a look at the Apostle Paul’s description of love in I Corinthians 13:4-7 and applying it to the workplace. I Corinthians 13:4 says love is
- [These Five Points Will Broaden Your Definition of "Faith and Work"](https://institutefc.org/five-points-on-definition-of-faith-and-work/) - There is a significant need to recover a biblical theology of work in our time. In the past there has been a failure of the evangelical church to address a theology of work. William Diehl says in his book Christianity and Real Life: I am now a sales manager for a major steel company. In
- [The Idol Factory You Didn't Know You Had: Discerning Idolatry at Work](https://institutefc.org/idols-at-work/) - The human heart is an idol factory. - Tim Keller You've heard the sermons before, the ones detailing the idols of our culture - money, sex, fame, power. But idolatry can easily seem like a distant, abstract reality - something that takes place in Hollywood or Wall Street or Washington, or in the ads and
- [Making A Profit: An Unexpected Way to Help Others](https://institutefc.org/making-a-profit-an-unexpected-way-to-help-others/) - Most high school boys don’t get sent to detention for their computer coding skills. At least, that’s not the crowd I picture filling the principal’s office on a given afternoon. Breakfast Club-esque images of nonchalant, yet slightly edgy, teens bonding over punishment for minor misdemeanors come to mind first, not tech-savvy, budding entrepreneurs. But, in
- [The Little Green Monster in Your Workplace](https://institutefc.org/the-little-green-monster-in-your-workplace/) - It’s a monster all right, but envy is not a benign little cartoon character. It’s a terrible beast that can eat us alive. A couple years ago, Harvard Business Review published the article Envy at Work by Tanya Menon and Leigh Thompson. The authors tell the story of Marty and Scott, two employees at an
- [Millennials Don't Want Any More "Christian" Movies](https://institutefc.org/millennials-and-christian-movies/) - On Wednesday, Twentieth Century Fox released the first trailer for Ridley Scott’s upcoming film Exodus: Gods and Kings, starring Christian Bale as Moses. Exodus will join other biblically-inspired movies released in 2014, such as Son of God, Noah, Heaven is For Real, and God’s Not Dead. Some are calling 2014 the “year of the Bible”
- [Fostering Sustainable Economic Development for the Poor](https://institutefc.org/fostering-sustainable-economic-development-for-the-poor/) - While much progress has been made toward poverty alleviation, many well-intentioned efforts have led Christians to actions that are not only ineffective, but leave the most vulnerable in a worse situation than before. Is there a better answer? That's the question panelists aimed to answer during a special panel discussion of IFWE's recently released book, For
- [An Uncommon Company for the Common Good](https://institutefc.org/uncommon-company-common-good/) - The Good-Works Company is an uncommon company working for the common good. Their goal is "alleviating poverty, restoring human dignity, and creating flourishing communities through good work," according to their website. They've been working through subsidiary companies, such as Bonton Wood-Works and Bonton Farm-Works, to combat poverty and unemployment in South Dallas. They want to fight poverty by running
- [How Do You Handle Failure at Work?](https://institutefc.org/how-do-you-handle-failure-at-work/) - 4 million. That's how many people lost their job in 2009, in the midst of the Great Recession. David Murray, reflecting on these events of 2009 in an article entitled "Failure: The Last Taboo?" wrote, And yet most of these 4 million had to endure a deep sense of personal failure, which affected not just
- [Why Did Jesus Use the Language of Vocation & Economics in His Teaching?](https://institutefc.org/jesus-vocation-economics/) - A recent article by Klaus Issler in the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society highlights the pervasive presence of the topic of work in Jesus’ parables. The collection of charts and statistics make it clear that, while not the main substance of Christ’s teaching, work was never far from Jesus’ understanding of the human condition.
- [Have You Mastered the Art of Boasting at Work?](https://institutefc.org/boasting-at-work/) - Harris Wittle is a writer for the show Parks and Recreation. In 2010, he created a Twitter handle called @Humblebrag that retweets subtly-worded boasts people post on Twitter. His Twitter experiment has grown into a hashtag phenomenon. Here are some examples: Went to the most beautiful & personal wedding last night (despite helicopters and annoying
- [Twenty-Somethings Are Embracing a Christian View of Vocation, but Not Because of the Church](https://institutefc.org/millennials-vocation-and-church/) - Twenty-somethings in the workplace. Most reactions to this picture probably aren’t positive (see the Millennials in the Workplace Training Video to learn more about why). So you might be surprised to learn that twenty-somethings are actually embracing a Christian theology of work. Barna Group’s recent FRAME called 20 and something unpacks the complex culture of the
- [Choose Your Own Adventure: Helpful Tips for Navigating Your Future](https://institutefc.org/choose-your-own-adventure-tips/) - Recently, Barna Group has published as series of Frames, short booklets designed to address succinctly and poignantly some of the top issues facing those in their twenties and thirties. In Multi-Careering: Do Work That Matters at Every Stage of Your Journey, research reveals that finding meaningful work is a very high priority to recent graduates.
- [Need Some Summer Reading? Check Out These Five New Faith, Work & Econ Reads](https://institutefc.org/new-faith-work-econ-reads/) - A lot of rich, thoughtful books on faith, work, and economics have been published this year. Here's five you'll want to add to your summer reading list. Visions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good Steve Garber Visions of Vocation is full of deep reflections on two central questions: How can we know the world
- [Arrogance at Work Is Serious Business](https://institutefc.org/arrogance-at-work-is-serious-business/) - We love arrogant sitcom characters. Every TV generation has them. There is Sheldon on the Big Bang Theory. Before Sheldon, there was Dwight on The Office, Niles on Frasier and his brother Frasier on Cheers. Those with a little gray hair might remember Charles Emerson Winchester III on M.A.S.H. In an episode of the Big
- [Cronyism Impacts More than Inequality - It Affects Your Relationships, Too](https://institutefc.org/cronyism-and-income-inequality/) - [He] shows no partiality to princes/Nor regards the rich more than the poor/For they are all the work of his hands[.] - Job 34:19 As described in Job 34:19, God created each of us in his own image with unique gifts and talents. In the past few months, we have often discussed income inequality and
- [Meet the Generation Bringing Back Entrepreneurship in America](https://institutefc.org/the-entrepreneurial-generation/) - Entrepreneurship has been in a slow decline over the past thirty years in America, according to a recent study by the Brookings Institution. Today, more businesses are failing than being created, as this graph shows. But Millennials may be the generation to change this decline. The National Journal reports that in 2011, 29% of all
- [Feeling Exhausted All the Time? Here's How the Sabbath Can Rejuvenate You](https://institutefc.org/the-sabbath-and-your-work/) - The way we’re working isn’t working....you’re probably not very excited to get to the office in the morning, you don’t feel much appreciated while you’re there, you find it difficult to get your most important work accomplished amid all the distractions, and you don’t believe that what you’re doing makes much of a difference anyway.
- [Redeeming Power at Work](https://institutefc.org/redeeming-power-at-work/) - Work in any organization long enough, and you might see a familiar scene: the workaround. Someone in the organization wants their way, so they play office politics to get it. They size up colleagues as either allies or enemies, and go about pitting these "teams" against each other. Eventually that person gets what they want,
- [Why Is Common Courtesy Increasingly Uncommon at Work?](https://institutefc.org/rudeness-on-the-rise/) - Common courtesy is increasingly uncommon. In a 2011 survey, researchers Christine Porath and Christine Pearson found that 50% of workers experienced rudeness or incivility at least once per week in the workplace. That’s up from 25% in 1998. Not surprisingly, they also found that rudeness comes at a cost that can be measured at the
- [Discover the Key to Finding Significance in Your Work](https://institutefc.org/finding-significance-at-work/) - Have you ever felt that your best wasn’t good enough? Maybe it was something a boss or coworker said or did not say about your performance. Last week we looked at a recent article in the New York Times suggesting that employees are vastly more satisfied and productive when four key needs are met. The authors
- [Three Reasons Private Property Is Essential for Human Flourishing](https://institutefc.org/private-property-and-human-flourishing/) - In his Elements of Moral Science, published in 1835, Baptist minister and college president Francis Wayland cogently identified the positive link between private property and human flourishing. He describes it in elegant prose: Just in proportion as the right of property is held inviolate, just in that proportion civilization advances, and the comforts and conveniences
- [Changing the World Might Actually Be Pretty Boring](https://institutefc.org/changing-the-world-is-boring/) - Young people today don’t just want to change the world, but they firmly believe they can. One study shows the 74% of Millennial leaders believe they will make a global difference. Relevant magazine recently published "How to Change the World: Advice from Seven Leaders" in their July/August print issue. They interviewed leaders making a difference in
- [Here's How the Faith and Work Message Can Help Close the Unemployment Gap](https://institutefc.org/closing-the-job-gap/) - Last Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released unemployment statistics for July. Those who were looking for marked growth will be disappointed. In a nutshell: The unemployment rate remains above 6%. 9 million Americans continue to look for work but are unable to find it. The average amount of time spent unemployed has increased from 19.8
- [Do You Need Hope to Face Your Workday? Remember the Resurrection](https://institutefc.org/the-resurrection-and-your-work/) - In Dante’s poem Inferno, a sign was posted on the gates of Hell that read: Abandon all hope, ye who enter here! Today many would suggest that the same sign should hang above the entrance to their workplaces. It's clear that we need hope, and sometimes we need it while at work. This engages a "mental" need
- [What to Do When Decisions at Work Don't Go Your Way](https://institutefc.org/humility-at-work/) - Captain James T. Kirk likes to get his way. In the 2009 movie reboot of Star Trek, while a cadet at Starfleet Academy, Kirk has to take a war games simulation called the Kobayashi Maru. He fails on his first attempt. The ship is destroyed and the crew is killed. Kirk passes the test the second
- [The Challenge of Conscience and Compromise in the Workplace](https://institutefc.org/conscience-and-compromise-in-the-workplace/) - Christians in the workplace often face difficult issues relating to the tension between faith and the public square. We don't leave our beliefs outside when we enter the workplace, and most of us work alongside non-believers on a regular basis. But what happens when those in authority over you require you to do something in
- [Seizing Both the Extraordinary and the Mundane in Our Callings](https://institutefc.org/seize-the-day/) - Carpe, carpe diem, seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary. This is one of my favorite moments from Dead Poets Society, a favorite movie of mine. Robin Williams’s character, John Keating, uses the art of poetry to call a classroom of privileged, sheltered boys out of the rigid paths on which they have been set,
- [Four Ways Christians Can Transform Behavior in the Online Marketplace](https://institutefc.org/trolling-and-christian-communication/) - A conversation is growing around how we interact with each other online. One of the biggest areas being discussed is that of online reviews and how we communicate our opinions on review sites like Yelp. As Christians called to be holy in all areas of life, including the marketplace, how do we communicate in a
- [Are You Connected to a Higher Purpose at Work?](https://institutefc.org/connecting-to-a-higher-purpose/) - "The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for," writes Fyodor Dostoyevsky in The Brothers Karamazov. A recent New York Times article entitled Why You Hate Work echoes this idea, suggesting employers should be more concerned with four core needs of their employees. The authors argue that the
- [The Challenge of the Christian Curmudgeon](https://institutefc.org/the-challenge-of-the-christian-curmudgeon/) - Oscar the Grouch is possibly the most famous curmudgeon in the world. He is a bitter, grumpy, complaining trash can dweller. He gripes about everything that doesn’t suit him. In the Sesame Street movie Follow That Bird, Oscar introduces us to "The Grouch Anthem." Part of the song goes like this: Grouches of the world
- [Review: Entrepreneurship for Human Flourishing](https://institutefc.org/review-entrepreneurship-for-human-flourishing/) - If you walked into a room full of leaders passionate about fighting global poverty and injustice, would you expect to meet a metal manufacturer, a commercial banker, a homebuilder, or a tax accountant? Peter Greer and Chris Horst think you should. But despite attending and speaking on behalf of HOPE International at dozens of faith, poverty,
- [Overcoming Insecurity for the Sake of Your Vocation](https://institutefc.org/overcoming-the-idol-of-insecurity/) - The idols of power, success, and confidence in one's abilities are familiar in the workplace. What about insecurity, the flip-side to these idols? It's strange to think of someone treating their anxieties as idols. People don't consciously worship their lack of confidence. So how is insecurity and idol? More importantly, how does insecurity impact our
- [Twenty-One Words That Describe Christian Leadership](https://institutefc.org/twenty-one-words-describing-christian-leadership/) - Editor's note: Today we introduce Glenn Brooke, a new contributor to the IFWE blog. He is an author, scientist, and entrepreneur specializing in leadership development. He will be posting periodically about leadership from a Christian perspective. There may be no better summary of the characteristics of leaders than this, from the final instructions Paul gives
- [Are You a Slave to Your Passions?](https://institutefc.org/how-your-passions-impact-your-faith-and-work/) - For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. - Galatians 5:1 We are passionate people. God created us that way. God has created each of us for a unique purpose. He has equipped us with distinctive passions, temperaments, abilities, experiences, spiritual gifts, education,
- [Forgiveness at Work is Difficult. It's Also an Opportunity.](https://institutefc.org/forgiving-workplace-offenses/) - Last month, the world lost a remarkable man, Louis Zamperini. He was ninety-seven. Zamperini was on the track team at the University of Southern California and ran in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Near the beginning of World War II, he joined the U.S. Army Air Forces and was sent to the Pacific theater. In
- [How Faith, Work, and Economics Transformed Milwaukee](https://institutefc.org/how-faith-work-economics-transformed-milwaukee/) - When the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation of Milwaukee approached the Center for Neighborhood Enterprises (CNE) in 1995, they presented Robert L. Woodson, Sr. with a dilemma. At the time, Milwaukee was marked by gang violence and community division. The Bradley Foundation searched in these broken neighborhoods for individuals with the potential to help dissipate the
- [Are Churches Being Crowded out of Poverty Alleviation Efforts?](https://institutefc.org/is-the-church-being-crowded-out/) - When the worst happens, where do you turn for help? Most of us have found ourselves in unforeseen circumstances, and we can each attest to the sense of relief that comes when our needs are met with sensitivity and grace. In a 1979 study, Drs. Don and Rachael Warren evaluated seven institutions of poverty alleviation,
- [Are You a Thaddeus-Type of Leader?](https://institutefc.org/leading-like-thaddeus/) - Richard Foster points out in Celebration of Discipline that our flesh whines against serving others, but it screams against hidden service. We crave credit, recognition, and fame. The larger-than-ordinary, flamboyant, “brilliant” leaders of fast-growth businesses, large companies, big churches, and trendy charity groups are practically worshiped in books and blogs. Little is written in Fortune
- [Seven Reasons to Celebrate Work on Labor Day](https://institutefc.org/seven-reasons-to-celebrate-work-on-labor-day/) - It is interesting that Labor Day, a day set aside to honor the hard work and achievement of America's laborers, is celebrated by not working. So while you enjoy your holiday, here are seven biblical reasons to celebrate work on Labor Day. Work Is Ordained by God The Bible begins with God working in the
- [The Subtle Sins of the Workplace](https://institutefc.org/subtle-sins-of-the-workplace/) - What is it about comic book villains? They love evil. They love carnage. They love to make others suffer. Recently there has been a resurgence in movies based on comic book characters. Each one has an evil villain like The Joker or Lex Luthor. There are online discussion groups asking, “Which is the most evil
- [Faith, Work & Economics at Burning Man](https://institutefc.org/faith-work-economics-at-burning-man/) - This past week, nearly 68,000 people from across the world gathered in Nevada’s Black Rock Dessert to participate in Burning Man, North America’s largest annual outdoor art event. Burning Man’s official website calls the festival an “annual experiment in temporary community dedicated to radical self-expression and radical self-reliance.” Some consider it America’s largest pagan cult
- [What Are the Historical Practices of Christians in the Workplace?](https://institutefc.org/historical-practices-of-christians-in-the-workplace/) - Editor's Note: Today we introduce Dr. Timothy Ewest, a new contributor to the IFWE blog. Dr. Ewest is an Associate Professor of Business Administration at Wartburg College, and a Visiting Research Contributor at Princeton University's Faith & Work Initiative. He will blog periodically about the history of integrating faith within the workplace. I spent a
- [The Meaning of Work in Life - and Death](https://institutefc.org/the-meaning-of-work-in-life-and-death/) - Recently, I had the privilege of having dinner with Michael Novak, the author of The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism and winner of the Templeton Prize. A fellow dinner guest asked Michael what he would want college students to know about faith, work, and economics. He paused for a little bit, then said, God could have
- [Do Free Markets Inherently Lead to Exploitation?](https://institutefc.org/free-markets-and-exploitation/) - No one ever likes being misunderstood. The Institute for Faith, Work & Economics (IFWE) believes that’s happened to us in the latest issue of Christianity Today. In a September 2014 article, author Kevin Brown, an assistant professor at the Howard Dayton School of Business at Asbury University, writes about what he sees as the negative
- [Working Towards a Biblical View of Wealth Creation](https://institutefc.org/a-biblical-view-of-wealth-creation/) - When Thomas Piketty’s Capital in the Twenty-First Century was published in English earlier this spring, the issue of inequality was brought again to the forefront of a very heated discussion. Responses from all over the world, including a tweet from Pope Francis, have poured in. Income inequality, often a natural phenomenon in a market economy,
- [Finding Purpose in Your Work Means Joining God in His](https://institutefc.org/finding-purpose-in-work/) - Last week I began this series asking us to remember the ancient rhythms of work inherited from centuries of Christians living out their faith in the workplace. These five lessons include personal purpose, stewardship, justice, modesty/generosity, and being Christ’s representatives. While the list could be extended, research by myself and my colleague, Dr. David Miller of
- [There's No Such Thing as a Free Lunch, Not Even at Chipotle](https://institutefc.org/faith-work-and-economics-at-chipotle/) - You may have noticed a slight change in the bag design since Chipotle unveiled the Cultivating Thought: Author Series in May of this year. After a frustrating, entertainment-less meal, author Jonathan Safran Foer was inspired to provide brief, thought-provoking vignettes to fast food patrons who might have forgotten to bring a book. He pitched the idea
- [Six Christian Professors Weigh in on Markets, Justice, and Exploitation](https://institutefc.org/christian-professors-markets-justice-exploitation/) - In Monday's post, Hugh Whelchel examined whether free markets inherently lead to exploitation. He wrote in response to a Christianity Today article by Dr. Kevin Brown exploring the relationship between capitalism and the common good. This issue is a complex one. At IFWE, we aim to analyze this and other economic issues first and foremost through
- [Do You Have a Relentless Drive for Flourishing?](https://institutefc.org/the-relentless-drive-for-flourishing/) - Wake Forest University has launched Thrive, a new initiative dedicated to the well-being of students, faculty, and staff that goes beyond academic performance. This new initiative includes eight markers of well-being: emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual. Wake Forest is attempting something beyond trying to ensure students, faculty and staff are happy. Penny
- [What It Means to Rejoice with the Truth, Even When You're at Work](https://institutefc.org/rejoicing-in-the-truth-at-work/) - We long for love, joy and truth. And yet, we often feel the pressures of the workplace require us to hide and misrepresent the truth. In I Corinthians 13:6, we learn that love rejoices with the truth. The Apostle Paul teaches us that love, joy and truth are connected. In this passage, the word truth
- [Heroism in a Cubicle](https://institutefc.org/heroism-in-a-cubicle/) - Editor's Note: Today we introduce Dr. David Leonard, Assistant Professor of Philosophy & Apologetics at Luther Rice University, as a new contributor to IFWE's blog. Dr. Leonard will post periodically about topics related to faith and work as well as intellectual virtue and its impact on faith in the workplace. Is it possible to be
- [What Is the Vocation of a Student?](https://institutefc.org/the-vocation-of-a-student/) - My motivations for going to college were mainly economic. I didn’t know what a vocation was and had never taken the time to figure out how my time as a student would fit into the tapestry of my life. Getting good grades was driven by my desire to have a good GPA, so I could
- [Does God Want You to Be Happy?](https://institutefc.org/does-god-want-you-to-be-happy/) - Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. - Psalm 37:4-6 “You are responsible to keep yourself happy,” Joel Osteen writes in
- [The First and Last Lessons My Father Taught Me about Christian Stewardship](https://institutefc.org/lessons-about-christian-stewardship/) - My father taught me my first lesson in understanding stewardship. He was meticulous at keeping his woodworking tools in order. Each tool was stored in a clearly identified place, was cleaned after use, and was only used for the purpose it was intended (something I have not mastered yet). My father would let me use
- [You'll Need to Do These Four Things If You Want to Show Christian Love at Work](https://institutefc.org/four-practical-questions-about-love-at-work/) - Earlier this week, a JetBlue flight was forced to make an abrupt landing because one of its engines caught on fire. The cabin filled with thick smoke. The plane violently shuddered to its final landing. Many of the passengers assumed they were going to die. After emerging from the smoke-filled plane, one passenger tweeted, “I
- [Are Millennials Really Less Religious Than Previous Generations?](https://institutefc.org/are-millennials-less-religious/) - Many studies show that Millennials are less religious today. However, this might not mean they have deserted their faith more than members of previous generations when they were young. Pew Research found that in some ways, young people today are not much different from youth of the past when it comes to certain aspects of
- [How the Innovations of the iPhone 6 Help Eradicate Poverty](https://institutefc.org/innovations-iphone6-eradicating-poverty/) - If you could have any hardware feature added to your cell phone, what would you request? I would love it if my phone communicated with my crockpot so I don't overcook dinner when I am putting in a long day at the office. Some women do not have the luxury of even desiring this. Your
- [Lecrae Makes Music History While Taking His Faith to the Top of the Charts](https://institutefc.org/lecrae-makes-music-history-taking-faith-to-the-charts/) - A Christian set a cultural milestone last week, and you might have missed it. The Christian Post reports that Lecrae Moore (commonly known as Lecrae) made music history earlier this month when his new album, Anomaly, became the "first solo hip-hop project by a Christian rapper to debut at the top of the Billboard 200
- [Gospel Flourishing and the Search for Happiness](https://institutefc.org/gospel-flourishing-and-the-search-for-happiness/) - I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living
- [Has Love Failed in the Workplace?](https://institutefc.org/has-love-failed-in-the-workplace/) - Love at work – is that allowed? This question launched this blog discussion three months ago. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of talking with a lot of people about the idea of love at work. For the most part, love at work is not something most of us have thought much about. But when we
- [Practicing Justice: A Legacy of Christian Faith in the Workplace](https://institutefc.org/justice-legacy-christian-faith-workplace/) - I sat in a busy restaurant with a good friend. As we began talking, I told him I was troubled by recent global news and how the problem was impacting people, some people we both knew personally. After my friend listened carefully, he responded, "That is why I don’t listen to the news. At any
- [Human Flourishing and the Moral Complexity of the Public Square](https://institutefc.org/flourishing-and-moral-complexity/) - Many of us might regard the church at Corinth as the most dysfunctional of all those we encounter in Paul’s letters. Yet early in 1 Corinthians 1:2 we find Paul identifying the church as "sanctified" people, and a community given the task to live up to such a lofty label. To put it differently, they
- [What Will the Millennial Generation Be Known For?](https://institutefc.org/what-will-the-millennial-generation-be-known-for/) - Each generation leaves its mark. The Greatest Generation is famous for their relentless work ethic, pulling themselves up by their own bootstraps in the face of extreme economic depression. The Boomer generation is known for political activism and social change forever changed American history. Each generation will be known for something. What will the Millennial generation be
- [Happiness and the Biblical Definition of Success](https://institutefc.org/happiness-and-the-biblical-definition-of-sucess/) - For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. - Matthew 25:14-15 I once heard someone say, “I’ll be happy when…fill in the blank.” He went on to say, “Whatever
- [Is Christianity's Influence in the Workplace Declining?](https://institutefc.org/christianitys-declining-workplace-influence/) - I speak a lot. That is, much of my time is spent traveling and giving presentations about faith, work, and economics. Being an extrovert and passionate about the subject matter, I rarely get so nervous that my palms are shaking and my hands are sweating. But, during a panel I spoke at this spring, I
- [When It Comes to Shaping Students, Do We Have the Right Priorities?](https://institutefc.org/shaping-students-and-the-right-priorities/) - What was your favorite part of school? For me, I loved the excuse to read great authors and talk about ideas. This would be shortly followed by my opportunities to participate in sports and orchestra. On a recent visit by IFWE staff to Cornerstone Schools in Washington, DC, the response to this question was very
- [Three Books to Guide Your Spiritual Formation on Faith & Work](https://institutefc.org/three-books-to-guide-your-spiritual-formation-on-faith-work/) - This week marks the completion of my first month at the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics. I have seen that the energy and passion of my colleagues to promote flourishing through work runs deep. Not only do I have the pleasure of being IFWE's communications fellow, but I also have the joy of working
- [Generosity as a Historic Practice of Christianity in the Workplace](https://institutefc.org/generosity-in-the-workplace/) - Each year I drive through a part of New Jersey that's home to some of the highest incomes in the country, a landscape dotted with sprawling mansions worth multi-millions. This year I learned many of these estates have only one or two rooms occupied, which is all the owners can afford to maintain. While some
- [Happiness in the Old and New Testaments Is Different from the Usual Definition. Here's Why.](https://institutefc.org/happiness-in-the-old-and-new-testaments/) - In my last post I suggested that God wants us to be happy, but we must understand how to define happiness from a biblical perspective. True happiness can't be derived from external circumstances. The words for "bless" and "blessed" in both the Old and New Testaments illustrate why this is true. Happiness and Blessing in the
- [Freedom and Flourishing in Hong Kong](https://institutefc.org/freedom-and-flourishing-in-hong-kong/) - By now you've probably heard the term “Umbrella Revolution” or “Umbrella Movement.” Since October 1st, students in Hong Kong have gathered in Central, the main financial district, and in Causeway Bay and Kowloon, as summarized by Time. These students seek greater democracy in Hong Kong's political process, and they do not want a revolution -
- [Should Your Passion Determine Your Profession?](https://institutefc.org/should-your-passion-determine-your-profession/) - Should you follow your passion in choosing a profession? According to conventional wisdom, this is the right approach. But Mike Rowe, host of the Discovery Channel’s Dirty Jobs, surprisingly argues that this is bad advice: Just because you’re passionate about something doesn’t mean you won’t suck at it. And just because you’re determined to improve
- [The Challenges of Representing Christ in the Workplace](https://institutefc.org/representing-christ-in-the-workplace/) - Over the last couple of months we have been exploring the ancient rhythms of work inherited from centuries of Christians living out their faith in the workplace. We have covered four of these five major rhythms: purpose, stewardship, justice, and modesty/generosity. Today we'll discuss representing Christ as the final rhythm in this series. Representing Christ in
- [Counterfeit Gods at the Water Cooler](https://institutefc.org/counterfeit-gods-at-the-water-cooler/) - A recent piece in the Wall Street Journal explored the dilemma of gossip in the workplace. The print version of the article, entitled They’re Gossiping About You: Strategies to Silence the Office Rumor Mill; the Talk Can Even Work in Your Favor, chronicles just that. Complete with winsome pictures and flow charts, Sue Shellenbarger’s column
- [What Recent Events in Houston Mean for Religious Freedom](https://institutefc.org/religious-freedom-in-houston/) - Last week the city of Houston issued subpoenas demanding that five local pastors turn over their sermons to be scrutinized for "objectionable" material. The subpoenas came to light when attorneys for the group of pastors filed a motion to stop the request. The pastors were apparently part of a petition drive against a "non-discrimination" ordinance
- [Five Factors Impacting Poverty Today](https://institutefc.org/five-factors-impacting-poverty-today/) - Some time ago, economist Walter Williams offered some apt advice in an article entitled, “How Not to be Poor.” This piece has stayed with me in my income inequality research, and it immediately came to mind when Heritage recently released their 2014 Index of Culture and Opportunity. Let’s take a moment to examine how America is
- [When It Comes to Alleviating Poverty, Here's How Your Church Can Avoid Help that Hurts](https://institutefc.org/how-your-church-can-better-help-the-poor/) - Have you ever been part of a missions trip? Ever ladled soup into the bowls of the hungry? Sent shoes to an African village, or built houses in impoverished neighborhoods? Have you ever thought about what happens to those people after you leave? When the soup kitchen closes? When the shoes wear out, and villagers are
- [What the Social Justice Movement Is Missing](https://institutefc.org/what-the-social-justice-movement-is-missing/) - Whether or not you identify yourself with the social justice movement, as Christians, we are all for social justice because Jesus represents all that is truly just. No other institution on earth has a greater interest in justice and human flourishing than the church. Social justice advocates are focused on fighting poverty from all sectors
- [How Can We Keep from Grumbling at Work?](https://institutefc.org/how-can-we-keep-from-grumbling-at-work/) - How would you characterize your language at work? One trait that should not characterize the language of Christians is grumbling. In Philippians 2:14-18, Paul warned the church in Philippi to avoid habitual complaining, but instead to be glad and rejoice. This isn’t a mandate without a purpose. Paul tells us our attitude and the words
- [Should We Stand for Religious Freedom in  Houston?](https://institutefc.org/religious-freedom-in-houston-2/) - I will use them to test Israel and see whether the will keep the way of the LORD and walk in it as their ancestors did. - Judges 2:22 This week has brought some interesting developments to the story of the Houston mayor who issued subpoenas demanding that five local pastors turn over their sermons
- [How Should Christian Leaders Approach Technological Progress?](https://institutefc.org/christian-leaders-and-technology/) - Any leader – certainly every Christian leader - needs to appreciate the exponential rate of technological change. This will affect you. Technological Change Is Accelerating The first twenty years of the 20th century saw more technological progress than all of the 19th century, which experienced more progress than the first eighteen centuries combined. By most
- [Rich States, Poor States, and the State of Flourishing in Your Community](https://institutefc.org/rich-states-poor-states-economic-freedom-flourishing/) - This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Free Market Forum, hosted by Hillsdale College. The last in a series of excellent panels of speakers, one addressing the finances of American cities, stood out to me in light of some recent data upon which I have been reflecting. Rick Baker, the former mayor of
- [Five Ways Christians Can Increase Income Mobility](https://institutefc.org/five-ways-christians-can-improve-income-mobility/) - Editor's note: Today we introduce Dr. Manuel Salazar, the newest contributor to the IFWE blog. Dr. Salazar teaches economics, finance, and accounting at William Jessup University, and will blog periodically about issues at the intersection of faith and economics. Over the past few years there has been much discussion about reducing poverty and increasing
- [Martin Luther's Contributions to the Church's View of Vocation](https://institutefc.org/martin-luthers-contributions-to-the-churchs-view-of-vocation/) - October 31st is a day most people recognize as Halloween. It is also a significant day in the history of Christianity, because it marks the anniversary of Martin Luther nailing his 95 Theses to the door of the cathedral at Wittenberg. Luther’s attempts to reform the church led, among other things, to the development of a
- [How Should Christians Think about Election Day?](https://institutefc.org/how-should-christians-think-about-election-day/) - How should Christians think about election day and political elections in general? Citizenship in a free country like the United States is a great blessing from God. Our system of self-government assures everyone a voice in the affairs of the nation. As Christians, our participation in this great American experiment enables us to bring a
- [The Liberating Effects of Scarcity](https://institutefc.org/the-liberating-effects-of-scarcity/) - Wonder Woman by Kate Harris is my favorite book in the Barna Group's Frames series. In the book, Harris cites a statistic with which I and a lot of women resonate: 72 percent of women say they are overwhelmed by stress. I’m suspicious of the remaining 28 percent. Women living in a world noisy with
- [Portlandia's Lesson on the Economics of Ethical Buying Practices](https://institutefc.org/portlandia-economics-ethical-buying/) - While watching the most recent season of the sketch comedy show Portlandia, I came across a skit that parodies ethical buying solutions with surprisingly good economic thinking. Made in Portland "Reverse Sweatshop," a skit found in season four, episode seven, begins with a couple shopping for clothes in Portland. The woman picks up a blouse
- [What Does It Take to Manage Your Faith, Work, and Family?](https://institutefc.org/managing-faith-work-and-family/) - Editor's note: Today we introduce Diane Paddison, the newest contributor to the IFWE blog. She is the founder and president of 4word, a national/global organization with the mission to connect, lead, and support professional women to reach their God-given potential. Imagine being in one of those extremely important meetings at work that kept you up
- [Three Points about Common Grace Every Businessperson Should Consider](https://institutefc.org/common-grace-and-business/) - What is the relationship between common grace and business? To explore that question, the Calvin College Business Department and the Acton Institute co-sponsored the Symposium on Common Grace and Business on October 31st at Calvin's campus in Grand Rapids, MI. Among the many thoughtful presentations and panel discussions, there are three elements I would like
- [Your Relationships Play an Essential Role in Biblical Flourishing](https://institutefc.org/relationships-and-biblical-flourishing/) - Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” - Genesis 1:26 Human flourishing is one of the key biblical themes woven throughout
- [What Manufacturing Teaches Us about the Dignity of Work](https://institutefc.org/manufacturing-dignity-and-work/) - There’s something quintessentially American about the manufacturing industry. Many people from older generations possess personal ties to it in some form or fashion. However, the nature of manufacturing has changed as demand for technology has advanced. Opinions of factory jobs are often split between disdain for less technical labor and fear at change in the
- [Is Career Success a Zero-Sum Game?](https://institutefc.org/is-career-success-a-zero-sum-game/) - Last weekend I had the pleasure, or perhaps misfortune, of seeing Nightcrawler, a recent film starring Jake Gyllenhaal. I left the theater feeling entertained and yet morally tainted. It was very well done, on multiple levels. And yet, I couldn’t ignore that unpleasant feeling in my gut. As such, I’m not sure I would recommend
- [What Is a Good Job?](https://institutefc.org/what-is-a-good-job/) - "Why do you want to leave your current position?" This is the dreaded question that almost every candidate has to answer when interviewing for a new job. Experts tell you not to say, “My boss is a jerk” or “The work environment is toxic” because it will probably be the last question you receive. Instead
- [An Open Letter to College Seniors](https://institutefc.org/open-letter-to-college-seniors/) - Dear College Senior, Put down that coffee. I promise this will only take a minute. I recognize the signs. If the half-finished job applications peeking out of your stack of books were not telltale enough, I’m all too familiar with the bleary eyes and delayed reactions. You've completed midterms. You may only have one or
- [Flourishing Begins with Filling the God-Shaped Hole in Your Heart](https://institutefc.org/flourishing-begins-with-filling-the-god-shaped-hole-in-your-heart/) - I once heard a pastor say in his sermon, “Inside each of us is a God-shaped hole…a place inside of our hearts that only God can fill.” This is not a new idea. In 398 AD, St. Augustine of Hippo wrote in his Confessions: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts
- [Are C.S. Lewis's Words on Poverty and Progress Relevant Today?](https://institutefc.org/cs-lewis-on-progress-and-poverty/) - On my recent trip to Oxford, “grab a bite at the Eagle and Child Pub” was on the top of my list, as it would be for any good C.S. Lewis fan visiting his old stomping grounds for the first time. My friend and I sat in the back room where the Inklings met every
- [Three Things a Tesla Teaches Us about Stewardship](https://institutefc.org/three-things-a-tesla-teaches-us-about-stewardship/) - The Tesla is becoming an increasingly frequent sight in the area in which I live, as are many other kinds of electric vehicles. Commercially, this technology is relatively new, but despite the political undertones inevitable to any discussion involving environmental technology, it can teach us a lot about our call to stewardship. The Importance of
- [Wisdom from Romans for Dealing with Your Workplace Conflicts](https://institutefc.org/wisdom-from-romans/) - Working with people is one of the hardest things we have to do. All workplaces, even so-called Christian workplaces, have people in them. Not merely people, but sinners. When sinners get together there will always be conflict. More often than not, the greatest challenge is getting along with people in normal, daily life. Broken relationships
- [Students: Do You Know Where You're Headed When You Start Working?](https://institutefc.org/students-do-you-know-where-youre-headed/) - Where are you headed? Maybe you’re already on track for your "dream job," or maybe you don’t even know what it looks like yet. At this point in your life, it’s okay not to have everything figured out. But the sooner you start thinking critically about your professional future, the more you can do to point
- [What George Washington Teaches Us about Thanksgiving and God's Providence](https://institutefc.org/washington-thanksgiving-and-gods-providence/) - In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. - Proverbs 16:9 It was George Washington who, in his first year as president, originally set aside Thursday, November 26th, 1789 as "A Day of Publick Thanksgiving and Prayer." There certainly had been many Thanksgiving observances in America before Washington’s proclamation. The colonists of
- [Who Turned Thanksgiving into Black Thursday?](https://institutefc.org/thanksgiving-black-thursday-black-friday/) - In 2011, Walmart began Black Friday at 10:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day for the first time. In 2012, sales began at 8:00 p.m. In 2013, 6:00 p.m. This year, establishments like J.C. Penney, Michael’s, Old Navy, and Toys 'R' Us will open their doors between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. But no retailer beats Kmart, which
- [Three Practical Ways You Can Express Gratitude at Work](https://institutefc.org/gratitude-at-work/) - This week, many Americans will share a Thanksgiving feast with family and friends. As a nation, we will take a break from our work to give thanks for the good things we have in our lives - health, freedom, family, our jobs, our co-workers. Our jobs and co-workers? Are we really thankful for these things?
- [Redeeming Gratitude, Wonder & Work](https://institutefc.org/redeeming-gratitude-wonder-work/) - We are perishing for want of wonder, not for want of wonders. - G. K. Chesterton Have you ever considered how simple it is to make a phone call? Barring occasional reception issues, this has become an amazingly streamlined process. You don’t need to stop and wonder if the technology holding the pieces of plastic
- [The Value of Leadership Fears](https://institutefc.org/the-value-of-leadership-fears/) - People say some curious things about fear: "FEAR stands for ‘False Expectations Appearing Real.’" "Pain is the feeling of fear and weakness leaving your body." It strikes me that we have a lot of self-talk and dialogue about fear, but that only takes us to the brink of experience. It’s helpful to imagine yourself working
- [The One Thing You Need to Know Yourself Better](https://institutefc.org/know-yourself-better/) - Relationships are essential for human flourishing. One of those relationships is with ourselves - understanding we have inherent value and dignity because we're created in God's image. But we have a broken relationship with ourselves. We've forgotten why we were created, and what it is God created us to do. How can this be fixed?
- [Martin Luther's View on Why Clarity of Scripture Matters for Vocation](https://institutefc.org/martin-luther-scripture-vocation/) - A few weeks ago, when celebrating Reformation Day, I wrote about the impact Martin Luther has had on restoring the doctrine of vocation to the church. In addition to the doctrine of vocation, key emphases in Luther’s theology were the authority of Scripture and the priesthood of all believers. These ideas coalesced into an understanding
- [Practical Wisdom from Proverbs for Applying Your Faith at Work](https://institutefc.org/practical-wisdom-from-proverbs/) - Applying your faith at work every time you walk through the doorway to your workplace can be a challenge. In his book How Then Should We Work?, Hugh Whelchel writes, Our theology of work should teach us how to think Christianly about all of life, public and private. It should teach us to work with
- [Why are Working Women Starting to Unplug from Their Churches?](https://institutefc.org/working-women-unplugging-from-church/) - Editor’s note: Today we introduce Sandra Crawford Williamson, the newest contributor to the IFWE blog. She is the COO of 4word, a national/global organization with the mission to connect, lead, and support professional women to reach their God-given potential. When we look in the pews on Sunday morning, what kinds of women do we see?
- [Why Celebrating Christ and the Incarnation Matters for Ordinary Work](https://institutefc.org/celebrating-christ-and-the-incarnation/) - Amid the ringing of bells, silver and otherwise, the press of the crowds in stores, and the congenial cheer that seems to come with this time of year, there is a tendency to forget the nature of much of the Incarnation. The miraculous events in the life of Christ punctuate the mundane character of much
- [Seeking to Make a Profit Is an Act of Citizenship. Here's Why.](https://institutefc.org/seeking-profit-is-an-act-of-citizenship/) - What does a good citizen do? If you paid attention in eighth grade civics class, you can rattle off the standard list of a citizen’s duties, including voting, obeying laws, becoming informed on pertinent issues, investing in your community, paying taxes, serving a jury panel, or perhaps even defending your country. But this list is
- [Is Evangelism the Sole Reason for Our Work?](https://institutefc.org/work-and-evangelism/) - But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. - 1 Peter 3:15 As I read and hear much of what is being produced in the current “faith and
- [We're Wired for Work - Here's What That Means for Finding Meaning and Fulfillment on the Job](https://institutefc.org/wired-for-work-meaning-and-fulfillment/) - The Millennial generation's attitudes toward work and relationships are often in the limelight. In particular, they’re characterized as being highly motivated to find meaningful work and unwilling to stay long in an unfulfilling job. However, the desire to find meaning and fulfillment in our work is common to all of us. Brené Brown, of "The
- [Immanuel: God with Us, Even at Work](https://institutefc.org/immanuel-god-with-us-even-at-work/) - Would you like to skip Christmas this year – just forget about the shopping, the decorating, and the stress? If so, you're not alone. According to a recent survey, 45% of Americans would like to skip Christmas. Americans have similar feelings about work. A 2014 survey shows that 52% of Americans are unhappy at work.
- [A Christian Perspective on Balancing Material Goods with the True Spirit of Christmas](https://institutefc.org/the-true-spirit-of-christmas-2/) - To what extent would you say that the material aspects of Christmas factor into your celebration? Last year, an average of $371 was spent on presents per child in the US. According to the American Research Group, Inc., the average shopper is predicted to spend $861 on Christmas presents. If the recent trends prove true,
- [Whether It's at Home or at the Office, Does it Matter Where Women Work?](https://institutefc.org/where-women-work/) - Editor’s note: Today we introduce Carolyn McCulley, the newest contributor to the IFWE blog. She is the founder of CityGate Films. In addition to her film work, she has authored several books, and her latest, The Measure of Success: Uncovering the Biblical Perspective on Women, Work, and the Home, won a Christianity Today 2015 Book Award. Japan
- [Flourishing Requires Fixing Our Broken Relationships. But Where Do We Start?](https://institutefc.org/fixing-broken-relationships/) - Sin has consequences. It seems obvious, but sin has had a detrimental impact on our ability to flourish. This is because sin has damaged the relationships that are so central to flourishing - with God, with ourselves, and with others. Sin Alters Our Relationships with Others The effects of Adam and Eve’s sin were not
- [What Advent and Interstellar Teach Us about Human Progress](https://institutefc.org/advent-and-interstellar/) - I’ve always thought human progress to be somewhat of a paradox. The world seems to be getting both better and worse at the same time. On the one hand, I am amazed when I think about human progress: A few years ago, I certainly never dreamed of a drone delivering packages to my doorstep or 3D
- [How Should Christians Think about Free Markets and Consumerism?](https://institutefc.org/christians-free-markets-and-consumerism/) - I recently bought the best fitting pair of running shoes I’ve owned in a decade. This is significant because I have rather oddly shaped feet and the break-in process for shoes can be uncomfortable. This pair is different because I was able to search through dozens of shoe models on a website, following directions to
- [These Five Economics Books Make Great Last-Minute Gifts](https://institutefc.org/great-last-minute-christmas-gifts/) - There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is sovereign over all, does not declare, ‘Mine!’ - Abraham Kuyper In this Advent season, Abraham Kuyper’s quote brings into perspective what we do here at an organization examining the intersection of faith, work, and economics. It’s
- [Selfies, Stewardship, and the Real Meaning of Christmas](https://institutefc.org/selfies-stewardship-the-real-meaning-of-christmas/) - A recent ad by the Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn shows a young woman taking a selfie. She's not alone in the picture, though: an image of Jesus is just behind her. A caption at the top of the ad reads, "It's never just a selfie," and at the bottom, the diocese bids viewers, "Join us
- [The Only True Christmas Gift](https://institutefc.org/the-only-true-christmas-gift/) - When I was in college, I read through the Bible for the first time. Before that, I had only read some of the New Testament and a few Psalms. I didn’t understand everything, but I was amazed by what I read. I felt God was speaking directly to me on each page. He explained what
- [Five Unconventional Ways to Give Beyond Christmas](https://institutefc.org/giving-beyond-christmas/) - Giving and receiving gifts can be a tricky business. For some, the holidays are an emotionally charged season. The materialism and buzz can grate on a heart struggling with loss or loneliness. Sometimes, even a well-intentioned gift can hurt when the heart needs something else. How can we reach others when this is the case?
- [Jesus as the Best Management Model](https://institutefc.org/jesus-as-the-best-management-model/) - Though it sounds goofy to some, I unashamedly rely upon this question to help me be a better person and project manager, and a better leader: "What would Jesus do?" Consider what we discover from the New Testament accounts of Jesus: Jesus is both tough and tender, bold and gentle. Jesus loves people. He
- [Five Things I Learned about Work from Building a House](https://institutefc.org/five-things-i-learned-about-work-from-building-a-house/) - Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. - Psalm 127:1 While many people were shopping for last minute gifts on Christmas Eve, my wife and I were moving into our new house. It is a house that we have been building for over a year. While we designed and acted
- [Your Favorite IFWE Posts of 2014](https://institutefc.org/top-ten-posts-of-2014/) - We're celebrating the coming of 2015 by celebrating you, our readers, and looking back on your favorite IFWE posts of 2014. Here are the posts you read and discussed the most this year. Thanks for being a faithful and engaging audience. We're grateful you choose to read our blog, and we're looking forward to providing
- [What Kinds of Goals Should You Set This Year?](https://institutefc.org/new-years-resolutions/) - The New Year’s resolution is an old tradition that has become a greater source of satire than an actual practice for most people. Take gym memberships, for example. According to U.S. News & World Report, about one-eighth of all gym memberships are purchased in January. Many of those who purchase memberships rarely use them over
- [Three Ways Global Missions and Your Everyday Work Go Hand in Hand](https://institutefc.org/global-missions-and-everyday-work/) - Editor’s note: Today we introduce Austin Burkhart, the newest contributor to the IFWE blog. He is the founder of ONE2 Conferences, a faith and work event for college students. He blogs weekly at AustinBurkhart.com. Our faith should not be confined to Sunday church. The way we live and work should inspire others to seek God. True, right? So
- [What's the Best Way to Set Goals That Glorify God?](https://institutefc.org/goals-that-glorify-god/) - Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.
- [How You Can Face Difficult Situations with Grace](https://institutefc.org/facing-difficult-situations-with-grace/) - Leaders inevitably find themselves in difficult situations. There are hard decisions. There are failures and weaknesses where people demand answers. There are times when you don’t have answers (yet). Teams get into conflicts that only you can resolve. People will make challenging statements that tempt you to respond with unhelpful emotions and words. Challenges arise
- [Making Better Resolutions about Wealth in 2015](https://institutefc.org/making-resolutions-about-wealth/) - As you reflect back on 2014, what stands out to you? What were the highlights? The regrets? What kept you from flourishing? Can you point to areas of growth? In our highly individualized culture, we often find ourselves asking these questions at this time of year. We want to improve ourselves, particularly in how we
- [Crowdsourcing Makes Seeking Justice a Part of Everyday Life](https://institutefc.org/crowdsourcing-justice-and-everyday-life/) - Sometimes we imagine changing the world requires stupendous feats, monumental courage, or superhuman endurance. We cheer heroes that devote their lives to particular issues and wish that we could make a difference like they do. In a recently published book, pastor and professor Tony Merida makes an argument that changing the world by doing justice
- [Has Our Culture Forgotten the Importance of Being Made in the Image of God?](https://institutefc.org/made-in-the-image-of-god/) - So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. - Genesis 1:27 “Black lives matter. All lives matter. These slogans may forever summarize the deep tensions in American life in 2014,” writes Dr. Anthony B. Bradley in a recent commentary for the Acton
- [Christian Writers, Thinkers, and Practitioners Weigh in on the Sacred/Secular Distinction](https://institutefc.org/the-sacred-secular-distinction/) - "Even for many Christians, work is often only a means to an end.... They have also been misled by the sacred/secular distinction, which teaches that working in the church is the only "real" full-time Christian service," Hugh Whelchel writes in his book How Then Should We Work? This sacred/secular distinction, also known as the sacred-secular
- [Three Ways You and Your Church Can Effectively Fight Poverty](https://institutefc.org/church-effectively-fight-poverty/) - There is no one formula for charity and poverty alleviation because God has equipped us all to fight poverty differently. Everyone has different relationships, resources, information, and strengths they can contribute. But with all of the options to get involved in poverty alleviation, sometimes it’s hard to know what is best to do, let alone
- [Is It Worthwhile for Christians to Be Ambitious?](https://institutefc.org/should-christians-be-ambitious/) - My daughters love musical theater. Thus it is no surprise that over the Christmas holiday we found ourselves at the cinema in a full theater watching Into the Woods, the film adaptation of the Stephen Sondheim musical. One of the central elements of the story is that it takes a look at the “ever
- [Thinking Biblically about Wealth during Seasons of Scarcity](https://institutefc.org/wealth-during-a-season-of-scarcity/) - 2014 was a year of many joys and many challenges for many people. I'm sure it was for you, and it certainly was for me. As a mother of two small children who also works full-time, sometimes the needs around me can seem overwhelming. When this happens, I often return to this passage from the
- [What Do Wisdom and Morality Have to Do With "The Good Life"?](https://institutefc.org/wisdom-morality-and-the-good-life/) - In a few weeks I'll be presenting at Faulkner University's annual conference for the Journal of Faith and the Academy. This year's theme is "Ancient Words and Modern Voices: Practical Wisdom in Times of Change." As such, intellectual virtue, the good life, and wisdom have been on my mind as I prepare my presentation. Mostly
- [What the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Means for Flourishing in America](https://institutefc.org/the-legacy-of-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-flourishing-in-america/) - The holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr leads me to reflect on many things, not all of which are the usual topics. First, we see in Dr. King a person whose memory is often presented in a kind of secularized version. It would be no exaggeration to say this narrative presents Dr. King as
- [The Lesson I Discovered about Calling in 'Unbroken'](https://institutefc.org/calling-in-unbroken/) - About six months ago my wife and I were preparing to drive to New York City. I asked her if there was a book she wanted to listen to during the trip. She replied, “Yes: Unbroken!” Neither of us knew anything about the book other than it being a best-seller written by Laura Hillenbrand, the author
- [Five Ways You Can Telecommute from Home and Still Be a Faithful Employee](https://institutefc.org/telecommuting-from-home/) - One of the more remarkable developments in the workplace over the last several years has been the advent of technology allowing more and more workers to telecommute, or work from a home office. Telecommuting allows for greater flexibility in balancing work and home life - particularly for women and couples with children - but can
- [The Importance of Prayer in the Workplace](https://institutefc.org/prayer-in-the-workplace/) - Fluorescent lights flicker on as bright chunks of sunlight slip through cracks in the blinds. The aroma of brewing coffee wafts though the air amidst quiet conversations between co-workers serenaded by the chirps of awakening computer monitors. It’s morning in corporate America. What are your morning office rituals? Perhaps you check your inbox, chat with
- [A Biblical Mandate for Servant Leadership](https://institutefc.org/a-biblical-mandate-for-servant-leadership/) - Jesus knew that some day his tiny band of followers would have authority over large groups of people. While he was with them, he taught them many lessons to use after he left. In Mark 10:42-45, Jesus does just that. Jesus called [the disciples] together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of
- [Asking Tough Questions about Stewardship and Education](https://institutefc.org/stewardship-and-education/) - On January 9, 2015, President Obama announced a proposal subsidizing two years of community college education for students who attend at least half the time and maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. If all states participate, the proposal claims that as many as nine million students may be affected. Students attending community college full-time
- [Our Calling Today Is Linked to the Ancient Israelites - and the Image of God Is the Key to Understanding Why](https://institutefc.org/calling-the-israelites-and-the-image-of-god/) - "At Joshua's command, the Israelite army gave a great shout, and Jericho's walls fell down, the soldiers rushed in and conquered the city (Joshua 6:20)." So begins the mission of God’s people to take back the Promised Land. The training manual for this mission was written much earlier by Moses. It begins with the first
- [The Image of God in Each of Us Could Change How Christians View Prison Reform](https://institutefc.org/image-of-god-and-prison-reform/) - On Monday, January 26th, faith leaders gathered in Washington D.C. to discuss restorative justice as a Christian approach to the criminal justice system. The United States is home to more incarcerated citizens than any other nation in the entire world. With 25 percent of the world’s prison population behind bars in the U.S., prison reform is
- [Is There Room in Our Theology of Work for Rest and Recreation?](https://institutefc.org/rest-and-recreation/) - In many ways, the culture in which we live has lost sight of a vision of work that resonates with what we see in scripture. Two aspects of this vision that we've forgotten are rest and recreation. Though work has been part of God’s design for humans since the very beginning, there is a place
- [Do You Have Questions about Faith and Your Career? Check out This Quick 'Drive-by Conversation.'](https://institutefc.org/questions-about-faith-career-and-drive-by-conversation/) - You're in the middle of your career. You start feeling antsy, like maybe it's time for a change. You want to do something you feel has more significance. Do you leave your job for something in what you consider "full-time ministry?" What if the work you were already doing was significant in and of itself?
- ['Groundhog Day' Shows There Is Hope When Work Feels Meaningless](https://institutefc.org/groundhog-day-work-and-sanctification/) - It's considered the most spiritual film of all-time, the king of "divine comedies". Watching it on a regular basis is thought to be a key to enduring happiness. By "it" I mean Groundhog Day, the 1993 comedy starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, in which, in Charles Murray's concise synopsis, An egocentric TV weatherman played by Bill
- [We Talk a Lot about Work and Vocation. What about Work and Vacation?](https://institutefc.org/work-and-vacation/) - Among the many things I had to memorize early on at the United States Naval Academy were the first ten stanzas of “The Laws of the Navy.” These so-called laws are really just proverbs written into a poem years ago by Captain Hopwood of the Royal Navy. There is wisdom to be gained from his
- [What the Legacy of Rosa Parks Means for Love at Work](https://institutefc.org/rosa-parks-and-love-at-work/) - Tuskegee, Alabama. February 4, 1913. Leona and James McCauley welcome their first child into the world, a girl they name after Leona’s mother, Rose. This year marks the 10th anniversary of that child's death. She died at age 92, a heralded leader of the civil rights movement: Rosa McCauley Parks. What makes Parks's story so
- [Leaving Home Is an Opportunity to Learn Lessons about Faith and Economic Freedom](https://institutefc.org/leaving-home-for-faith-and-economic-freedom/) - Lately, I’ve spent a lot of time packing and unpacking, something I never thought I'd find myself doing. It started when I studied abroad, then landed an internship in DC... and then a job. A dream for a girl who studied government and economics, but a little scary for a fourth generation Tampa native who
- [What Should Christians Think about Middle-Class Economics?](https://institutefc.org/christians-and-middle-class-economics/) - How can we truly help the middle class? According to a recent article by the Wall Street Journal, the number of Americans identifying as middle-class has decreased over the last seven years. Citing a study done by Pew, the Journal found that 44% of Americans identify as middle-class, 9% fewer than in 2008. Unfortunately, there
- [Is the Faith and Work Message an Attempt to Earn Our Own Salvation?](https://institutefc.org/faith-and-work-vs-works-righteousness/) - Recently I was speaking on faith and work at a conference and someone asked, “Aren’t you just talking about works righteousness?” I assured them I wasn't, but I can see how it could've sounded that way. I'm not the only one running into this problem. Several years ago Mark Roberts at The High Calling interviewed
- [Character Matters for Workplace Culture, All the Way up the Corporate Ladder](https://institutefc.org/character-and-workplace-culture/) - How important is character to a thriving workplace culture? Our executive director here at IFWE, Hugh Whelchel, has worked with several struggling companies that needed turning around. He told me that in each case a primary element of success was establishing a clear corporate culture – certain values that the company would emphasize. He said
- [Are Christ and Christianity Coercive? A Christian Economist's Perspective](https://institutefc.org/are-christ-and-christianity-coercive/) - Last week, Lawrence Reed, president of the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) published a piece in FEE’s "Clichés of Progressivism" series that addressed the cliché that Christ advocated redistribution of wealth. Reed ably navigated what can be a touchy subject, but in so doing prompted some further questions. Sure," some said, "Christ might not have
- ['Flourishing Faith': A Primer on Faith, Work, and Economics That Will Help You Grow in Discipleship](https://institutefc.org/flourishing-faith-faith-work-and-economics-primer/) - If you're looking for resources to help you build a robust framework for Christian stewardship, Flourishing Faith, a primer on faith, work and economics published by the Acton Institute, is a great place to start. Chad Brand, an IFWE senior research fellow and professor of Christian theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, wrote Flourishing Faith and
- [How to Please God through Everyday, Ordinary Work and Vocation](https://institutefc.org/how-to-please-god-through-work-and-vocation/) - Do you ever wonder how you can please God and what that looks like in concrete terms when you wake up each day? One of IFWE's Twitter followers tweeted at us earlier this week that her pastor, Reverend Dr. Stephen J. Casselli, preached about this very question on Sunday. Casselli's sermon focused on I Thessalonians
- [These Letters Offer a Window into George Washington's Views on Religious Liberty](https://institutefc.org/george-washingtons-view-on-religious-liberty/) - We live in a time when religious liberty is more threatened than at any time in living memory. While courts and commentators turn frequently to Thomas Jefferson and James Madison for insights on religious liberty and the constitutional role of religion in public life, largely ignored is the counsel of our first president, George Washington.
- [How Then Shall We Help? An Economist Answers a Pastor's Question about the Minimum Wage](https://institutefc.org/an-economist-answers-a-pastors-question-about-the-minimum-wage/) - Last week, I spoke at a pastors’ luncheon at Northwest Nazarene University. I was speaking on the topic of income inequality in the context of how we care for the poor. One pastor asked, You started your lecture talking about how we all have inherent dignity, because we are created in the image of God.
- [How Intentional Are You about Integrating Your Faith with Your Work?](https://institutefc.org/being-intentional-about-integrating-your-faith-with-your-work/) - "The problem with Western Christians is not that they aren't where they should be, but that they aren't what they should be where they are" writes Os Guinness in his classic book, The Call. This astute observation even describes many of us trying to live out our faith in all the work we do, especially
- [Why Jeremiah's 2,600 Year-Old Call to Serve the Common Good Still Matters Today](https://institutefc.org/jeremiahs-call-to-serve-the-common-good-still-matters/) - The year is 607 BC and the most powerful army in the ancient world is knocking on the gates of Jerusalem. In the past decade, a formidable empire had risen up in the east, conquering land from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea. Under the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian Empire forced the
- [Beyond Family Devotions: Teaching Kids to Live as Christians in the World through Work](https://institutefc.org/beyond-family-devotions/) - When we read Moses’s instructions to teach God’s commands to our children and talk of them consistently (Deuteronomy 6:7), this means more than simply doing family devotions. It also includes showing them how to live as Christians in the world, and in the world of work. The Challenges of Teaching Kids about Work Since I
- [Economic Freedom Is Not Enough for Human Flourishing](https://institutefc.org/economic-freedom-is-not-enough/) - Economic freedom may be our world’s more powerful poverty relief system, but it's not enough for human flourishing. It is the reason why economists report 80 percent of the world's abject poverty has been eradicated since 1970, thanks to open trade, entrepreneurship, and free enterprise. In China alone, small market reforms since 1978 have raised 600 million people
- ["My First Hope Is That We Can Change the Default around Work": An Interview with Missy Wallace of the Nashville Institute for Faith and Work](https://institutefc.org/missy-wallace-interview/) - It is my pleasure to introduce Missy Wallace on the blog. Wallace is the head of the forthcoming Nashville Institute for Faith & Work, a role she will formally step into later this summer. The Institute ministers to professionals by providing them with resources to integrate their faith and work. With rich experience in the marketplace,
- [The Fascinating, Heartbreaking Contradiction in How We Long for Significance](https://institutefc.org/how-we-long-for-significance/) - This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." - Matthew 6:9-10 "It is both fascinating and heartbreaking that most people long for significance and at the same time believe they’re nothing more than the
- [Christian Education Should Teach Students the Dignity of Work and the Doctrine of Vocation](https://institutefc.org/christian-education-work-and-vocation/) - After ten years of teaching in higher education and interacting with students from a wide range of backgrounds, I've come to realize that most young people lack the resources for thinking clearly about their vocations. Unfortunately, this is also true at Christian colleges and universities. The purpose of Christian institutions of higher learning is multi-faceted.
- [Wondering How God Works in Our Ordinary Lives? Titus 3:14 Has Answers.](https://institutefc.org/god-works-in-our-ordinary-lives-titus-314/) - Many of us crave a job that will change the world, the next adventure that God will take us on, or something different, something out of the ordinary. God is extraordinary, and he certainly works in these ways. But God is also at work in the ordinary. He works in our ordinary lives to transform
- [Why Does It Matter If We Pray "Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done"?](https://institutefc.org/praying-thy-kingdom-come/) - The kingdom of God comes when the way God designed things to be, happens. - Reverend Bill Haley For a number of years I have been involved in a non-profit called the Fellows Initiative. This group helps churches start Fellows Programs. These Fellows Programs are nine to ten month spiritual and vocational leadership programs for college
- [Did the Garden of Eden Contain All the Capital We Need for Flourishing?](https://institutefc.org/capital-and-flourishing-in-the-garden-of-eden/) - There were no cellphones in the Garden of Eden. There were, however, all of the elements in place for the eventual creation of cell phones. The Garden of Eden was perfect, but it wasn’t finished. When God surveyed his creation, he said to man, Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it,
- [New Research Shows More Pastors Are Preaching about Faith and Work. How Are People in the Pews Being Impacted by This Change?](https://institutefc.org/more-pastors-are-preaching-about-faith-and-work/) - Conventional wisdom says that pastors aren't preaching about faith and work enough, if at all. A new survey says this conventional wisdom is changing. Research recently published by the Center for Faith and Work at LeTourneau University reports that more pastors are beginning to preach about the biblical view of work. The Center reports that,
- [Your Leadership Influence Stretches Beyond the Horizon](https://institutefc.org/leadership-influence/) - I used a hand plow as a kid. There’s a secret to plowing a straight row: Fix your attention at the far edge of the field, not the plow-blade biting the dirt. The same is true in your leadership work. Fix your attention on the horizon, and beyond, or the day-to-day work won’t give you
- [Common Grace and Extra-Biblical Knowledge](https://institutefc.org/common-grace-and-extra-biblical-knowledge/) - Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. – Hebrews 2:17, ESV As you study the creation narrative in Genesis, you’ll notice that in the five days leading up to
- [We All Face the Scarcity of Time. So What Does Faithful Stewardship of Time Look Like?](https://institutefc.org/the-stewardship-of-time/) - Throughout my traveling and teaching, I often hear similar questions and challenges. In the past month, both a pastor at a recent luncheon and a student in my undergraduate economics course challenged one of the most fundamental principles of economics, and their questions are causing me to think. The axiom in question? The idea that
- [Three Guidelines for Assessing Character and Building Relationships at Work](https://institutefc.org/three-guidelines-for-assessing-character/) - In the many vocational interviews I have done over the years, I have heard numerous stories about difficult bosses and strained relationships at work. Even in the organizations working for the highest causes, the tone of the corporate culture does not always match the lofty vision of their group. You might have expected to get
- [How to Fight for Social Justice Right Where You Are](https://institutefc.org/fighting-for-social-justice-with-hospitality/) - You may not be able to start a nonprofit, but you can bring Nutella to someone. - Dr. Anthony Bradley You don’t have to fly to Africa to fight for social justice. You can do it right now in your office, on your campus, and at home. Just by bringing someone Nutella? Yep. I’ll explain
- [An Invitation to Consider Jesus As Your Constant, Unchanging Source of Confidence As a Leader](https://institutefc.org/jesus-is-your-source-of-confidence/) - Leadership is about influence and change, so as leaders we are always working at the edge of our comfort zones. We deal with unexpected events, uncertainty, rapid technology advances, shifting economics of businesses, and most complex of all, people. Nearly every coaching conversation I have with leaders brings up concerns about coming changes, either external
- [We All Dream of Finding Meaningful Work. But Can It Really Be Found?](https://institutefc.org/the-dream-of-meaningful-work/) - Everyone desires to find meaningful work. For Christians, the question of meaningful work might actually be a trick question. We All Dream of Finding Meaningful Work Research done last year by the Barna Group shows that 75 percent of U.S. adults say they are looking for ways to live a more meaningful life. Only nineteen
- [Does the Minimum Wage Hurt the People It's Trying to Help?](https://institutefc.org/does-the-minimum-wage-hurt-the-people-its-trying-to-help/) - What was your first job in high school? Was it working for a local business scooping ice cream or lifeguarding at the neighborhood pool? I had two first jobs, babysitting excluded. I worked at a Baskin Robbins ice cream shop, and also at the gift shop at Mount Vernon, home of George Washington. Many of
- [Why Should Culture Even Matter to Christians?](https://institutefc.org/why-should-culture-even-matter-to-christians/) - Why is it important that Christians have healthy families? Why does it matter that we have biblical views on business or healthcare or science or education? Why should we work for a biblical view of economics? Because God cares deeply about each of these things. In fact, they belong to God! Dutch theologian Abraham Kuyper
- [Which of These Three Friendships Do You Have with People at Work?](https://institutefc.org/do-you-have-these-three-friendships-at-work/) - Can you be friends with people at work? I've been interested in this question ever since I heard a lecture on Christians and friendship while working towards my PhD. You see, when I was doing my PhD work, I had to pass an exam in theological French. There was a course at Harvard Divinity School
- [The Reality and the Glory of Our Ordinary Days](https://institutefc.org/the-reality-and-the-glory-of-our-ordinary-days/) - The Reality of Our Ordinary Days What do your days look like? How do they begin, and how do they end? If you’re anything like me, my days look pretty ordinary. They are filled with instant oatmeal in the morning as I scurry out the door, somehow always forgetting my laptop charger, as I begin
- [Ten Major Fears We All Face at Work](https://institutefc.org/ten-major-fears-we-all-face-at-work/) - God knows that we are a fearful people. So, he addresses it quite a bit in scripture. When we talk about fear, we’re mainly talking about the bad stuff – fear of flying, fear of death, fear of loss. There is a fear that’s good - properly placed fear is a respect and reverence for
- [New Essay by Dr. Larry Reed Asks "Was Jesus a Socialist?"](https://institutefc.org/was-jesus-a-socialist/) - Have you ever heard the argument that Jesus was a socialist? I have, often. As I’ve studied the economics of income redistribution, many of my colleagues in secular academic circles point out the seeming discrepancy between two of my main disciplines of focus: faith and economics. How, they ask, can I reconcile my recommendation that
- [Christ's Death and What It Means for Our Mission on Earth](https://institutefc.org/paul-1-corinthians-christs-death-and-what-it-means-for-our-mission-on-earth/) - We are approaching the Holy Week, which begins with Palm Sunday, continues through Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, and culminates in Easter Sunday. These days, and the religious events surrounding them, can easily become routine, but this week is central to our faith as believers in Jesus. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-6, Paul explains the gospel
- [Are Entrepreneurship and Risk-Taking at Odds with Biblical Stewardship?](https://institutefc.org/are-entrepreneurship-and-risk-taking-at-odds-with-biblical-stewardship/) - "It is right to risk for the cause of God." So begins a sermon by John Piper on the topic of risk. If you're a Christian entrepreneur and you believe your work contributes to the cause of flourishing that God desires for his creation, you might find yourself asking about the biblical perspective on risk.
- [Biblical Truths about Forgiveness and Trust You Can Take with You to Work](https://institutefc.org/biblical-truths-about-forgiveness-and-trust/) - Because of my background in dealing with religious cults (I spent five years on the board of the Spiritual Counterfeits Project in Berkeley), I was called to go to a city where a church leader had abused a small group of followers. After years of exploiting his position in order to get money, sex, and
- [The Creation and Destruction of a Sand Mandala in 'House of Cards': Not a Good Way to Think about Work](https://institutefc.org/sand-mandala-in-house-of-cards-not-a-good-way-to-think-about-work/) - In season three of House of Cards, a group of Tibetan monks are invited to the White House to perform a Buddhist tradition involving the creation of a sand mandala. The ritual requires painstaking work and intricate detail. But almost as soon as the masterpiece is finished, it’s destroyed. In episode seven, four monks bend
- [There Is a Healthy Way to Think about Community and Flourishing - and a Dangerous Way, Too](https://institutefc.org/the-healthy-and-the-dangerous-way-to-view-community/) - Even as early as Genesis 2:18, when God said "It is not good for man to be alone," it’s been evident we’re designed to live in community. God gave Eve’s companionship to Adam, and he gave his own to both. Even today, after the Fall, we’re given into a family and called to live in
- ['Avodah': What It Means to Live a Seamless Life of Work, Worship, and Service](https://institutefc.org/avodah-a-life-of-work-worship-and-service/) - Depending on who you ask, Eskimos may have over 100 distinct words for snow. Why? Because language has a unique ability to create distinctions between things in our minds. Language can also, however, bring two ideas together. The Ancient Hebrews had a deep understanding of how faith and work came together in their lives. It
- [What Christ's Resurrection Means for How We Live and Work](https://institutefc.org/christs-resurrection-what-it-means/) - Does our earthly work matter to God? Yes it does, replies Darrell Cosden in his book The Heavenly Good of Earthly Work. Central to his argument is the bodily resurrection of Jesus, which the church celebrates this Easter. Cosden correctly asserts that Christ's resurrection means three things for how we live and work in the world.
- [How Christ Exemplified Humble Leadership on Maundy Thursday](https://institutefc.org/how-christ-exemplified-humble-leadership-on-maundy-thursday/) - While my husband and I were dating we attended a small Methodist church situated right on the edge of town, pastored by the minister who would one day officiate our wedding. While I had always loved celebrating the jubilant entrance of Jesus on Palm Sunday and the quiet, solemn, candlelit mourning period of Good Friday,
- [The Hinge of History Is Found in the Darkness of Good Friday and Holy Saturday](https://institutefc.org/hinge-of-history-found-on-good-friday-and-holy-saturday/) - Annually the Easter weekend takes us through a wrenching drama, from the horror of a humiliating death to the hope of new life and resurrection. It would be a grave mistake if we confined the reality of this drama to three days of the year, for the journey from Christ’s passion to his resurrection speaks
- ['Joy to the World' Is Really an Easter Hymn](https://institutefc.org/joy-to-the-world-is-really-an-easter-hymn/) - One of my favorite hymns is “Joy to the World.” We usually sing it around Christmas, but for years I have thought of it as an Easter hymn. The first verse calls for us to have joy because the Lord has come, and calls for heaven and nature to sing. Nature is singing in anticipation
- [Why Sufjan Stevens Would Make Francis Schaeffer Proud](https://institutefc.org/why-sufjan-stevens-would-make-francis-schaeffer-proud/) - If Francis Schaeffer was alive today, Sufjan Stevens would make him very proud. Stevens’s new album, Carrie and Lowell, which debuted last Tuesday, was named best new music by Pitchfork shortly after he was compared to theologian Francis Schaeffer in the Atlantic. Few self-proclaimed Christian artists have achieved such secular popularity and recognition for their
- [A Jesus That Would Make Thomas Jefferson Proud](https://institutefc.org/a-jesus-that-would-make-thomas-jefferson-proud/) - On Good Friday I watched Killing Jesus, a television movie based on Bill O’Reilly’s book by the same name. It was worse than I anticipated. The historical representation of Jesus’s life, minus the supernatural elements, was an attempt to appeal to both religious and non-religious audiences. Jesus was presented as a controversial rabbi/preacher who upset the
- [What Feeds Your Fear of Failure?](https://institutefc.org/what-feeds-your-fear-of-failure/) - Perhaps one of the most iconic plantation homes of the South, Boone Hall is not famous for its stately brick home or elegant column-lined porch. What makes the home a landmark is the iconic driveway lined with live oak trees. The branches of the grand trees, originally planted in 1743, meet over the drive to
- [Compromise and Character in the Workplace](https://institutefc.org/compromise-and-character-in-the-workplace/) - I have heard there are two kinds of people in the world: those who believe there are two kinds of people and those who don’t. Jesus (at least in some of his teaching) seemed to believe in two kinds of people. He talks a number of times about "either-or" situations: “Enter into the narrow gate.
- [A Seminary President Sits Down with a Facilities Worker to Talk Faith and Work](https://institutefc.org/dr-danny-akin-sits-down-with-eugene-smith-to-talk-faith-and-work/) - There are only two people with permanent, personally designated parking spots on the campus of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. As you would expect, one is for the president, Dr. Danny Akin. The other spot is for Mr. Eugene Smith, the 88 year-old man who works for facilities. Mr. Eugene, as he is affectionately known, has
- [When Your Dream Job and Your Day Job Don't Line Up](https://institutefc.org/when-your-dream-job-and-your-day-job-dont-line-up/) - We often think our work only matters if we’re in full-time ministry, going overseas to do missions, or running a para-church organization. The truth is, all work matters to God. He has wired us with certain gifts and talents and he is for us in our work, regardless of what passions he has placed in
- [Christian 'Hipsterpreneurs' Work to Redeem Capitalism](https://institutefc.org/christian-hipsterpreneurs-work-to-redeem-capitalism/) - Christian hipsters and capitalism don’t mix, or at least that’s what Brett McCracken argued in his 2010 book Hipster Christianity. His thesis proved correct a year later when many young Christians joined the Occupy movement to protest the evils of Wall Street. But today's young Christians are thinking about capitalism differently. They’ve traded protesting Wall
- [What Is the Mission of God's People?](https://institutefc.org/what-is-the-mission-of-gods-people/) - Today, when most Evangelicals think about Genesis 1, these questions come to mind: Did God create the world in six ordinary days? Were these "days" great ages or epochs? How should we understand the theory of evolution in light of Genesis 1? Moses was probably not concerned with these questions when he wrote the opening
- [Do You Think Fear Has Consequences?](https://institutefc.org/do-you-think-fear-has-consequences/) - Do you think fear has consequences? What are the consequences of fear at work? To some degree, the consequences of fear depend on the type of fear. But, generally, we need to be careful not to lie to ourselves about fear. It's easy to believe that we can be alone with our thoughts - that
- [Our Mission Is More than Sin Management: The Four-Chapter Gospel and God's Grand Story of Redemption](https://institutefc.org/our-mission-is-more-than-sin-management/) - This first chapter of Genesis is more than the opening to the first book of the Bible. It is the opening chapter in the grand story of God’s redemptive plan for his creation. This comprehensive story has four parts: Creation: The way things were. Fall: The way things are. Redemption: The way things could be.
- [Anne Bradley Reflects on New Zondervan Edition of 'For the Least of These'](https://institutefc.org/anne-bradley-reflects-on-new-zondervan-edition-of-for-the-least-of-these/) - Editor's note: A new edition of For the Least of These: A Biblical Answer to Poverty is being released by Zondervan today. Anne Bradley, IFWE's vice president of economic initiatives and one of the book's editors, reflects on the impact of the book and why it's important for Christians to work together to find a
- [Five Professors Share the Insights They've Learned from 'For the Least of These'](https://institutefc.org/five-professors-share-the-insights-theyve-learned-from-for-the-least-of-these/) - The newest edition of For the Least of These: A Biblical Solution to Poverty is being released by Zondervan this week. Professors at colleges and universities across the country have been using the book in their classrooms and book clubs. Today five of those professors share the most noteworthy insights into poverty alleviation they and
- ["We're Not on a Sinking Ship": An Interview with Isaac Cheatham](https://institutefc.org/were-not-on-a-sinking-ship-an-interview-with-isaac-cheatham/) - Isaac Cheatham has always had a strong passion for teaching and sharing the gospel. During college, he wanted to pursue ministry work. Those closest to him expected him to become a preacher, but today he is a broker at TD Ameritrade. God Had a Different Plan At Stephen F. Austin State University, Cheatham served with
- [The Complicated Legacy of Max Weber's 'The Protestant Ethic'](https://institutefc.org/the-complicated-legacy-of-max-webers-the-protestant-ethic/) - This week marks the 151st birthday of Max Weber. He was born on April 21, 1864, in the Prussian city of Erfurt. He would become a pioneer in sociology and shape many discussions on the relationship between economics and religion for decades after. Weber’s best known work is The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of
- [Relationships are Integral to the Mission of God's People](https://institutefc.org/relationships-are-integral-to-the-mission-of-gods-people/) - Near the end of the sixth day of the creation story we read, “Then God said, Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness...” The phrase, "Let us make man in our image" reveals a lot about our own nature and about the nature of God. We are Relational as God Is Relational
- [Coltrane and Calling: A Faith and Work Message for Jazz Appreciation Month](https://institutefc.org/coltrane-and-calling-a-faith-and-work-message-for-jazz-appreciation-month/) - April in the District of Columbia is a magical time of year. Washington welcomes a cloud of pink petals amidst the blooming cherry trees at the tidal basin. Signs of spring aside, April also holds another reason to celebrate. The month is commemorated as Jazz Appreciation Month. This singularly American genre of music originated in
- [Standing at the Copier Can Build Your Character](https://institutefc.org/standing-at-the-copier-can-build-your-character/) - Is character manifested in heroic actions? We might think it is, but what led up to the big choices was shaped by little choices made earlier. Character is won or lost in the little things. A classic statement shows the progression: Sow a thought, reap an act. Sow an act, reap a habit. Sow a
- [The Surprising News about Poverty](https://institutefc.org/the-surprising-news-about-poverty/) - Imagine someone asked you to put together a giant jigsaw puzzle without all the pieces included in the box. Your first thoughts might be “Why?” or “Is this person crazy?” That’s how I think about poverty sometimes: an impossible problem God has called us to try to solve anyway. Except God isn’t crazy; he has
- [What Is a Biblical View of Employment?](https://institutefc.org/what-is-a-biblical-view-of-employment/) - The Barna Group reports that “three-quarters of US adults (75%) say they are looking for ways to live a more meaningful life.” Many are looking for meaning in “family, career, church, side projects or elsewhere.” This search is not reserved just to Christians. In a February article, the Wall Street Journal explained: In part, professionals
- [The Mission of God's People Is Found in the Cultural Mandate, the Very First Calling Given in the Bible](https://institutefc.org/the-mission-of-gods-people-is-found-in-the-cultural-mandate/) - These past few weeks we've been asking, "What is the mission of God's people?" The answer to this question is found in the very first calling God gives in the Bible. “God has created us in his image, so that we may carry out a task, fulfill a mission, pursue a calling," writes Anthony A.
- [Six Quotes from 'The Political Disciple' for Inspiring Your Public Discipleship](https://institutefc.org/six-quotes-from-the-political-disciple/) - Do politics and public life have anything to do with God? That's the question Vincent Bacote, associate professor of theology at Wheaton College and an IFWE guest contributor, seeks to answer in his new book being released today, The Political Disciple: A Theology of Public Life. Over the course of eighty-five pages, Bacote provides a
- [Do You Believe You Can Stay on Top of Everything Important?](https://institutefc.org/do-you-believe-you-can-stay-on-top-of-everything-important/) - I was reviewing some of my personal journals and found an entry from October 1998: I don’t know if I can keep up this pace. Yesterday I had over 120 emails come in, and 110 the day before that. It’s very hard to stay on top of all this work. And discouraging. I laughed aloud
- [The Most Inhumane Way to Fight Poverty](https://institutefc.org/the-most-inhumane-way-to-fight-poverty/) - You are probably familiar with China’s one-child policy enacted in 1980 as strategy to remedy social, economic, and environmental problems in China. Now Myanmar is trying to approve similar population control legislation requiring women to wait three years between pregnancies to improve health and well-being of women and children. But even those strongly against such coercive
- [Celebrating the Faith and Work of Our Mothers](https://institutefc.org/celebrating-the-faith-and-work-of-our-mothers/) - Mother’s Day is accompanied by certain predictable rituals: breakfast in bed, homemade cards, brunch, flowers, and many other activities. Of the 6.5 billion greeting cards Americans purchase annually, 133 million will be purchased for our mothers this weekend. As we slow down and take time to thank our mothers, we know that these small tokens
- [Five Truths for Shaping Character at Work](https://institutefc.org/five-truths-for-shaping-character-at-work/) - Character starts with the little thoughts we think and the little actions we take. In a previous blog post on how to build character at work, we set forth the process of forming character: Sow a thought, reap an act. Sow an act, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap
- [Is "Tent-Making" Enough to Create Real, Christ-Honoring Value for the Community?](https://institutefc.org/is-tent-making-enough-glorify-jesus/) - The other day, I talked to someone who explained their friend’s career by saying that, “She’s going to China to be a tent-maker and teach at a school.” By "tent-maker," she was referring to Paul’s career as he traveled while preaching the gospel. While Paul and his companions shared the good news, he says in
- [Discerning "What's Not There" Is One of the Most Important Leadership Skills You Can Develop](https://institutefc.org/one-of-the-most-important-leadership-skills-to-develop/) - One of the most important leadership skills is discerning what’s not there. My Bible reading plan carried me into Acts and Leviticus at the same time. Leviticus is the handbook for the priests, with incredible detail on exactly how to perform sacrifices for a long list of situations where a person or community has sinned.
- [Four Truths about Reality and Human Nature That Relate to Faith, Work, and Economics](https://institutefc.org/four-truths-about-reality-and-human-nature-that-relate-to-faith-work-and-economics/) - It happened more than a month ago, so it has largely shifted out of the public eye. However, the long-term effects of a tragic plane crash in the French Alps are, no doubt, bringing a heavy load of sorrow to the families of those who died when the plane descended into the mountainside that day.
- [The Spiritual Problems behind the United States' Increasingly Lower Levels of Economic Freedom](https://institutefc.org/spiritual-problems-behind-united-states-levels-of-economic-freedom/) - The United States is one of the most economically free countries in the world, but it might not stay that way for long. The U.S. has dropped from the second most economically free country in the world to the eighteenth in the past twelve years alone. Just because a nation has economic freedom today doesn’t
- [Carrying out the Cultural Mandate Is Essential for Biblical Flourishing](https://institutefc.org/carrying-out-the-cultural-mandate-is-essential-for-biblical-flourishing/) - On the sixth day of creation God comes to Adam and Eve and gives them their job description. Genesis 1:28 says, God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Writing about this passage in her book Total Truth, Nancy Pearcey explains: The first phrase
- [Seven Quotes from 'Business for the Glory of God' for Encouraging You in Your Work](https://institutefc.org/seven-quotes-from-business-for-the-glory-of-god/) - As Christians, we seek to obey God's commands because we love him and want to glorify him with our lives. We also obey, in part, because we want to imitate our heavenly Father, to be holy as he is holy. When we think of glorifying God, we usually think of "moral" actions and commands: "don't
- [We're Terrified of Freedom, and It's Hurting Our Ability to Flourish](https://institutefc.org/were-terrified-of-freedom/) - The U.S. has dropped from the second most economically free country in the world to the eighteenth in the past twelve years. One of the major reasons we’ve lost economic freedom is because humans, by nature, hate uncertainty. We try to plan and control the future to reduce it. Usually when we try to control
- [Do Our Poverty Alleviation Efforts Amount to Feeling Good without Doing Good?](https://institutefc.org/do-our-poverty-alleviation-efforts-amount-to-feeling-good-without-doing-good/) - I had a fascinating conversation with Janet Parshall this week on her show “In the Market with Janet Parshall.” She graciously invited me to come talk about IFWE’s newly released book For the Least of These: A Biblical Answer to Poverty. In this particular conversation, Janet and I got into the details of how Christians

## Pages

- [Home](https://institutefc.org/) - HELPING CHRISTIANS VOTE WITH CONFIDENCE Election Voter Guide The Institute for Faith & Culture is proud to announce our partnership with iVoterGuide for the 2026 midterms. iVoterGuide is the nation’s largest candidate research organization focused exclusively on informing and mobilizing voters with biblical values, resulting in more strong, faith-first candidates in office every election cycle.
- [About](https://institutefc.org/about/) - INSTITUTE FOR FAITH & CULTURE About Equipping Christians for this cultural moment to be salt and light in their sphere of influence. OUR MISSION Bringing the Mind of Christ to an Upside-Down World The Institute for Faith & Culture exists to equip Christians for this cultural moment to be salt and light in their sphere of
- [National Essay Contest](https://institutefc.org/national-essay-contest/) - The theme for Kingdom Come 2027 is Destroying Strongholds. Contest rules and a call for submissions will be posted later this year! Are you ready to share your voice and engage with today’s most pressing cultural and philosophical challenges through the lens of a biblical worldview? The Institute for Faith & Culture invites you to
- [Politics](https://institutefc.org/politics/) - Politics HELPING CHRISTIANS VOTE WITH CONFIDENCE Election Voter Guide The Institute for Faith & Culture is proud to announce our partnership with iVoterGuide for the 2026 midterms. iVoterGuide is the nation’s largest candidate research organization focused exclusively on informing and mobilizing voters with biblical values, resulting in more strong, faith-first candidates in office every election
- [2026 Ministry Year Highlights](https://institutefc.org/2026-ministry-year-highlights/) - Ministry Year Highlights 2025–2026 A year of equippingthe Church Equipping Christians to be salt and light in their spheres of influence. Give to the Institute → / 01 God’s Design Animated Series / 02 City of God Podcast / 03 Kingdom Come Conference The figures. Total views/ 01 million Across digital and social platforms —
- [Subscribe](https://institutefc.org/subscribe/) - STAY CONNECTED Join the Conversation onFaith & Culture Receive thoughtful articles, event announcements, and resources from theInstitute for Faith & Culture — delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to IFC Choose what you’d like to receive. You can update your preferences at any time. Subscribe Form First NameLast NameEmail Which publications would you like to
- [IFC-IFWE](https://institutefc.org/ifc-ifwe/) - AN EXCITING NEW CHAPTER United for a Greater Mission Two organizations. One shared conviction. A stronger mission to equip Christians to live faithfully in every area of life. INSTITUTE FOR FAITH & CULTURE + INSTITUTE FOR FAITH, WORK, & ECONOMICS ABOUT THIS MERGER The Institute for Faith & Culture (IFC) and the Institute for Faith,
- [Kingdom Come Conference](https://institutefc.org/kcc-old/) - THE CHRISTIAN CITIZEN MARCH 27-29, 2026FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA CLICK TO REGISTER CLICK TO REGISTER “So many other Christian conferences are oblivious to the reality of the culture we are living in today. I leave Kingdom Come each year equipped, encouraged, and filled with the hope of the Gospel.” – Rosaria ButterfieldKingdom Come Speaker TITLE SPONSOR:
- [The Executive Roundtable](https://institutefc.org/roundtable/) - Join a growing network of executives committed to faith-driven leadership The Executive Roundtable, a global initiative under the Institute for Faith and Culture, is dedicated to equipping Christian business leaders with faith-based programming to empower them for this cultural moment. This program is designed in response to the urgent need for Christian leaders to shape
- [Why Coral Ridge](https://institutefc.org/why-coral-ridge/) - WHY Coral Ridge Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church has a rich history of establishing strong institutions that engage culture with the Gospel in ways that lead to genuine results in our community and the world. Founded in 1959, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church launched a Gospel movement under the leadership of Dr. D. James Kennedy in the
- [Why South Florida](https://institutefc.org/why-south-florida/) - WHY South Florida A GLOBAL INFLUENCE The Church must recapture its commitment to transforming culture, remembering Christ’s promise in Revelation 21 to make all things new. The Institute of Faith and Culture humbly accepts the call to be an agent of renewal in South Florida and through it, the world. The Institute of Faith and
- [Work and Economics](https://institutefc.org/work-and-economics/) - Work & Economics LATEST EPISODE Research Papers VIEW ALL Latest Articles VIEW ALL
- [Give Now](https://institutefc.org/give-now/) - Give Now Facebook-f Instagram Youtube This work is not possible without you. The Institute for Faith and Culture is nonprofit and relies on donations to fund its efforts. As we give witness to timeless truths and contend for the future of our nation, our communities, and our families, we are asking for your help. Will
- [Bible and Theology](https://institutefc.org/bible-and-theology/) - Bible & Theology LATEST EPISODE Latest Articles VIEW ALL THE STORY OF God’s Design Watch the series Latest Articles VIEW ALL
- [Faith and the Public Square](https://institutefc.org/faith-and-the-public-square/) - Faith & the Public Square A Biblical perspective on government, culture, and Christian citizenship Featured Content Take Action Register to Vote Voter Guides Voting Biblically Pray for the Nation Get Involved LAUREN COOLEYVP OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
- [Christian Living](https://institutefc.org/christian-living/) - Christian Living LATEST EPISODE Latest Articles VIEW ALL Latest Articles VIEW ALL
- [Current Events](https://institutefc.org/current-events/) - Current Events LATEST EPISODE Latest Articles VIEW ALL Latest Articles VIEW ALL
- [Mission, Vision, and Values](https://institutefc.org/about/mission-vision-values/) - ABOUT MISSION Equipping Christians for this cultural moment through: Worldview TrainingLeadership Development Resources vision Advancing the Kingdom of God, on Earth as it is in Heaven. ABOUT Mission Equipping Christians for this cultural moment through: Worldview Training Leadership Development Resources Connecting Believers Vision Advancing the Kingdom of God, on Earth as it is in Heaven.
- [God's Design - Gender Roles](https://institutefc.org/gods-design/gender-roles/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HqbnnmwgQohttps%3A%2F%2Finstitutefc.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F08%2FCoralRidge_GenderRoles_15633v8_Final_Epipheo.mp4 GENDER ROLES This video teaches kids that God created men and women in His image (Genesis 1:27), equally valuable but uniquely different. Using a wrench and bolt analogy, it shows how their complementary strengths reflect God’s love and build strong families and communities. Children learn that these differences are part of God’s “very good”
- [God's Design - Humanity](https://institutefc.org/gods-design/humanity/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaeLsu0IyUYhttps%3A%2F%2Finstitutefc.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F08%2FCoralRidge_PurposeOfHumanity_15633v7_Final_Epipheo.mp4 HUMANITY Why are we here? This video explores one of life’s biggest questions by looking back to God’s original design. Kids will learn that humans were made in God’s image, with a clear purpose: to reflect Him, represent Him, and bring His goodness into the world. We’re not just here to sit around—we’re part
- [God's Design - Government](https://institutefc.org/gods-design/government/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDmjz0rIGRshttps%3A%2F%2Finstitutefc.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F08%2FCoralRidge_Government_15633v6_Final_Epipheo.mp4 GOVERNMENT Is God in charge, or is the government? This video explains that while God is the ultimate authority, He has given governments the job of promoting good and resisting evil. Children learn that the Bible teaches us to obey and participate in government—unless it asks us to disobey God. It’s a thoughtful and
- [God's Design - The Church](https://institutefc.org/gods-design/church/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b21KWLM8hVMhttps%3A%2F%2Finstitutefc.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F08%2FCoralRidge_TheChurch_15633v5_Final_Epipheo.mp4 THE CHURCH This video shows that the Church isn’t just a building. The Church is people! Children are taught that the Church exists to carry out Jesus’ mission: to make disciples, teach truth, and bless the world. God invites each of us to be part of this big, exciting mission, and He gives us
- [God's Design - Creation](https://institutefc.org/gods-design/creation/) - https://youtu.be/1AhP3GFcYMshttps://institutefc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CoralRidge_Creation_15633v4_Final_Epipheo.mp4 CREATION This video helps kids understand that the world around them (including themselves) is not an accident. It introduces God as the Creator who brings order and beauty from chaos. Children are invited to see their value and purpose in the fact that God intentionally made them, and that His creation (including them) is
- [God's Design - Marriage](https://institutefc.org/gods-design/marriage/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FL-oyx7hSIhttps%3A%2F%2Finstitutefc.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F08%2FCoralRidge_Marriage_15633v3_Final_Epipheo.mp4 MARRIAGE This video explains marriage as a unique, lifelong relationship between one man and one woman. It highlights how marriage helps people grow together in love and support, and how it reflects God’s love for His people. Children are encouraged to see marriage not just as a partnership, but as a living picture of
- [God's Design - Work](https://institutefc.org/gods-design/work/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53QMMV2ZK70https%3A%2F%2Finstitutefc.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F08%2FCoralRidge_Work_15633v2_Final_Epipheo_navyBlueIntroOutro.mp4 WORK In this video, children learn that work is part of God’s good design. Even though it can feel boring or hard sometimes, we were created to work, create, and bring order and beauty into the world, just as God did. The video reminds children that even play and building things can reflect God’s
- [God's Design - Gender](https://institutefc.org/gods-design/gender/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9oMsYI6DTEhttps%3A%2F%2Finstitutefc.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F08%2FCoralRidge_Gender_15633v1_Final_Epipheo__-navyBlueIntroOutro.mp4 GENDER Why are we here? This video explores one of life’s biggest questions by looking back to God’s original design. Kids will learn that humans were made in God’s image, with a clear purpose: to reflect Him, represent Him, and bring His goodness into the world. We’re not just here to sit around—we’re part
- [God's Design](https://institutefc.org/gods-design/) - The Story of God’s Design Watch the First Episode A Trusted Resource God’s Design is an eight-part video series created to help families talk about some of the most important questions kids are facing today. Rooted in God’s Word, these short videos are a trusted resource you can rely on as you guide your children.
- [Shows](https://institutefc.org/shows/) - Podcasts Video Series
- [Journal](https://institutefc.org/journal/) - Latest Articles VIEW ALL Work & Economics VIEW ALL LATEST EPISODE Bible & Theology VIEW ALL Politics VIEW ALL Follow Us Facebook X-twitter Youtube Instagram Subscribe for Updates Upcoming Events New Publications
- [Donate Test](https://institutefc.org/donate-test/) - Add Your Heading Text Here Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Give
- [Resources](https://institutefc.org/resources/) - Three Ways to Be Kind to Our Coworkers this Thanksgiving Dr. Joshua Nangle We can be kind because God was first kind to us, and for this we should be thankful! In our sorrow-filled world, let’s share God’s kindness with our coworkers. Read More KINGDOM COME CONFERENCE Rob Pacienza As we approach the inauguration of
- [Videos](https://institutefc.org/videos/) - INSITUTE Video Archive
- [The Daniel Society](https://institutefc.org/danielsociety/)
- [Faith & Work Resources](https://institutefc.org/faith-work/) - Join a growing network of executives committed to faith-driven leadership The Executive Roundtable, a global initiative under the Institute of Faith and Culture, is dedicated to equipping Christian business leaders with faith-based programming to empower them for this cultural moment. This program is designed in response to the urgent need for Christian leaders to shape
- [Staff & Advisory](https://institutefc.org/about/staff-advisory/) - INSTITUTE leadership Staff Dr. Rob Pacienza Founder, President Andrew Nichols Vice President of Operations Lauren Cooley Vice President of Public Affairs Dr. Chris Leader Director Of Engagement Advisors
- [How Firm a Foundation](https://institutefc.org/how-firm-a-foundation/) - available now HOW FIRMA FOUNDATION In a world of shifting values and competing worldviews, how can Christians develop a faith that remains steady through life’s storms? ORDER NOW Read Free Sample Rob Pacienza’s How Firm a Foundation is bold, urgent, and pastoral. This book is a roadmap for living with courageous faith in an age
- [Lessons](https://institutefc.org/lessons/) - lessons at THE DIANE BISH center for music and the arts PURPOSEWHY WE EXIST The Diane Bish Center for Music and the Arts will be a center for training and further education in a wide range of performing and fine arts, striving for excellence in all areas for God’s glory. “Let everything that has breath
- [KINGDOM COME 2026](https://institutefc.org/kcc2026/) - MARCH 27-29, 2026FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA CLICK TO REGISTER CLICK TO REGISTER JOIN USKINGDOM COME 2026 Tickets are now on sale for our 2026 Kingdom Come Conference! We will welcome Voddie Baucham, Lucas Miles, Aaron Renn, David Bahnsen, Os Guinness, and Natasha Crain. Additional speakers to be announced! Join us March 27-29 at Coral Ridge Presbyterian
- [Center for Music and the Arts](https://institutefc.org/music/) - THE DIANE BISH CENTER FORMUSIC & THE ARTS PURPOSEWHY WE EXIST The Diane Bish Center for Music and the Arts will be a center for training and further education in a wide range of performing and fine arts, striving for excellence in all areas for God’s glory. ANNA LAPWOOD PRESENTED BY:THE DIANE BISH CENTER FOR
- [Newsletter](https://institutefc.org/newsletter/) - New Articles in Your Inbox Receive the latest insights from the Institute for Faith & Culture and never miss a publication.
- [Kingdom Come](https://institutefc.org/kc/) - THE MIND OF CHRIST IN OUR SECULAR AGE APRIL 4-6, 2025FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA CLICK TO REGISTER CLICK TO REGISTER JOIN US APRIL 4-6 IN Fort Lauderdale, florida PLAN YOUR TRIP Discover kingdom come https://institutefc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Kingdom-Come-2024-NO-BUG.mp4 SPEAKER LINEUP ALLIE BETH STUCKEY ERWIN LUTZER Riley Gaines STEPHEN MANSFIELD SAMUEL SEY ROSARIA BUTTERFIELD COSTI W. HINN TIM SANSBURY ROB
- [Internship](https://institutefc.org/initiatives/internship/) - Internship Program Internshipquick Facts Apply Today 10 WEEKS | BEGINNING MAY 27 IDEAL INTERN: RISING COLLEGE SOPHOMORE, JUNIOR, OR SENIOR FOCUSES ON: BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW, SPIRITUAL FORMATION, AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE PAID TRIPS: WASHINGTON D.C. AND HAVANA, CUBA CAPSTONE PROJECT: INDIVIDUALLY TAILORED TO YOUR POTENTIAL PROFESSION AND CALLING STIPEND: $2,000 About the Internship The Institute for
- [Live Stream Event](https://institutefc.org/live-stream-event/) - Days Hours Minutes Seconds SUPPORT THE MISSION OF THE INSTITUTE FOR FAITH & CULTURE help us stand for biblical truth in an upside down world Your gift today allows us to continue to equip Christians to stand for truth. We pledge to be a clear, consistent, and faithful voice in this cultural moment. This public
- [Research](https://institutefc.org/research/) - INSTITUTE RESEARCH With biblical literacy at an all-time low, the majority of North American Christians are not operating with a worldview based on objective truth. The Institute for Faith and Culture is committed to equipping men and women with a biblically informed view of the world that shapes all of life. Flash poll conducted by
- [Live Stream Registration](https://institutefc.org/live-stream-registration/) - Register to watch live!
- [Live Stream Lander](https://institutefc.org/swainlive/) - Join the Institute for Faith and Culture for a livestream event with Dr. Carol Swain as she discusses the nearing election and joins us in a special time of prayer! WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30 | 6PM JOIN VIA LIVESTREAM help us stand for biblical truth in an upside down world Your gift today allows us to
- [Church Music Explosion](https://institutefc.org/cme/) - Church Music Explosion is a workshop committed to excellence in worship, church music education and performance, fulfilling the church motto:“EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS AND ALL THINGS TO GOD’S GLORY”! FEATURING PEARL SHANGKUAN & DAN FORREST January 8-10, 2025 Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, Ft Lauderdale, FL Presented in Partnership with the Diane Bish Center for Music
- [A Public Faith](https://institutefc.org/a-public-faith/) - A PUBLIC FAITH DR. ROBERT J. PACIENZA Dr. Rob Pacienza explores how Christians should practice their faith publicly in a post-Christian society, where Christianity is no longer the dominant worldview. This booklet emphasizes the timeless calling of the Church to advance God’s Kingdom on earth and the importance of bearing witness to the gospel, as
- [God's Design for the State](https://institutefc.org/gods-design-for-the-state/) - God’s Design for the State DR. ROBERT J. PACIENZA Dr. Rob Pacienza discusses the relationship between the church, government, and politics, highlighting the role of Christians in today’s political landscape. Drawing from Scripture, Dr. Pacienza emphasizes that God is sovereign over both the church and the state, and civil authorities derive their power from Him.
- [The Making and Meaning of Marriage](https://institutefc.org/the-making-and-meaning-of-marriage/) - The Making and Meaning of Marriage DR. Voddie Baucham Dr. Voddie Bauchem addresses the definitions of man, woman, and marriage within a religious and cultural framework. He explores the roles of men and women in creation, emphasizing the connection between the prohibition of eating from the Tree of Knowledge and the creation of woman. Dive
- [Our Calling and Purpose](https://institutefc.org/our-calling-and-purpose/) - Our Calling and Purpose DR. Os Guinness Dr. Os Guinness reflects on the meaningful connections he shared with others, especially a particular group of friends, and the impact these bonds had on his life. Despite the passage of time and changes, these friendships remain a significant part of his memories. This booklet captures the depth
- [Certificate Program](https://institutefc.org/initiatives/certificate-program/) - Institute Certificate Program certificate programquick Facts MULTI-SEMESTER PROGRAMS IDEAL PARTICIPANT: FROM BUSINESS LEADERS TO STAY-AT-HOME MOMS, THE PROGRAM IS FOR THE PERSON THAT WANTS TO DIVE DEEPER INTO THE INTERSECTION OF FAITH AND CULTURE CORE AND ELECTIVE COURSES OFFERED Core Program The Institute for Faith & Culture’s Certificate Program is a multi-course/semester program with
- [Shop](https://institutefc.org/shop/)
- [Speaker's Bureau](https://institutefc.org/speakers-bureau/) - SPEAKER’S BUREAU Meet our esteemed speakers ready to contribute to your next gathering with impactful insights. The speakers in this list are offered to like-minded organizations (college clubs, churches, civic groups, and more) at no cost or at a significantly discounted rate. To request a speaker, please fill out the Speaker Request Form. Please contact
- [City of God](https://institutefc.org/city-of-god/) - LISTEN WATCH about the show The City of God gives biblical understanding and fresh perspective on today’s biggest cultural issues. Co-hosted by D. Coral Ridge Ministries President and CEO, Robert Pacienza, and Director of Creative Production, John Rabe, this weekly podcast supplies you with in-depth discussions about what really matters in America today. Produced by Coral
- [Contributors & Speakers](https://institutefc.org/about/contributors-speakers/) - INSTITUTE Contributors and Speakers
- [Kingdom Come Conference](https://institutefc.org/kcc-2/) - JOIN US MARCH 14-16 IN Fort Lauderdale, florida PLAN YOUR TRIP In this cultural moment, the North American church faces an array of pressing questions and ideological pressures impacting all facets of life. Delve into the heart of these issues, equip yourself with the intellectual tools, spiritual guidance, and unwavering conviction to stand firm in
- [Senior Fellows](https://institutefc.org/about/senior-fellows-contributors/) - INSTITUTE senior fellows
- [Courses](https://institutefc.org/courses-4/) - Courses Core Program The Institute for Faith & Culture’s Certificate Program is a multi-course/semester program with both core and elective courses taught by theologians, thought leaders, and Christian statesmen. Upon completion, students are issued a certificate of completion. Core course offerings are broken into three main categories: Biblical Knowledge, Biblical Competency, and Biblical Influence. CORE
- [Kingdom Come Videos](https://institutefc.org/kingdom-come-videos/) - INSTITUTE Kingdom Come Video Archive
- [Initiatives](https://institutefc.org/initiatives/) - Our Initiatives OurInitiatives Certificate program Click here Internship Program Click here Upcoming Events Click here
- [Upcoming Events](https://institutefc.org/upcoming-events/)
- [Kingdom Come](https://institutefc.org/upcoming-events/kingdom-come/)

## My Templates

- [Elementor Single Post #14406](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-single-post-14406) - X-twitter Continue Reading VIEW ALL
- [Advisory Board (Barbar)](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=advisory-board) - George Barbar George Barbar serves as Chief Commercial Officer of InspereX, where he leads the firm’s commercial strategy and execution, driving growth, strengthening client and partner relationships, and expanding the delivery of innovative fixed income solutions nationwide. Before joining InspereX, he spent more than 16 years at Mesirow in senior leadership roles overseeing institutional fixed
- [Advisory Board (Bishop)](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=advisory-board-barbar) - Laura Bishop Laura Bishop is the Executive Vice President of Advancement at Palm Beach Atlantic University. She is responsible for planning, organizing and implementing the University’s fundraising, marketing, communications, community relations, planned giving and alumni & parent relations efforts. Working alongside the university’s president, Bishop is spearheading the $500 million “God-Sized Dreams” capital campaign. Prior
- [Advisory Board (Volkert)](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=advisory-board-volkert) - Chad Volkert Chad Volkert is a Global C-Suite Leader at Protiviti and a member of the firm’s Executive Leadership team. He specializes in advising executive leadership on business optimization, AI-driven innovation, and navigating complex areas of legal risk. With over 25 years of executive experience, he has a proven track record of helping growing companies
- [Voter Guide Section](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=voter-guide-section) - HELPING CHRISTIANS VOTE WITH CONFIDENCE Election Voter Guide The Institute for Faith & Culture is proud to announce our partnership with iVoterGuide for the 2026 midterms. iVoterGuide is the nation’s largest candidate research organization focused exclusively on informing and mobilizing voters with biblical values, resulting in more strong, faith-first candidates in office every election cycle.
- [Elementor Header #13140](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-header-13140) - GIVE NOW SUBSCRIBE VIDEO STORE GIVE NOW WORK & ECONOMICS Close WORK & ECONOMICS Open WORK & ECONOMICS Latest ARTICLE By Dr. Alexander Salter Trending Now 00 BY Dr. Shawn Ritenour 00 BY Elise Daniel 00 BY Dr. Vincent Bacote MORE RESOURCES CITY OF GOD PODCAST REDEEMING WORK PODCAST EXECUTIVE ROUNDTABLE RESEARCH PAPERS SUBSCRIBE TO
- [Default Kit](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=default-kit)
- [Elementor Loop Item #14457](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item-15)
- [Elementor Loop Item #14488](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item-16) - 00
- [Elementor Loop Item #13095](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item-6)
- [Elementor Loop Item #13086](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item-5)
- [Elementor Loop Item #14349](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item-14)
- [Elementor Loop Item #15464](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item-17)
- [Advisory Board (Walker)](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=advisory-board-walker) - Virgil Walker Virgil Walker serves as a Teaching Pastor at Redeemer Bible Church in Gilbert, Arizona, where he faithfully proclaims God’s Word and equips believers for ministry. He serves on the Advisory Board for the Institute for Faith & Culture, and he is also the co-host, alongside Darrell Harrison, of the Just Thinking Podcast—one of
- [Advisory Board (Pacienza)](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=advisory-board-pacienza) - Rob Pacienza Rob Pacienza is the Senior Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church (Fort Lauderdale, FL), the President of Coral Ridge Media, and the Founder of the Institute for Faith & Culture. He also serves on the council of the Gospel Reformation Network. Rob is a graduate of Samford University (B.A. ’03) and Knox Theological
- [Advisory Board (Mansfield)](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=advisory-board-mansfield) - Stephen Mansfield Stephen Mansfield is a New York Times bestselling author and popular speaker who leads a speaker training firm based in Washington, DC. He first rose to global attention with his groundbreaking book The Faith of George W. Bush, a bestseller that Time magazine credited with helping to shape the 2004 US presidential election.
- [Advisory Board (Helfenbein)](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=advisory-board-helfenbein) - Ryan Helfenbein Ryan Helfenbein is the Vice President of Communications and Public Engagement at Liberty University and the Founding Executive Director of the Standing for Freedom Center where he is the host of the Give Me Liberty podcast and a regular Christian cultural and political commentator with appearances on Fox News, Newsmax, Real America’s Voice
- [Advisory Board (Grant)](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=advisory-board-grant) - George Grant George Grant is the Pastor Emeritus of Parish Presbyterian Church and the Founder of Franklin Classical School, the Comenius School, Bannockburn College, and New College Franklin. He is the Director of the King’s Meadow Study Center and the Coordinator of the Chalmers Fund. He is the author of more than eight dozen books
- [Advisory Board (Crain)](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=advisory-board-crain) - Natasha Crain Natasha Crain is a national speaker, author, host of The Natasha Crain Podcast, and co-hosts the Unshaken Faith Podcast with Alisa Childers. She is passionate about equipping Christians to think clearly and hold to a biblical worldview in a secular culture. She addresses a wide range of topics including apologetics, theology, culture, politics,
- [Advisory Board (Carneal)](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=advisory-board-carneal) - Chris Carneal Chris Carneal is the Founder and CEO of Booster, the #1 school fundraising company in America. Since 2002, Booster has raised schools over $500 million for local education through its flagship program, the Boosterthon Fun Run. As the son of an educator, Chris created Booster to help schools flourish. It profits schools more
- [Advisory Board (Burns)](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=advisory-board-burns) - Brent Burns Brent Burns is board member and former chief executive officer of JM Family Enterprises, Inc., a privately held company with more than $20 billion in revenue and more than 5,000 associates. JM Family is rooted in automotive and united in its strong culture and core values. Burns joined JM Family in 2000 and
- [Elementor Archive #15462](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-archive-15462)
- [Elementor Loop Item #14326](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item-12)
- [Elementor Loop Item #13117](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item-8)
- [Elementor Loop Item #16556](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item-18)
- [Podcast Single post](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-single-post-2213) - More Podcasts
- [Elementor Loop Item #14295](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item-10) - LISTEN NOW SEE MORE PODCASTS
- [Elementor Loop Item #14336](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item-13)
- [kcc newest](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=kcc-newest) - THE CHRISTIAN CITIZEN MARCH 27-29, 2026FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA CLICK TO REGISTER CLICK TO REGISTER “So many other Christian conferences are oblivious to the reality of the culture we are living in today. I leave Kingdom Come each year equipped, encouraged, and filled with the hope of the Gospel.” – Rosaria ButterfieldKingdom Come Speaker TITLE SPONSOR:
- [Topic Page Buildout](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=topic-page-buildout) - Work & Economics LATEST EPISODE Research Papers VIEW ALL Latest Articles VIEW ALL
- [Roundtable-New](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=roundtable-new) - Join a growing network of executives committed to faith-driven leadership The Executive Roundtable, a global initiative under the Institute of Faith and Culture, is dedicated to equipping Christian business leaders with faith-based programming to empower them for this cultural moment. This program is designed in response to the urgent need for Christian leaders to shape
- [Elementor Loop Item #11499](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item-3)
- [Site Footer](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-footer-63) - 5555 North Federal HwyFort Lauderdale, FL 33308(954) 771-8840info@institutefc.org ABOUT INITIATIVES EVENTS PODCASTS GIVE NOW FOLLOW US Facebook-f Instagram Youtube 5555 North Federal HwyFort Lauderdale, FL 33308(954) 771-8840info@institutefc.org FOLLOW US Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Youtube
- [Elementor Header #16645](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-header-16645) - GIVE NOW WORK & ECONOMICS Close WORK & ECONOMICS Open WORK & ECONOMICS Latest ARTICLE By Mike Sharrow Trending Now 00 BY Hugh Whelchel 00 BY Hugh Whelchel 00 BY Hugh Whelchel MORE RESOURCES CITY OF GOD PODCAST CITY OF GOD FAMILIES REDEEMING WORK PODCAST VIDEO ARCHIVES GOD’S DESIGN SERIES SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER LISTEN
- [Elementor Single Post #16634](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-single-post-16634) - More Videos
- [Elementor Loop Item #16573](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item-19)
- [Elementor Loop Item #14312](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item-11)
- [Elementor Loop Item #13134](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item-9)
- [Elementor Loop Item #13108](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item-7)
- [Elementor Loop Item #13073](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item-4)
- [Family Resources](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=family-resources) - IFC Family Resources LISTEN TO THE PODCAST FAMILY ARTICLES
- [Video Download](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=video-download) - SUBSCRIBE FOR ACCESS Get instant download access to all of the God’s Design resources!
- [How Firm a Foundation](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=how-firm-a-foundation) - available now HOW FIRMA FOUNDATION In a world of shifting values and competing worldviews, how can Christians develop a faith that remains steady through life’s storms? ORDER NOW Read Free Sample Rob Pacienza’s How Firm a Foundation is bold, urgent, and pastoral. This book is a roadmap for living with courageous faith in an age
- [Video Player](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=video-player) - https://institutefc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CoralRidge_Creation_15633v4_Final_Epipheo.mp4
- [Elementor Header #138](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-header-138) - SEARCH Main Menu Resources Articles Research City of God Podcast Videos Topics Biblical Worldview Vocation & Leadership Cultural Trends Politics Economics Marriage & Family About Mission, Vision, and Values Staff & Advisory Contributors & Speakers Senior Fellows Initiatives Certificate Program Internship Center for Music and the Arts Speaker’s Bureau National Essay Contest Events Kingdom Come
- [Elementor Products Archive #7437](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-products-archive-7437) - SHOP Books Downloads
- [Essay Contest](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=subscribe-2) - The MIND OF CHRIST IN OUR SECULAR AGE The Institute for Faith & Culture invites you to participate in our National Student Essay Contest, an exciting opportunity to reflect on“The Mind of Christ in Our Secular Age.” LEARN MORE
- [Mobile Menu Popup](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=mobile-menu-popup) - ACTION BUTTON Main Menu Resources Articles Research City of God Podcast Videos Topics Biblical Worldview Vocation & Leadership Cultural Trends Politics Economics Marriage & Family About Mission, Vision, and Values Staff & Advisory Contributors & Speakers Senior Fellows Initiatives Certificate Program Internship Center for Music and the Arts Speaker’s Bureau National Essay Contest Events Kingdom
- [essay contest](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=essay-contest) - The MIND OF CHRIST IN OUR SECULAR AGE The Institute for Faith & Culture invites you to participate in our National Student Essay Contest, an exciting opportunity to reflect on“The Mind of Christ in Our Secular Age.” LEARN MORE
- [Subscribe](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=subscribe) - Receive the latest news Subscribe To Our Resource Newsletter Get notified about new articles from the Institute.
- [Elementor Loop Item #2753](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item)
- [donation-form](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=donation-form) - help us stand for biblical truth in an upside down world Your gift today allows us to continue to equip Christians to stand for truth. We pledge to be a clear, consistent, and faithful voice in this cultural moment. This public witness is needed in our chaotic times. The victory of secularism is not inevitable.
- [carson-ssn-banner](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=carson-ssn-banner)
- [download confirmation](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=download-confirmation) - Your file has downloaded!
- [Categories and Search Results](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-archive-1496) - INSTITUTE Resources
- [Article Archive](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-archive-2539) - INSTITUTE Resources
- [Events Archive Page](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-archive-835) - UPCOMING EVENTS
- [event-lander](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=event-lander)
- [Elementor Loop Item #6237](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item-2)
- [Article List on Resources Page](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-1366)
- [Elementor Archive #5024](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-archive-5024) - INSTITUTE RESOURCES
- [Podcast Loop](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item-2593)
- [Bio Page Post](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-single-post-1518) - ABOUT
- [Plan Your Trip](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=plan-your-trip) - PLAN YOUR TRIP
- [Visit Ft Lauderdale](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=visit-ft-lauderdale) - JOIN US MARCH 14-16 IN Fort Lauderdale, florida PLAN YOUR TRIP
- [JOIN US KC](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=join-us-kc) - JOIN US MARCH 14-16 IN Fort Lauderdale, florida PLAN YOUR TRIP
- [music-why-we-exist](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=music-why-we-exist) - PURPOSEWHY WE EXIST The Diane Bish Center for Music and the Arts will be a center for training and further education in a wide range of performing and fine arts, striving for excellence in all areas for God’s glory.
- [Bento three image](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=bento-three-image)
- [Bento Info Section](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=bento-info-section) - REGISTRATION INFORMATION: There will be a one-time non-refundable $50 fee for the initial set-up of lessons for the student. A family discount of 50% per registration will be given for each additional family member. Registration fees are waived for students who return within one year. Program handbook
- [Full Blog Page Post](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-single-post-1231) - INSTITUTE ARCHIVE Resources for you Resources for you Share this post: Facebook X Subscribe To Our Resources Newsletter No spam, stay up to date on new articles, resources and events!
- [Events Archive Individual Tile](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-928)
- [God's Design Query - Video Archive](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-archive-3220) - INSTITUTE RESOURCES
- [Kingdom Come Query - Video Archive](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-archive-3216) - INSTITUTE RESOURCES
- [Voddie Baucham Query - Video Archive](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-archive-3212) - INSTITUTE RESOURCES
- [Faith And Culture Query - Video Tag](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-archive-3206) - INSTITUTE RESOURCES
- [Video Archive](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-archive-2264) - INSTITUTE RESOURCES
- [Slide Out Search](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=slide-out-search) - BROWSE TOPICS Main Menu Biblical Worldview Cultural Trends Economics Marriage & Family Vocation & Leadership Politics BROWSE BY RESOURCE TYPE Main Menu Article Video Podcast Downloads BROWSE BY AUTHOR Main Menu Authors Alisa Childers Alistair Begg David Bibee Erwin Lutzer Francis Schaeffer Harry Reeder HB Charles Joel Satterly Lauren Cooley Michael Kruger Os Guinness Peter
- [Author Loop](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item-2900) - Click here
- [Author Archive](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-archive-2859) - INSTITUTE Author Archive
- [Resource Library](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-archive-1445) - INSTITUTE RESOURCE LIBRARY
- [Podcast Archive](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-archive-1591)
- [Podcast Loop](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-1609)
- [Articles Archive](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=articles-archive) - INSTITUTE Resources
- [Article Archive Loop](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item-2513)
- [Downloads Loop for Resource Page](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-1289)
- [Elementor Loop Item #2292](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item-2292)
- [Elementor Single Post #2280](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-single-post-2280) - You May Also Enjoy
- [Side Bar Search Menu](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=side-bar-search-menu) - BROWSE TOPICS Main Menu Biblical Worldview Cultural Trends Economics Marriage & Family Vocation & Leadership Politics BROWSE BY RESOURCE TYPE Main Menu Article Video Podcast Downloads
- [Elementor Error 404 #1937](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-error-404-1937) - 404 Ooops. The page you were looking for couldn’t be found. You can navigate through our menu or use this search bar:
- [Home Page Draft](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=home-page-draft) - The Church’s Response to Human Trafficking Raleigh Sadler A clear understanding of the nature of trafficking is the first step toward an appropriate response for the local church. Principals, Partners, or Pawns? Parents’ Role in Education Rob Pacienza Jesus Christ, The World’s Only Hope Dr. T. Desmond Alexander Christian Witness in the Public Square? It’s
- [Mobile Menu](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=mobile-menu) - Main Menu Home About Mission, Vision, and Values Staff & Advisory Contributors & Speakers Senior Fellows Initiatives Certificate Program Courses CULTURAL APOLOGETICS | Voddie Baucham Internship Christian Statesmanship Events Kingdom Come Youtube Live Feed Contact Get Involved Facebook Twitter Youtube
- [Resources Archive Page](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-archive-1214) - Equipping Christians for this cultural moment. LEARN MORE The Church’s Response to Human Trafficking by Raleigh Sadler “I shared my story with the pastor of my church and felt judged, and it was as if they had no idea how else to respond.” Haunting statements like this one no longer shock me. Click here Principals, Partners,
- [Event Template with Bio](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=event-template-with-bio) - FAMILY SERIES An Evening with Tony Reinke SEPTEMBER 13 | 6:30PMCORAL RIDGE SANCTUARY TECHNOLOGY, CELL PHONES, SOCIAL MEDIA AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE FAMILY Join us on Wednesday, September 13 as we welcome renowned author and speaker Tony Reinke. None of us live outside the impact that technology has in our culture. In a world that’s
- [Core Course Template](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=core-course-template) - CUltural Apologetics with Dr. Voddie Baucham CERTIFICATE CORE COURSE Course Specifications Course Registration LEARN ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR Syllabus INSTRUCTOR: Voddie BauchamDATE: January 13 & 14COST: $60 In partnership with the Institute for Faith & Culture, Coral Ridge will welcome back Voddie Baucham for a special course on Cultural Aplogetics. Voddie will teach on the importance
- [Event Template](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=event-template) - UPCOMING EVENTS An Evening with Ben Carson and Alveda King Monday, February 27 | 7:00pm Register today Join us for an Evening with Ben Carson and Alveda King. They will be leading a panel discussion with Pastor Rob addressing the intersection of faith and culture, including topics such as sanctity of human life, education opportunity,
- [Elementor Loop #344](https://institutefc.org/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-344) - Learn More

## Products

- [True, Good, & Beautiful](https://institutefc.org/product/true-good-and-beautiful/) - Our journey to the solution begins as we discover God’s design as explained in the Bible. In this new book, Dr. Robert J. Pacienza guides us through the difficult but glorious task of declaring and demonstrating that God’s design is true, good, and beautiful.
- [True, Good, and Beautiful (E-Book)](https://institutefc.org/product/true-good-and-beautiful-e-book/) - NOTE: THIS IS A DIGITAL DOWNLOAD Discover God’s design for your life and world! Request True, Good, & Beautiful: God’s Design for a Flourishing World, Dr. Pacienza’s new book.
- [Redeeming Monday](https://institutefc.org/product/redeeming-monday/) - Bring purpose to your workweek with Redeeming Monday: 30 Prayers for Business Leaders. This powerful collection of prayers helps bridge the gap between Sunday faith and Monday responsibilities, grounding your leadership in God’s truth. Each prayer invites you to see your work as worship and your workplace as a mission field. Start each day with clarity, conviction, and a kingdom perspective.
- [The Hope of the World](https://institutefc.org/product/the-hope-of-the-world/) - “Although our faith is deeply personal, it is never to remain private,” writes Pacienza as he summons today’s Church to be the counter-cultural institution it has been for the past two thousand years.
- [A Public Faith](https://institutefc.org/product/a-public-faith/) - PDF Download Dr. Rob Pacienza explores how Christians should practice their faith publicly in a post-Christian society, where Christianity is no longer the dominant worldview. This booklet emphasizes the timeless calling of the Church to advance God’s Kingdom on earth and the importance of bearing witness to the gospel, as Jesus instructed. Using the example
- [The Making and Meaning of Marriage](https://institutefc.org/product/the-making-and-meaning-of-marriage/) - PDF Download Dr. Voddie Bauchem addresses the definitions of man, woman, and marriage within a religious and cultural framework. He explores the roles of men and women in creation, emphasizing the connection between the prohibition of eating from the Tree of Knowledge and the creation of woman. Dive into marriage's purpose, highlighting the natural complementarity
- [Our Calling and Purpose](https://institutefc.org/product/our-calling-and-purpose/) - PDF Download Dr. Os Guinness reflects on the meaningful connections he shared with others, especially a particular group of friends, and the impact these bonds had on his life. Despite the passage of time and changes, these friendships remain a significant part of his memories. This booklet captures the depth of relationships formed during formative
- [God's Design for the State](https://institutefc.org/product/gods-design-for-the-state/) - PDF Download Dr. Rob Pacienza discusses the relationship between the church, government, and politics, highlighting the role of Christians in today's political landscape. Drawing from Scripture, Dr. Pacienza emphasizes that God is sovereign over both the church and the state, and civil authorities derive their power from Him. There is a call for Christians to
- [Christianity and Liberalism](https://institutefc.org/product/christianity-and-liberalism/) - J. Gresham Machen's book Christianity and Liberalism reaches the 100-year milestone of its original publication. Available now, this is a special anniversary hardcover edition with foreword by Dr. Peter A. Lillback and afterword by Dr. Robert J. Pacienza.

## Leadership

- [Chris Leader](https://institutefc.org/leadership/chris-leader/) - Chris Leader is from Atlanta, Georgia, and serves as the Chief Advisor for the Center for the American Dream at AFPI. He is also the Executive Director of Speak for Life and Chief of Staff to Dr. Alveda King. In addition to his work with the pro-life community, Chris serves as the President of Kids
- [Joel Pelsue](https://institutefc.org/leadership/joel-pelsue/) - Joel Pelsue is the Founder and President of Arts and Entertainment Ministries (AEM) in Los Angeles. His work in Los Angeles has focused on equipping artists, educators, and cultural leaders to use their gifts to be salt and light in the mainstream culture. Joel has a B.A in Philosophy from Westmont College in Santa Barbara,
- [Lauren Cooley](https://institutefc.org/leadership/lauren-cooley/) - Lauren Cooley is the Vice President of Public Affairs for the Institute for Faith & Culture. She is also the Board Chair for the Center for Christian Statesmanship and serves on the Board of Directors for Coral Ridge Ministries. Lauren has appeared on TV and radio numerous times, including Fox News, Fox Nation, Newsmax, and
- [Andrew Nichols](https://institutefc.org/leadership/andrew-nichols/)
- [Lisa Wilson](https://institutefc.org/leadership/lisa-wilson/) - Lisa Wilson is the Director of the Diane Bish Center for Music and the Arts and is the Associate Organist at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Previously, Lisa served as the Director of Fine Arts at Westminster Academy and was the Director at the Rejoice Center for the Arts. Lisa is a
- [Dr. Rob Pacienza](https://institutefc.org/leadership/pastor-rob-pacienza/) - Dr. Robert J. Pacienza is the Senior Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church (Fort Lauderdale, FL), the CEO/President of Coral Ridge Ministries, and the Founder of the Institute for Faith and Culture. He serves on the General Council of the Gospel Reformation Network, serves as Board Member for National Religious Broadcasters, and is a contributor to WORLD Opinions and The Washington Times. Rob is a graduate of Samford University (B.A. ’03), Knox Theological Seminary (M.Div. ’12), and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia (D.Min. ’23). His doctorate project was
- [Stephen Mansfield](https://institutefc.org/leadership/stephen-mansfield/) - Stephen Mansfield first rose to global attention with his groundbreaking book The Faith of George W. Bush, a bestseller that Time magazine credited with helping to shape the 2004 US presidential election. Mansfield’s The Faith of Barack Obama was another international bestseller. He has written celebrated biographies of Booker T. Washington, George Whitefield, Winston Churchill,
- [Christine Sneeringer](https://institutefc.org/leadership/christine-sneeringer/) - Christine Sneeringer has a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from Oxford University and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She leads TruGender, a ministry for those affected by gender dysphoria and is a Contributor for the Institute for Faith and Culture. Christine writes and speaks on gender and sexuality, sharing her dramatic
- [Jack Brewer](https://institutefc.org/leadership/jack-brewer/) - Jack Brewer was raised in Grapevine, Texas, and is a Senior Fellow of the Institute for Faith and Culture. He serves as the Chair of the Center for Opportunity Now, and Vice-Chair of the Center for 1776 at AFPI. Recently, Brewer was an Advisory Board Member of Black Voices for Trump. In 2004, he started
- [Alveda King](https://institutefc.org/leadership/alveda-king/) - Alveda C. King, PhD, serves as Chair of the America First Policy Institute’s Center for the American Dream. She is the daughter of the late slain civil rights activist Rev. A. D. King and the niece of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as a Christian evangelist; graduate of Aidan University; and
- [Carol Swain](https://institutefc.org/leadership/carol-swain-2/) - Born into abject poverty in rural Virginia, Dr. Carol Swain earned five degrees and obtained early tenure at Princeton and full professorship at Vanderbilt where she was professor of political science and a professor of law. Today she is a sought-after cable news contributor, prominent national speaker, and best-selling author. In addition to three Presidential
- [Voddie Baucham](https://institutefc.org/leadership/voddie-baucham-2/)
- [George Barbar: Chairman of the Board](https://institutefc.org/leadership/george-barbar/)
- [Gerry Perez](https://institutefc.org/leadership/gerry-perez/)
- [Sean McDowell](https://institutefc.org/leadership/sean-mcdowell/)
- [Virgil Walker](https://institutefc.org/leadership/virgil-walker/)
- [Rosaria Butterfield](https://institutefc.org/leadership/rosaria-butterfield/)
- [Alisa Childers](https://institutefc.org/leadership/alisa-childers/)
- [Michael Kruger](https://institutefc.org/leadership/michael-kruger/)
- [Sinclair Ferguson](https://institutefc.org/leadership/sinclair-ferguson/)
- [Erwin Lutzer](https://institutefc.org/leadership/erwin-lutzer/)
- [Harry Reeder](https://institutefc.org/leadership/harry-reeder/)
- [Tim Sansbury](https://institutefc.org/leadership/tim-sansbury/)
- [Hillary Morgan Ferrer](https://institutefc.org/leadership/hillary-morgan-ferrer/)
- [Candy Carson](https://institutefc.org/leadership/candy-carson/)
- [Ben Carson](https://institutefc.org/leadership/ben-carson/)
- [Carol Swain](https://institutefc.org/leadership/carol-swain/) - Dr. Carol Swain, an award-winning political scientist and former tenured professor at Princeton and Vanderbilt Universities, and is a Distinguished Senior Fellow for Constitutional Studies with the Texas Public Policy Foundation. She has served on the Tennessee Advisory Committee to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the 1776 Commission. Dr. Swain
- [Scott Powell](https://institutefc.org/leadership/scott-powell/)
- [Joel Satterly](https://institutefc.org/leadership/joel-satterly/)
- [Synesio Lyra](https://institutefc.org/leadership/synesio-lyra/)
- [David Bibee](https://institutefc.org/leadership/david-bibee/)
- [Rob Hoskins](https://institutefc.org/leadership/rob-hoskins/) - Rob Hoskins is the President of OneHope. Born to missionary parents, he grew up in the Middle East and France. Since taking leadership of OneHope in 2004 he has continued to advance the vision of God’s Word. Every Child by partnering with local churches to help reach more than 1.8 BILLION children and youth worldwide with a
- [Lee Strobel](https://institutefc.org/leadership/lee-strobel/) - Atheist-turned-Christian Lee Strobel, the former award-winning legal editor of The Chicago Tribune, is a New York Times best-selling author of more than forty books and curricula that have sold fourteen million copies in total. He currently serves as Founding Director of the Lee Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics at Colorado Christian University. Lee
- [George Barna](https://institutefc.org/leadership/george-barna/) - George Barna has filled executive roles in politics, marketing, advertising, media development, research and ministry. He founded the Barna Research Group in 1984 (now The Barna Group) and helped it become a leading marketing research firm focused on the intersection of faith and culture before selling it in 2009. Through the Barna Group, George has
- [Andrew Siegenthaler](https://institutefc.org/leadership/andrew-siegenthaler/)
- [Sarah Russell](https://institutefc.org/leadership/sarah-russell/)
- [Heather Moraitis](https://institutefc.org/leadership/heather-moraitis/)
- [George Moraitis](https://institutefc.org/leadership/george-moraitis/)
- [Courtney Milam](https://institutefc.org/leadership/courtney-milam/)
- [Brad Haring](https://institutefc.org/leadership/brad-haring/)
- [Chris Carneal](https://institutefc.org/leadership/chris-carneal/)
- [Al Mohler](https://institutefc.org/leadership/al-mohler/) - Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr. serves as president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary – the flagship school of the Southern Baptist Convention and one of the largest seminaries in the world. Dr. Mohler has been recognized by such influential publications as Time, calling him the “reigning intellectual of the evangelical movement in the U.S.” In addition to
- [Bruce Ashford](https://institutefc.org/leadership/bruce-ashford/)
- [Peter Lillback](https://institutefc.org/leadership/peter-lillback/) - Rev. Dr. Peter Lillback (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is president and professor of historical theology and church history at Westminster Theological Seminary. He also serves as the president emeritus and founder of The Providence Forum and senior editor of the new Unio cum Christo: An International Journal of Reformed Theology and Life.
- [Rita Cefalu](https://institutefc.org/leadership/rita-cefalu/)
- [Laura Bishop](https://institutefc.org/leadership/laura-bishop/)
- [OS Guinness](https://institutefc.org/leadership/os-guinness/) - Os Guinness is an author and social critic. Great-great-great grandson of Arthur Guinness, the Dublin brewer, he was born in China in World War Two where his parents were medical missionaries. A witness to the climax of the Chinese revolution in 1949, he was expelled with many other foreigners in 1951 and returned to Europe
- [Eric Metaxas](https://institutefc.org/leadership/eric-metaxas/) - Eric Metaxas is the #1 New York Times Bestselling author of Bonhoeffer, and many other books, including Is Atheism Dead?, Martin Luther, Amazing Grace, and Letter to the American Church. He has written more than thirty children’s books, including the bestsellers Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving and It’s Time to Sleep, My Love, illustrated by Nancy Tillman. His books have been translated into more

## Events

- [Kingdom Come 2027](https://institutefc.org/events/kingdom-come-2027/)
- [Equip America](https://institutefc.org/events/equip-america/) - Coral Ridge Presbyterian ChurchFt Lauderdale, FL Saturday, May 16 from 9 am to 3 pm

## Downloads

- [Adult Survey](https://institutefc.org/downloads/adult-survey/)
- [Parent Survey](https://institutefc.org/downloads/parent-survey/)
- [High School Survey](https://institutefc.org/downloads/high-school-survey/)
- [College Survey](https://institutefc.org/downloads/college-survey/)

## Videos

- [God's Design | Purpose of Humanity](https://institutefc.org/gods-design-purpose-of-humanity/) - The world was designed by God and given to humanity to govern, explore, and develop. Men and women are each made to reflect God’s image in unique ways, with particular callings, so that together we can cultivate a thriving world with faithful families, all to the glory of God. When we follow God’s design, we
- [God's Design | Gender and Sexuality](https://institutefc.org/gods-design-gender-and-sexuality/) - The world was designed by God and given to humanity to govern, explore, and develop. Men and women are each made to reflect God’s image in unique ways, with particular callings, so that together we can cultivate a thriving world with faithful families, all to the glory of God. When we follow God’s design, we
- [God's Design | Work and Calling](https://institutefc.org/gods-design-work-and-calling/) - The world was designed by God and given to humanity to govern, explore, and develop. Men and women are each made to reflect God’s image in unique ways, with particular callings, so that together we can cultivate a thriving world with faithful families, all to the glory of God. When we follow God’s design, we
- [God's Design | Marriage and Family](https://institutefc.org/gods-design-marriage-and-family/) - The world was designed by God and given to humanity to govern, explore, and develop. Men and women are each made to reflect God’s image in unique ways, with particular callings, so that together we can cultivate a thriving world with faithful families, all to the glory of God. When we follow God’s design, we
- [God's Design | Gender Roles](https://institutefc.org/gods-design-gender-roles/) - The world was designed by God and given to humanity to govern, explore, and develop. Men and women are each made to reflect God’s image in unique ways, with particular callings, so that together we can cultivate a thriving world with faithful families, all to the glory of God. When we follow God’s design, we
- [God's Design | The State](https://institutefc.org/gods-design-the-state/) - The world was designed by God and given to humanity to govern, explore, and develop. Men and women are each made to reflect God’s image in unique ways, with particular callings, so that together we can cultivate a thriving world with faithful families, all to the glory of God. When we follow God’s design, we
- [God's Design | The Church](https://institutefc.org/gods-design-the-church/) - The world was designed by God and given to humanity to govern, explore, and develop. Men and women are each made to reflect God’s image in unique ways, with particular callings, so that together we can cultivate a thriving world with faithful families, all to the glory of God. When we follow God’s design, we
- [God's Design | Creation](https://institutefc.org/gods-design-creation/) - The world was designed by God and given to humanity to govern, explore, and develop. Men and women are each made to reflect God’s image in unique ways, with particular callings, so that together we can cultivate a thriving world with faithful families, all to the glory of God. When we follow God’s design, we
- [The Sanctity of Human Life | Rob Pacienza](https://institutefc.org/the-sanctity-of-human-life-rob-pacienza/) - January 21, 2024 Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- [What is this Cultural Moment?](https://institutefc.org/video/what-is-this-cultural-moment-2/)
- [Worldview and the Next Generation](https://institutefc.org/video/worldview-and-the-next-generation/)
- [Worldview and the Gospel](https://institutefc.org/video/worldview-and-the-gospel/)
- [Progressive Christianity](https://institutefc.org/video/alisa-childers/)
- [Q&A with Alistair Begg and Os Guinness](https://institutefc.org/video/qa-with-alistair-begg-and-os-guinness/)
- [The Sufficiency of God's Word in this Cultural Moment](https://institutefc.org/video/the-sufficiency-of-gods-word-in-this-cultural-moment/)
- [Defending the Faith in a Hostile World | Voddie Baucham](https://institutefc.org/defending-the-faith-in-a-hostile-world-voddie-baucham/)
- [Biblical Justice vs. Social Justice | Voddie Baucham](https://institutefc.org/biblical-justice-vs-social-justice-voddie-baucham/)
- [The Necessity of Absolute Truth | Voddie Baucham](https://institutefc.org/the-necessity-of-absolute-truth-voddie-baucham/)
- [A Christian Manifesto](https://institutefc.org/a-christian-manifesto/)
- [Mystery, Wonder, and Humility: Sufficiency's Unexpected Blessings](https://institutefc.org/mystery-wonder-and-humility-sufficiencys-unexpected-blessings/)
- [The Sufficiency of God's Word in Cultural Engagement](https://institutefc.org/the-sufficiency-of-gods-word-in-cultural-engagement/)
- [The Sufficiency of God's Word and the Family](https://institutefc.org/the-sufficiency-of-gods-word-and-the-family/)
- [The Sufficiency of God's Word and Church History](https://institutefc.org/the-sufficiency-of-gods-word-and-church-history/)
- [The Sufficiency of God's Word](https://institutefc.org/the-sufficiency-of-gods-word/)
- [Raising the Next Generation in Turbulent Times | Voddie Baucham](https://institutefc.org/raising-the-next-generation-in-turbulent-times-voddie-baucham/)
- [Unmasking Gender Ideology III](https://institutefc.org/unmasking-gender-ideology-iii/)

## Podcasts

- [America's Spiritual Crisis at 250 Years | Lucas Miles | Ep. 168](https://institutefc.org/podcast/americas-spiritual-crisis-at-250-years-lucas-miles-ep-168/) - In this provocative episode of the City of God, Dr. Rob Pacienza sits down with Lucas Miles, pastor, author, and leader of TPUSA Faith, for a wide-ranging conversation about deception, theology, and the future of the Church. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, many commentators focus on politics, economics, and cultural trends. Lucas argues that
- [Scripture & the Constitution | Dr. Carol Swain | Ep. 169](https://institutefc.org/podcast/scripture-the-constitution-dr-carol-swain-ep-169/) - As America prepares to celebrate her 250th anniversary, debates about the Constitution, religious liberty, and the nation's founding ideals are everywhere. But what did the Founders actually believe? And can constitutional government survive without the moral foundations that gave it life? In this timely episode of the City of God, Dr. Rob Pacienza sits down
- [Dr. D. James Kennedy's Daughter Shares His Legacy (Must Watch) | Ep. 151](https://institutefc.org/podcast/dr-d-james-kennedys-daughter-shares-his-legacy-must-watch-ep-151/) -  What happens to a powerful Gospel ministry after its founder goes home to glory? Jennifer Kennedy Cassidy — daughter of the legendary Dr. D. James Kennedy — sits down with Rob Pacienza for a rare, heartfelt conversation about her father's enduring legacy and how Coral Ridge Ministries is reaching a new generation with the
- [So Help Me God? Dr. Lillback Talks Oaths and Reacts to NYC Mayor's Quran Swearing In | Ep. 152](https://institutefc.org/podcast/21121/) - What happens when a nation drifts from the transcendent moral authority that once bound its oaths and leaders? Dr. Peter Lillback — president of Westminster Theological Seminary, acclaimed historian, and author of George Washington's Sacred Fire — sits down with Rob Pacienza for a profound, eye-opening discussion on the theology and history of oaths, why
- [2026 Midterms: Renewal or Decline? with Trump-Endorsed Karrin Taylor Robson | Ep.153](https://institutefc.org/podcast/2026-midterms-renewal-or-decline-with-trump-endorsed-karrin-taylor-robson-ep-153/) - What happens when biblical values are erased from the ballot box, borders are left open, and believers stay silent in the public square? In this powerful episode of the City of God, Dr. Rob Pacienza sits down with Karrin Taylor Robson — Arizona business leader, committed Christian, and 2026 gubernatorial candidate — for an inspiring
- [Biblical Truth versus Fake News with Brandon Showalter | Ep. 154](https://institutefc.org/podcast/biblical-truth-versus-fake-news-with-brandon-showalter-ep-154/) -  What happens when truth is sacrificed on the altar of ideology? In this hard-hitting episode of the City of God, Dr. Rob Pacienza sits down with Christian Post journalist Brandon Showalter — a fearless voice in Christian media — to uncover how the mainstream press has fueled deception, and what it takes to restore
- [The Trans Agenda: Two Moms Fight Back | Ep. 155](https://institutefc.org/podcast/the-trans-agenda-two-moms-fight-back-ep-155/) - What happens when a school hides your child’s gender transition? What if a hospital pressures your daughter or son into irreversible medical harm and threatens you for speaking out? In this gripping, must-watch episode of the City of God, Dr. Rob Pacienza sits down with two courageous mothers: Amy Atterberry and January Littlejohn. Their daughters
- [How Gender Ideology Infiltrated Medicine | Dr. Quentin Van Meter | Ep. 156](https://institutefc.org/podcast/how-gender-ideology-infiltrated-medicine-dr-quentin-van-meter-ep-156/) - How did radical gender ideology move from fringe theory to mainstream medicine? In this eye-opening episode of the City of God, Dr. Rob Pacienza sits down with pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Quentin Van Meter to trace the disturbing origins of today’s transgender movement in medicine. From the influence of controversial researcher John Money to the normalization
- [Christ Is King with James Baird | Ep. 157](https://institutefc.org/podcast/christ-is-king-with-james-baird-ep-157/) - Is government meant to be spiritually neutral or accountable to God? In this episode of the City of God, Dr. Rob Pacienza sits down with pastor and author James Baird to discuss his book King of Kings and the forgotten Christian tradition connecting faith, government, and public life. Drawing from Scripture, Reformed theology, and American
- [Is the West Collapsing? Radical Islam, Europe & America’s Last Stand with Erick Stakelbeck | Ep. 158](https://institutefc.org/podcast/is-the-west-collapsing-radical-islam-europe-americas-last-stand-with-erick-stakelbeck-ep-158/) - What is really happening to Christians around the world and what does it mean for the future of the West? In this compelling episode of the City of God, Dr. Rob Pacienza sits down with TBN host and global affairs analyst Erick Stakelbeck for a wide-ranging conversation on the spiritual and geopolitical challenges shaping our
- [Charlie Kirk’s Legacy: Pastor Rob McCoy on the Awakening of a Generation | Ep. 159](https://institutefc.org/podcast/charlie-kirks-legacy-pastor-rob-mccoy-on-the-awakening-of-a-generation-ep-159/) - In this powerful episode of the City of God, Dr. Rob Pacienza sits down with Pastor Rob McCoy of Calvary Chapel Thousand Oaks for a fascinating conversation on faith, politics, and the spiritual future of America. Reflecting on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Pastor Rob McCoy describes the young conservative leader as a modern-day Moses
- [Redeeming Work Ep. 1 | Stephen Mansfield](https://institutefc.org/redeeming-work-ep-1-stephen-mansfield/) - In this episode of the Redeeming Work Podcast, Dr. Rob Pacienza and Chad Volkert sit down with Dr. Stephen Mansfield—bestselling author and respected leadership strategist—to explore what it means to integrate faith, purpose, and virtue into today’s complex workplace. Stephen unpacks timeless leadership principles, the redemptive power of personal story, why excellence is a distinctly
- [Redeeming Work Ep. 2 | Chris Clements](https://institutefc.org/redeeming-work-ep-2-chris-clements/) - What does it look like to live out Christian faith at the highest levels of sports and entertainment leadership? In this episode of the Redeeming Work Podcast, hosts Dr. Rob Pacienza and Chad Volkert sit down with Chris Clements (Senior Vice President & CFO of the Miami Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium, and the Formula One
- [Redeeming Work Ep. 3 | Brent Burns](https://institutefc.org/redeeming-work-ep-3-brent-burns/) - What does it look like to live out Christian faith at the highest levels of sports and entertainment leadership? In this episode of the Redeeming Work Podcast, hosts Dr. Rob Pacienza and Chad Volkert sit down with Chris Clements (Senior Vice President & CFO of the Miami Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium, and the Formula One
- [The Assault on Marriage | Ep. 1](https://institutefc.org/the-assault-on-marriage-ep-1/) - Marriage is one of the most important institutions in our culture. Marriage is the basis for the family, one of the most vital aspects of our society. Yet today, marriage is under attack from those that wish to see the destruction of the family. With the so-called Respect for Marriage Act recently being passed, we
- [The Importance of Life | Ep. 2](https://institutefc.org/the-importance-of-life-ep-2/) - This year would have been the 50th anniversary of the infamous Roe v. Wade decision, but that ruling has been overturned, and the decision of abortion has been returned to the states. The pro-abortion lobby is still hard at work attacking anyone who doesn't kowtow to their radical ideology. This week we take a look
- [Christian Cultural Engagement | Ep. 3](https://institutefc.org/christian-cultural-engagement-ep-3/) - Many Christians tend to shy away from areas such as politics, law, economics, and entertainment, because they consider it too worldly. Prominent evangelical preachers have told us that such pursuits have nothing to do with the Kingdom of God and our focus should be on merely preaching the gospel. Lauren Cooley joins The City of
- [Patrick Bet-David Pt. 1 | Ep. 4](https://institutefc.org/patrick-bet-david-pt-1-ep-4/) - Patrick Bet-David is one of the most influential people in our culture today. From a humble beginning as a young immigrant escaping war-torn Iran with his parents, to founding his own company, Patrick has gained a first-hand understanding of what rags-to-riches means. Patrick is passionate about shaping the next generation of leaders by teaching thought-provoking
- [Rewriting Our History | Ep. 6](https://institutefc.org/rewriting-our-history-ep-6/) - Recently, the publishers of the beloved children’s author Roald Dahl released new editions of his books that have been rewritten by“sensitivity experts”with the purpose of making them less offensive and more inclusive. There is concern that these edits could set aprecedent, where works can be altered in response to an ever-shifting cultural climate. In this
- [Patrick Bet-David Pt. 2 | Ep. 5](https://institutefc.org/patrick-bet-david-pt-2-ep-5/) - Patrick Bet-David is a successful entrepreneur and a highly-regarded thought leader in ourculture today. In part 2 of our interview with PBD on the City of God, we discuss parentalrights in education. Why does the radical left want to raise our children and keep parentsout of the loop? We also discuss the battle for America,
- [Stephen Mansfield | Ep. 7](https://institutefc.org/stephen-mansfield-ep-7/) - Stephen Mansfield is a New York Times bestselling author who writes about history, modern culture, religion and topics for men. He is also an international speaker and a seasoned speaking coach to many top politicians and executives. On this episode of TheCity of God Podcast we dive into how faith has shaped some of the
- [The War on Truth | Ep. 8](https://institutefc.org/the-war-on-truth-ep-8/) - There is a war being waged on truth. This comes from the idea of Gnosticism where there is no longer“the truth”but rather“my truth”.This war on truth has spawned the idea of intersectionality which comes from Marxist critical theory and is applied to race, sex, gender, nationality, and a host of other categories. On this episode
- [Dr. Ben Carson | Ep. 9](https://institutefc.org/dr-ben-carson-ep-9/) - Dr. Ben Carson is a world renowned neurosurgeon, influential political leader, and founder of the American Cornerstone Institute. Dr. Carson ran for president in 2016 and served as the secretary for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. On this episode of the City of God, Rob and John discuss the importance of teaching true
- [Modern Christian Persecution | Ep. 10](https://institutefc.org/modern-christian-persecution/) - More and more, we’re seeing countless instances of Christians being targeted and arrested for simply living out their Christian beliefs in the public square. On this episode of The City of God, we take a look at the story of Mark Houck, a pro-life Christian who was unjustly terrorized by dozens of FBI agents at
- [Dr. Alveda King | Ep. 11](https://institutefc.org/dr-alveda-king-ep-11/) - Evangelist Dr. Alveda King is the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She is a great author, speaker, and activist who has a passion for the pro-life cause. Dr. King is the Chair of the America First Policy Institute’s Center for the American Dream. On this episode of The City of God, Rob and
- [Responding to Tragedy | Ep. 12](https://institutefc.org/responding-to-tragedy-ep-12/) - The recent school shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee was a horrific tragedy. But now the victims of this terrible attack are being painted in a negative light simply for holding to their Biblically founded worldview. What is the Christian response to tragedy? How do we go about preaching God’s inherent word, while
- [Dr. Tim Sansbury | Ep. 13](https://institutefc.org/dr-tim-sansbury-ep-13/) - Dr. Tim Sansbury is the professor of Philosophy and Theology at Knox Theological Seminary. He has his undergraduate degree in Physics from Georgia Tech and a Ph.D. from PrincetonTheological Seminary. On this episode of the City of God Podcast, we discuss the connection between science and theology, how to distinguish science from philosophy, and the
- [Dr. Michael Kruger | Ep. 14](https://institutefc.org/dr-michael-kruger-ep-14/) - Dr. Michael Kruger is the President and Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at Reformed Theological Seminary Charlotte. He is the author of Surviving Religion: Letters to a Christian Student on Keeping the Faith in College. On this episode of The City of God Podcast, Rob and John ask Dr. Kruger about the foundations
- [The Christian Left | Ep. 15](https://institutefc.org/the-christian-left-ep-15/) - We are at a unique time as Christians living in America today, as the religious landscape is changing at a rapid pace. Progressive Christianity is infiltrating churches and pastors are becoming more and more woke. With issues such as morality, sexuality, and gender, the church is being told to get in line with the culture,
- [Dr. Voddie Baucham | Ep. 16](https://institutefc.org/dr-voddie-baucham-ep-16/) - Dr. Voddie Baucham, Jr. is a renowned speaker, pastor, and cultural apologist, as well as one of the great thought leaders of our time. He is the Dean of Theology at African Christian University in Zambia and the author of the best-selling book Fault Lines. Voddie has recently released a new 10-part video curriculum on
- [Dr. Erwin Lutzer | Ep. 17](https://institutefc.org/dr-erwin-lutzer-ep-17/) - Dr. Erwin Lutzer is the Pastor Emeritus at The Moody Church in Chicago, IL. He is a great speaker, radio host, and author who has written many wonderful books, including his latest, No Reason to Hide: Standing for Christ in a Collapsing Culture. On this episode of The City of God Podcast, Rob and John
- [Dr. Bob Barnes | Ep. 18](https://institutefc.org/dr-bob-barnes-ep-18/) - Dr. Bob Barnes is the director of Sheridan House Ministries, a community outreach that has been serving the needs of children and families in South Florida for over 50 years. He is also a well-noted speaker, presenting at seminars and conferences on parenting and marriage throughout North America. On this episode of The City of
- [Dr. Harry Reeder | Ep. 19](https://institutefc.org/dr-harry-reeder-ep-19/) - Dr. Harry L. Reeder III was senior pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama and host of the podcasts Fresh Bread and Today in Perspective. He authored several books, including From Embers to a Flame. Tragically, on May 18, 2023, Dr. Reeder was involved in a fatal car crash, just 6 weeks after the
- [Hate Redefined | Ep. 20](https://institutefc.org/hate-redefined-ep-20/) - We now live in a Wikipedia society, where anyone can change the meaning of a word to satisfy a goal. Today, we’re seeing words being co-opted in order to deceive the uninformed or uneducated, to push a false narrative. LGBTQ activists in particular often label anyone who has a dissenting opinion as a "hater." On
- [What About Target?](https://institutefc.org/what-about-target/) - Target is facing widespread boycott and overall rebellion over its LGBTQ-affirming products and marketing, especially targeting children. Why should the Church be concerned? Should we boycott? What does a big box store's marketing strategy have to do with our faith and culture? Hear Rob and John discuss the implications of today's headlines.
- [Pride Month | Ep. 21](https://institutefc.org/pride-month-ep-21/) - In June, the radical left celebrates the LGBTQ+ lifestyle with something known as ‘Pride Month.' Last week, President Joe Biden welcomed hundreds to the White House for a pride celebration. The LGBTQ+ agenda is out to destroy the Judeo-Christian worldview because that is the biggest impediment for the ultimate domination of its worldview. On this
- [Dr. Joel Satterly | Ep. 22](https://institutefc.org/dr-joel-satterly-ep-22/) - Dr. Joel Satterly is the headmaster of Westminster Academy, a school founded by Dr. D. James Kennedy in 1971. Westminster Academy serves families and students in the Fort Lauderdale area as a Christian school with a focus on academic rigor and faith formation. Dr. Satterly’s dissertation is titled Constructing an Effective Biblical Worldview: The Significance
- [The War on Religious Liberty with Pastor Mike McClure | Ep. 23](https://institutefc.org/the-war-on-religious-liberty-with-pastor-mike-mcclure-ep-23/) - Pastor Mike McClure is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel San Jose. His Church is facing $2.87 million dollars in fines for keeping their doors open during the COVID-19 pandemic, against county orders. His attorney, Mariah Gondeiro, who is Vice President and Legal Counsel for Advocates for Faith and Freedom, also joins us on this
- [America's Christian Heritage with Dr. Jerry Newcombe | Ep. 24](https://institutefc.org/americas-christian-heritage-with-dr-jerry-newcombe-ep-24/) - As we celebrate the birth of our nation on July 4th, it is vital to remember that the success of the American experiment is no accident. Judeo-Christian values are the bedrock of Western civilization and the bedrock and foundation of the United States of America. On this episode of The City of God Podcast, we
- [A Christian View of Patriotism | Ep. 25](https://institutefc.org/a-christian-view-of-patriotism-ep-25/) - Patriotism is under attack today. Standing for the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem is considered problematic by some. Many radical progressives even consider the American flag to be a symbol of hate and saying something as simple as “America first” is being labeled as xenophobic. On this episode of The City of God
- [The Christian Left, Part 2 | Ep. 26](https://institutefc.org/the-christian-left-part-2-ep-26/) - Progressive Christianity is an extremely important issue that the Church is facing today. Progressive ideology on abortion, gender, and sexuality are infiltrating many mainstream churches. Many well-known pastors are also going “woke," adhering to changing cultural values rather than Biblical values. Formerly reputable seminaries and Christian universities have gone progressive as well, veering away from
- [The Modern Feminist Movement | Ep. 27](https://institutefc.org/the-modern-feminist-movement-ep-27/) - The feminist movement has been through many phases throughout the years. Today, feminism is no longer about empowering women and providing equal rights; modern feminism actually degrades women. The LGBTQ+ agenda has virtually destroyed feminism, with some struggling to simply define what a woman is. On this episode of The City of God Podcast, Lauren
- [Protecting the Next Generation with Natasha Crain | Ep. 28](https://institutefc.org/protecting-the-next-generation-with-natasha-crain-ep-28/) - Natasha Crain is a national speaker, author, and podcaster who helps equip Christians to think biblically in a secular culture. She is passionate about issues relating to the family and has written several books on cultural apologetics for parents and children. Natasha is deeply concerned about the next generation and the chaos they are facing
- [The Church in America with Eric Metaxas | Ep. 29](https://institutefc.org/the-church-in-america-with-eric-metaxas-ep-29/) - Eric Metaxas is a well-known author, speaker, and radio host who is highly regarded as a great mind in the Christian sphere. He has written a number of best-selling books including his latest, Letter to the American Church. On this episode of The City of God Podcast we discuss the state of the Church in
- [Keeping the Faith | Ep. 30](https://institutefc.org/keeping-the-faith-ep-30/) - As students head off to college for the fall semester, many young Christians are faced with various spiritual challenges that will test their faith, especially for those attending secular schools. Barna Research estimates that roughly 70% of high school students who enter college as professing Christians will leave with little to no faith. On this
- [Pagan Spirituality with Dr. Peter Jones | Ep. 31](https://institutefc.org/pagan-spirituality-with-dr-peter-jones-ep-31/) - Dr. Jones is Associate Pastor at New Life Presbyterian Church and scholar-in-residence at Westminster Seminary California. He also serves as the director of truthXchange, a ministry that helps Christians articulate their faith in a neo-pagan culture. He is the author of The Other Worldview: Exposing Christianity's Greatest Threat. On this episode of The City of
- [Augustine's City of God with Dr. Michael Allen | Ep. 32](https://institutefc.org/augustines-city-of-god-with-dr-michael-allen-ep-32/) - Dr. Michael Allen is the John Dyer Trimble Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary. Dr. Allen’s research interests range widely over the topics of Christian doctrine. On this episode of The City of God Podcast, we discuss the great work by Augustine titled, “The City of God” and how the lessons from it
- [Christian Nationalism with David Bibee, Pt. 1 | Ep. 33](https://institutefc.org/christian-nationalism-with-david-bibee-pt-1-ep-33/) - David Bibee is the Director of Education at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. He has a Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. David has done great research into Christian Nationalism and Political Theology. On this episode of The City of God Podcast, we share part 1 of our deep dive into Christian Nationalism.
- [God’s Hand on American History with William J. Federer | Ep. 34](https://institutefc.org/gods-hand-on-american-history-with-william-j-federer-ep-34/) - William J. Federer is a nationally known speaker, author, and historian who has a passion for exploring the Christian roots of America’s founding era. He is the author of many best-selling books including Who is the King in America. On this episode of The City of God Podcast, we discuss the Judeo-Christian influence on American
- [Christianity and Liberalism with Dr. Peter Lillback | Ep. 35](https://institutefc.org/christianity-and-liberalism-with-dr-peter-lillback-ep-35/) - Dr. Peter Lillback is the president of Westminster Theological Seminary. He also serves as the president emeritus and founder of The Providence Forum and senior editor of Unio cum Christo: An International Journal of Reformed Theology and Life. On this episode of The City of God Podcast, we discuss the 100 year anniversary of the
- [Christian Nationalism with David Bibee, Pt. 2 | Ep. 36](https://institutefc.org/christian-nationalism-with-david-bibee-pt-2-ep-36/) - Christian Nationalism is a term that has been thrown around often, but what exactly does it mean? David Bibee, who holds a Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, has done a great amount of research into Christian Nationalism and helps lay out what exactly it is, and what implications it has for Christians. In
- [The Woke Church with Samuel Sey | Ep. 37](https://institutefc.org/the-woke-church-with-samuel-sey-ep-37/) - Now more than ever, prominent evangelical churches across the country are capitulating to the woke ideologies of the radical left. What is behind this surge of progressive Christianity, and what can be done about it? On this episode of The City of God Podcast, we speak about this issue with Samuel Sey. Samuel is a
- [The Lies of Deconstructionism with Alisa Childers | Ep. 38](https://institutefc.org/the-lies-of-deconstructionism-with-alisa-childers-ep-38/) - More and more today Churches are advancing the ideas of progressive Christianity, which is leading to many Christians deconstructing their faith. One individual who sat under the teaching of a progressive pastor is Alisa Childers. On today's episode of The City of God Podcast, Alisa shares her story of deconstructing her own faith and how
- [The Attack on Biblical Manhood with Dr. Owen Strachan | Ep. 39](https://institutefc.org/the-attack-on-biblical-manhood-with-dr-owen-strachan-ep-39/) - Biblical manhood has been in the crosshairs of the radical left for years. With phrases like “toxic masculinity” being thrown around, men today are being discouraged from holding to the traditional standards of Biblical manhood. On this episode of The City of God podcast we break down the attack on men that is permeating our
- [Woke Jesus with Pastor Lucas Miles | Ep. 40](https://institutefc.org/woke-jesus-with-pastor-lucas-miles-ep-40/) - Prominent members of the evangelical Church have been affirming progressive ideologies in recent times, and many evangelicals are either blind to what’s taking place or unwilling to call out what they see happening in the Church today. Pastor Lucas Miles has written a great book on this phenomenon called Woke Jesus: The False Messiah Destroying
- [Losing Our Grasp of a Biblical Worldview with Virgil Walker | Ep. 41](https://institutefc.org/losing-our-grasp-of-a-biblical-worldview-with-virgil-walker-ep-41/) - Studies show the majority of self-professing Christians don’t hold to a Biblical worldview. Biblical Christianity has been watered down and pastors have embraced relevance over the revelation of scripture. Meanwhile, the world around us has been flipped upside down. What is the solution to the chaos we see all around us? Virgil Walker is a
- [The Adversity of Diversity with Dr. Carol Swain | Ep. 42](https://institutefc.org/the-adversity-of-diversity-with-dr-carol-swain-ep-42/) - We often hear in the news about racism, bigotry, and xenophobia running rampant across America, when in reality, racist policies are really coming from those on the radical left. This past summer the Supreme Court struck down Affirmative Action for college admissions, putting an end to racial discrimination in academia. But today, with Diversity Equity
- [Exposing Cultural Lies with Alex McFarland | Ep. 43](https://institutefc.org/exposing-cultural-lies-with-alex-mcfarland-ep-43/) - There are many cultural lies permeating our society today. From gender identity to America’s Christian heritage, many Christians are hard-pressed to find Biblical truth in American society. On this episode of The City of God Podcast, we expose some of the biggest lies we hear today and discuss how to combat them. Alex McFarland is
- [The Persecuted Church with Wendy Wright | Ep. 44](https://institutefc.org/the-persecuted-church-with-wendy-wright-ep-44/) - All around the world Christians are being persecuted for their faith in huge numbers. In places like China and North Korea, Christianity is not tolerated. Wendy Wright has been fighting for Christians across the globe for years and currently serves as the president of Christian Freedom International. On today’s episode of The City of God,
- [Parental Rights Under Attack with Sonja Shaw | Ep. 45](https://institutefc.org/parental-rights-under-attack-with-sonja-shaw-ep-45/) - Sonja Shaw is the President of the Board of Education of The Chino Valley Unified School District in California. She recently made headlines for protecting parental rights as well as protecting children by passing a mandatory gender identity disclosure policy for her school district. Sonja has since received many death threats for passing this policy
- [Exposing the Gender Lie with Brandon Showalter | Ep. 46](https://institutefc.org/exposing-the-gender-lie-with-brandon-showalter-ep-46/) - Radical gender ideology targets children and wreaks psychological and medical havoc. Many have been stunned over the past few years to discover the damage this ideology inflicts on people. And at the root of this gender ideology is a lie, a complete rejection of Biblical truth. Today on the City of God we talk with
- [Harvard President Claudine Gay Plagiarism Allegations with Dr. Carol Swain | Ep. 47](https://institutefc.org/harvard-president-claudine-gay-plagiarism-allegations-with-dr-carol-swain-ep-47/) - During a congressional hearing last week, presidents from Harvard, MIT and the University of Pennsylvania came under fire for their testimony regarding the rise of anti-Semitism on college campuses. The three women remained evasive and dismissive when asked if calls for the genocide of Jews violated their universities policies on bullying and harassment. One of
- [A Conversation with Legendary Football Coach Lou Holtz | Ep. 48](https://institutefc.org/a-conversation-with-legendary-football-coach-lou-holtz-ep-48/) - Coach Lou Holtz is an American Football coach and analyst. He served as the head football coach at William & Mary, NC State, the University of Arkansas, the University of South Carolina, and the University of Minnesota. In 1988, Coach Holtz led the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to a National Championship. Coach Holtz is recognized
- [What if Jesus Had Never Been Born? | Ep. 49](https://institutefc.org/what-if-jesus-had-never-been-born-ep-49/) - “What if Jesus Had Never Been Born?” was the title of a book written by Coral Ridge Ministries’ founder Dr. D. James Kennedy, which examines how the birth of Jesus was really the birth that changed civilization forever. If Jesus hadn’t been born, what would the world look like today? On today’s episode of The
- [A Culture in Chaos with Dr. Sean McDowell | Ep. 50](https://institutefc.org/a-culture-in-chaos-with-dr-sean-mcdowell-ep-50/) - Dr. Sean McDowell is an apologist, author, speaker, and host of the “Think Biblically” podcast. Sean is an Associate Professor in the Christian Apologetics program at the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University and the co-author of “Evidence for Jesus: Timeless Answers for Tough Questions.” On today’s episode of The City of God, we
- [Living in an Anti-Christian Age with Rosaria Butterfield | Ep. 51](https://institutefc.org/living-in-an-anti-christian-age-with-rosaria-butterfield-ep-51/) - Rosaria Butterfield is a best-selling author and speaker who is well known in the Christian space. A former professor of English and Women’s Studies at Syracuse University, she was an advocate for the LGBTQ agenda. Rosaria was eventually led to saving faith in Christ and has since become a bold witness for her faith. Rosaria’s
- [End Times and Christian Nationalism with Aldo Leon and David Bibee | Ep. 52](https://institutefc.org/end-times-and-christian-nationalism-with-aldo-leon-and-david-bibee-ep-52/) - How we understand the end of history heavily impacts how we live in the present. Our view of the end times helps inform our understanding of politics, government, and cultural engagement. On today’s episode of The City of God, we discuss how our view on the end times impacts our call as Christians to engage
- [Understanding God’s Call with Os Guinness | Ep. 53](https://institutefc.org/understanding-gods-call-with-os-guinness-ep-53/) - Why am I here? What is God's call in my life? These are some of the existential questions that humans face. Understanding God’s call helps us develop a purposeful, intentional life of faith. On today’s episode of The City of God, we discuss finding purpose with Os Guinness, author of the classic book, “The Call:
- [Medical Freedom with Twila Brase | Ep. 54](https://institutefc.org/medical-freedom-with-twila-brase-ep-54/) - Can the government force us to make specific medical decisions? Recently, the idea of medical freedom has started to gain a lot of traction in the culture. The COVID pandemic opened the eyes of many when it comes to government interference with private health decisions. Twila Brase is a registered nurse and the President and
- [God’s Divine Providence with Dr. Jerry Newcombe | Ep. 55](https://institutefc.org/gods-divine-providence-with-dr-jerry-newcombe-ep-55/) - “Providence” is an old-fashioned word that simply means “God that provides for us.” The doctrine of Divine providence asserts that God is in complete control of all things. He is sovereign over the universe as a whole. Many of our founding fathers recognized that God’s providential hand was essential for the founding of this nation.
- [The Purpose of Apologetics with Hillary Morgan Ferrer | Ep. 56](https://institutefc.org/the-purpose-of-apologetics-with-hillary-morgan-ferrer-ep-56/) - Hillary Morgan Ferrer is an author, speaker, podcaster, and founder of Mama Bear Apologetics, which provides apologetics resources for busy moms. She specializes in cultural apologetics and has written many books that help parents navigate the culture while raising their children to have a biblical worldview.
- [Ideas Have Consequences with Dr. Joel Satterly | Ep. 57](https://institutefc.org/ideas-have-consequences-with-dr-joel-satterly-ep-57/) - Dr. Joel Satterly is the headmaster of Westminster Academy, a school founded by Dr. D. James Kennedy in 1971. Westminster Academy serves families and students in the Fort Lauderdale area as a Christian school with a focus on academic rigor and faith formation. On this episode of The City of God we talk about the
- [The Delicious Irony of the Left with Doug Wilson | Ep. 58](https://institutefc.org/the-delicious-irony-of-the-left-with-doug-wilson-ep-58/) - Doug Wilson is a conservative, Reformed, and evangelical theologian, pastor at Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, faculty member at New Saint Andrews College, and author and speaker. Wilson is known for his writing on classical Christian education, Reformed theology, as well as general cultural commentary. On today’s episode of the City of God, we talk
- [Advocating for What is Right with Eric Metaxas | Ep. 59](https://institutefc.org/advocating-for-what-is-right-with-eric-metaxas-ep-59/) - Eric Metaxas is a well-known and highly regarded author, speaker, and radio host. Recently, a film adaptation of his best-selling book, “Letter to the American Church” was been released. The film lays out the parallels between early 1930’s Nazi Germany and other totalitarian regimes with what is happening in America today and how the church
- [The Honest Story of America with Tim Barton | Ep. 60](https://institutefc.org/the-honest-story-of-america-with-tim-barton-ep-60/) - The world wants Christians to believe that the Christian worldview had nothing to do with the founding of America. Were the founders actually influenced by God, or is that just myth? On this episode of the City of God Podcast, Tim Barton discusses the biblical foundation that built our great nation, and the individual stories
- [The Importance of Christian Faithfulness | Ep. 61](https://institutefc.org/the-importance-of-christian-faithfulness-ep-61/) - On this episode of The City of God Podcast, Dr. Albert Mohler talks about progressive Christianity, the state of education in America, and the importance for Christians to remain faithful to God in the midst of our cultural chaos. Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr. serves as president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Mohler
- [Dissecting Cultural Lies with Lucas Miles | Ep. 62](https://institutefc.org/dissecting-cultural-lies-with-lucas-miles-ep-62/) - Progressive ideology is infiltrating evangelical churches today, and these ideas easily masquerade as Christian principles. At their core, however, they are deceptive. In this City of God Podcast, Pastor Lucas Miles discusses the biggest cultural lies we face to today and what we can do about them. Lucas Miles is the pastor of Nfluence Church
- [The Need for Personal Evangelism with Alex McFarland | Ep. 63](https://institutefc.org/the-need-for-personal-evangelism-with-alex-mcfarland-ep-63/) - Many in the Church today have given up on the idea of personal evangelism, but Christians engaging in active personal evangelism are needed now more than ever. On this episode of The City of God, we talk with Alex McFarland about the need for the Church to be engaged in our society as a whole.
- [Weaponization of the Justice Department with Steve Crampton | Ep. 64](https://institutefc.org/weaponization-of-the-justice-department-with-steve-crampton-ep-64/) - Following the reversal of Roe v. Wade, we have seen a dramatic increase in prosecutions of Christians and pro-life protesters, while attacks on churches and pregnancy centers have gone largely unpunished. Recently, a Tennessee jury convicted six pro-life protesters for protesting outside of an abortion clinic. They face over a decade in federal prison On
- [The Roots of Progressive Christianity | Ep. 65](https://institutefc.org/william-wolfe-root-progressive-christianity-ep-65/) - Today we often hear about "wokeism" making its way into the Church. Some denominations have even toyed with accepting gender ideology and critical race theory. But at the root of this infiltration is cultural Marxism. On this episode of The City of God, we talk with William Wolfe, the Executive Director for the Center for
- [Engaging in the Public Square with Ryan Helfenbein | Ep. 66](https://institutefc.org/engaging-in-the-public-square-with-ryan-helfenbein-ep-66/) - The statistics show us that many Christians in the next generation are growing up and walking away from the faith. We cannot sit idly by as America actively turns away from God and embraces evil. Christians are called to stand up and engage in the public square. What exactly does Christian cultural engagement look like.
- [The Deconstruction of the Christian Faith with Alisa Childers | Ep. 67](https://institutefc.org/the-deconstruction-of-the-christian-faith-with-alisa-childers-ep-67/) - The philosopher Jacques Derrida was the founder of “deconstruction,” a way of criticizing not only both literary and philosophical texts but also political institutions. Eventually this thinking was applied to religion. Today, there is even a battle over the word “deconstruction” in regards to the Christian faith. But simply put, deconstruction is a tearing down
- [Swimming Against the Cultural Current with Riley Gaines | Ep. 68](https://institutefc.org/swimming-against-the-cultural-current-with-riley-gaines-ep-68/) - On this episode of the City of God Podcast, join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Riley Gaines, a former competitive swimmer turned advocate for women's sports and single-sex spaces. Riley boasts a stellar athletic background as a 12x NCAA All-American and 5x SEC Champion. Riley now dedicates her efforts to create
- [Why Today's Youth Stray from a Biblical Worldview with George Barna | Ep. 69](https://institutefc.org/why-todays-youth-stray-from-a-biblical-worldview-with-george-barna-ep-69/) - Join us for an insightful discussion as we delve into the alarming trend of youth abandoning the Biblical worldview. Our guest, George Barna, founder of The Barna Group and director of research at Arizona Christian University, sheds light on the findings from his book "Raising Spiritual Champions," revealing that only 1% of 13-14-year-olds hold to
- [Spiritual But Not Religious: How New Age Beliefs are Infiltrating the Church with Alisa Childers](https://institutefc.org/spiritual-but-not-religious-how-new-age-beliefs-are-infiltrating-the-church-with-alisa-childers/) - To kick of the 2024 Kingdom Come Conference, apologist Alisa Childers discusses Spiritual But Not Religious: How New Age Beliefs are Infiltrating the Church. From the enneagram to manifestation, occult and new age spiritual practices easily masquerade under Christian language and many Christians are unwittingly engaged in anti-Christian spirituality. Childers helps us to spot these
- [Christianity vs. Cultural Marxism with Virgil Walker](https://institutefc.org/christianity-vs-cultural-marxism-with-virgil-walker/) - In our second session of the Kingdom Come Conference, Virgil Walker discusses Christianity vs. Cultural Marxism. The woke ideology of our day has a history and the primary source of the ideas tearing through Western civilization and our cultural institutions is Marxism. Walker discusses the history of cultural Marxism and describes why these unbiblical ideologies
- [The City of God Families Ep. 1 | All of Christ for All of Life](https://institutefc.org/the-city-of-god-families-ep-1-all-of-christ-for-all-of-life/) - The City of God Families is a short, monthly podcast for the entire family to listen to together with the hope that your family will continue the discussion where this podcast leaves off. On this episode, we discuss the theme "All of Christ for All of Life." We often fall into the trap of relegating
- [The City of God Families Ep. 2 | Patriotism](https://institutefc.org/the-city-of-god-families-ep-2-patriotism/) - On this episode, Pastor Rob Pacienza discusses American Patriotism and Kingdom Citizenship as we approach July 4th. Reflecting on biblical teachings, he explores loving our country while prioritizing our heavenly citizenship. This episode delves into America's Christian roots, urging gratitude for freedoms while critically evaluating national actions. Pastor Rob encourages prayer for the nation and
- [Christianity in a Gender Confused World with Rosaria Butterfield](https://institutefc.org/christianity-in-a-gender-confused-world-with-rosaria-butterfield/) - In our third session, Rosaria Butterfield discusses Side A and Side B Christianity, provides an overview of transgenderism and the attempts to legally redefine male and female, and the ways these ideologies are contrary to God's revelation and design. God's glorious design of his image bearers as male and female creatures is a good gift
- [Absolute Truth in the Age of Relativism with Sean McDowell](https://institutefc.org/absolute-truth-in-the-age-of-relativism-with-sean-mcdowell/) - In our fourth session of the Kingdom Come Conference, apologist Sean McDowell talks about the question of truth. In our day, everyone speaks about living "your truth" and speaking "your truth," but does truth work this way? Can we know the truth and what does Jesus say about the nature of truth?
- [Demonstrating the Faith in a Post-Christian Society with Tim Sansbury](https://institutefc.org/demonstrating-the-faith-in-a-post-christian-society-with-tim-sansbury/) - In our fifth session of the Kingdom Come Conference, Knox Theological Seminary professor and Provost Dr. Tim Sansbury discusses what it means to demonstrate the Christian faith in a post-Christian society. While past generations were concerned with doctrinal debates over the historicity of the resurrection, the infallibility of the Bible, etc., the battles of our
- [Do Not Conform: A Call to Stand with Al Mohler](https://institutefc.org/do-not-conform-a-call-to-stand-with-al-mohler/) - In our sixth session of the Kingdom Come Conference, Southern Seminary President Dr. Al Mohler discusses the need for holding strong in the face of forces that encourage Christians to capitulate, compromise, and silence themselves in the face of wickedness. Christians are not to be conformed to this world, but are to be transformed by
- [Navigating Cultural Threats from Left and Right with Brian Mattson](https://institutefc.org/navigating-cultural-threats-from-left-and-right-with-brian-mattson/) - In our first Kingdom Come Conference workshop on Faith in the Public Square, Westminster Seminary professor Dr. Brian Mattson discusses the reality that there is a ditch on either side of the road, threats to our culture and challenges to the biblical worldview from both the left and the right. In an age of political
- [Is There Really Only One Way? with K. Scott Oliphint](https://institutefc.org/is-there-really-only-one-way-with-k-scott-oliphint/) - In our second Kingdom Come Conference workshop on Faith in the Public Square, Westminster Seminary professor Dr. K. Scott Oliphint discusses the question of whether there can really only be one way to God. God has revealed himself to all people in nature such that no one has an excuse for denying him, and God has
- [Q&A - Sean McDowell - The Challenges of Cultural Engagement](https://institutefc.org/qa-sean-mcdowell-the-challenges-of-cultural-engagement/) - In the first Q&A session of the Kingdom Come Conference, Pastor Rob discusses the specific challenges that Christians face today in engaging culture and how to approach the culture in a productive way that leads people to Christ.
- [Q&A - Carol Swain - The Adversity of Diversity](https://institutefc.org/qa-carol-swain-the-adversity-of-diversity/) - In the second Q&A session of the Kingdom Come Conference, Pastor Rob speaks with Dr. Carol Swain about her upbringing and achievements, alongside the current cultural upheaval being caused by the Marxist thinking found in Critical Race Theory and DEI.
- [From Woke to Awake with Daniella Bloom | Ep. 70](https://institutefc.org/from-woke-to-awake-with-daniella-bloom-ep-70/) - On this episode of the City of God, we talk with Daniella Bloom, a free-thinking psychotherapist, speaker, and author. We discuss Daniella's personal transformation from self-proclaimed liberal to a voice for common sense and critical thinking. Hailing from the heart of Los Angeles, Daniella shares her story of awakening, driven by her proud Jewish-American identity
- [The History of Communism in Cuba with Stephen Mansfield | Ep. 71](https://institutefc.org/the-history-of-communism-in-cuba-with-stephen-mansfield-ep-71/) - Recently, we visited Havana Cuba, alongside the Institute for Faith and Culture, to build connections with local Churches in Cuba. While there, we sat down with Stephen Mansfield. Stephen is a historian, speaker, and best-selling author. He is also a board member and senior fellow of the Institute for Faith and Culture. On this episode,
- [The Life Cycle of Sin with Rosaria Butterfield | Ep. 72](https://institutefc.org/the-life-cycle-of-sin-with-rosaria-butterfield-ep-72/) - Join us for a profound exploration on sin's life cycle with best-selling author and speaker, Rosaria Butterfield. Also, Rosaria's insights shed light on the allure of homosexuality and the pressing need to confront sexual sins daily. With thought-provoking questions, we examine why homosexuality is often treated as a special disobedience category despite being listed alongside
- [Confronting Christian Persecution in America with Tony Perkins | Ep. 73](https://institutefc.org/confronting-christian-persecution-in-america-with-tony-perkins-ep-73/) - Join Rob Pacienza and Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council, as they dive into a crucial discussion on Christian persecution in America. From the surprising realities of church attacks to the disturbing double standard in justice, discover the pressing issues threatening religious freedom. Gain insights into the "Hostility Against Churches" report and explore
- [Exposing the Myth of Relativism with Dr. Jeff Myers | Ep. 74](https://institutefc.org/exposing-the-myth-of-relativism-with-dr-jeff-myers-ep-74/) - On this episode of City of God we are joined by Dr. Jeff Myers, President of Summit Ministries and esteemed expert in worldview and apologetics, as he confronts the crisis of Truth in today's society. From the erosion of absolute Truth to the challenges of imparting a biblical worldview to young people, explore the profound
- [Nurturing Faith and Family with Justin Whitmel Earley | Ep. 75](https://institutefc.org/nurturing-faith-and-family-with-justin-whitmel-earley-ep-75/) - On this episode of The City of God, we delve into crucial strategies for fortifying family faith amidst modern challenges. Join us as we talk with Justin Whitmel Earley, author of "Habits of the Household," as we explore how intentional gospel-centered habits can shape resilient Christian homes. From nurturing spiritual growth in children to fostering
- [Independence Day: A Nation Built on a Creed with Stephen Mansfield | Ep. 76](https://institutefc.org/independence-day-a-nation-built-on-a-creed-with-stephen-mansfield-ep-76/) - As we get ready to celebrate Independence Day, we talk with Stephen Mansfield, a historian, speaker, coach, and best-selling author. Join us this week as Stephen dives into the true history behind America's July 4th celebration, revealing lesser-known facts about its founding. Explore the profound influence of Christianity on America's inception, contrasting it with the
- [Defending Parental Rights with Brad Dacus | Ep. 77](https://institutefc.org/defending-parental-rights-with-brad-dacus-ep-77/) - On this episode of City of God we delve into crucial issues of parental rights and civil liberties with our esteemed guest, Brad Dacus, President of Pacific Justice Institute. Brad shares insights on the growing threats to parental rights, discussing challenges faced by parents today and potential future concerns. We explore how educational institutions across
- [Reclaiming Civil Rights Narratives with Ryan Bomberger | Ep. 78](https://institutefc.org/reclaiming-civil-rights-narratives-with-ryan-bomberger-ep-78/) - Join host Rob Pacienza as he sits down with Ryan Bomberger, co-founder of the Radiance Foundation and a prominent voice in the pro-life movement. They delve into Ryan's personal journey, from being one of 10 adopted children in a family of 15 to his pivotal role in advocating for human dignity. They discuss the critical
- [The Postmodern Paradox with Dr. Tim Sansbury | Ep. 79](https://institutefc.org/the-postmodern-paradox-with-dr-tim-sansbury-ep-79/) - In this episode, Dr. Tim Sansbury from Knox Theological Seminary dives deep into the complexities of postmodernism with Rob Pacienza and John Rabe. They explore the elusive nature of defining postmodernism, its critiques and contributions to thought, and its impact on society's structure and values. From rejecting modernity's truths to examining the clash between Biblical
- [How Outside Forces Target the American Church with Megan Basham | Ep. 80](https://institutefc.org/how-outside-forces-target-the-american-church-with-megan-basham-ep-80/) - Liberal theology is nothing new, but we’re seeing a rise in churches accepting radical ideas that are unbiblical. Well-funded forces from outside the church have been sowing seeds of discord from behind the scenes. On this episode of The City of God we talk with Megan Basham, a reporter for the Daily Wire and author
- [Transforming Lives with Jack Brewer | Ep. 81](https://institutefc.org/transforming-lives-with-jack-brewer-ep-81/) - On this episode of The City of God Podcast, hosts Rob Pacienza and John Rabe sit down with former NFL player and philanthropist Jack Brewer. As a new Senior Fellow at the Institute for Faith and Culture, Jack discusses his impactful work with the Jack Brewer Foundation and The Serving Institute in South Florida. They
- [How Modern Philosophies Challenge the Nature of God with Erwin Lutzer | Ep. 82](https://institutefc.org/how-modern-philosophies-challenge-the-nature-of-god-with-erwin-lutzer-ep-82/) - On this episode of the City of God Podcast, Rob Pacienza welcomes Dr. Erwin Lutzer to discuss his upcoming book, The Eclipse of God. They delve into the book's exploration of cultural shifts and philosophical challenges to God’s sovereignty. Dr. Lutzer addresses concerns about the perceived evolution of God’s nature from the Old Testament to
- [Why Christians Can’t Afford to Stay Silent with William J. Federer | Ep. 83](https://institutefc.org/why-christians-cant-afford-to-stay-silent-with-william-j-federer-ep-83/) - On this episode of City of God, we welcome author, speaker, and historian Bill Federer, whose latest book is titled “Silence Equals Consent - The Sin of Omission.” Join us as Bill explores how godly individuals have been persuaded to tolerate ungodliness, the Biblical influences on America's founders, and the impact on the U.S. Constitution.
- [The Role of Christians in Protecting Our Freedoms with Mat Staver | Ep. 84](https://institutefc.org/the-role-of-christians-in-protecting-our-freedoms-with-mat-staver-ep-84/) - On this episode, we sit down with Mat Staver, founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, to discuss the ongoing fight for life after the reversal of Roe. We explore the current legislative landscape, ongoing cases, and the critical role Christians play in defending the unborn. We also dive into gender issues, parental rights, and the
- [Legacy, Leadership, and the Future of Faith with Dr. Richard Phillips | Ep. 85](https://institutefc.org/legacy-leadership-and-the-future-of-faith-with-dr-richard-phillips-ep-85/) - Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Richard Phillips, Senior Minister of the historic Second Presbyterian Church in Greenville, South Carolina. Dr. Phillips reflects on the enduring legacies of Dr. D. James Kennedy and James Montgomery Boice, discusses the challenges facing the Church today, and shares his thoughts on the current state of the
- [Bringing the Mind of Christ into the Public Sphere with Aldo Leon | Ep. 86](https://institutefc.org/bringing-the-mind-of-christ-into-the-public-sphere-with-aldo-leon-ep-86/) - In this episode of The City of God, we sit down with Aldo Leon, pastor of Pinelands Presbyterian Church, to discuss “Christian nationalism”. We explore how many Christians are labeled as nationalists, often unfairly, while they seek to influence culture. Aldo dives into the importance of defining terms, examining history, and upholding Christ's kingship, showing
- [The Ideological Takeover of Universities with George Grant | Ep. 87](https://institutefc.org/the-ideological-takeover-of-universities-with-george-grant-ep-87/) - In this episode of the City of God, we welcome George Grant, Pastor of Parish Presbyterian Church and Director of King’s Meadow Study Center, to discuss the urgent need for Christian higher education. We explore the Church’s role in founding universities, the Christian roots of schools like Princeton and Harvard, and how they've drifted from
- [Training Tomorrow's Leaders with Ike Reeder | Ep. 88](https://institutefc.org/training-tomorrows-leaders-with-ike-reeder-ep-88/) - In this episode of The City of God Podcast, we’re joined by Ike Reeder, the President of Birmingham Theological Seminar. Ike reflects on the legacy of his father, the late Harry Reeder. They explore Harry’s profound impact as a pastor and his steadfast commitment to the sufficiency of God’s Word, comparing challenges faced by the
- [The Eternal Impact of Everyday Work with Jordan Raynor | Ep. 89](https://institutefc.org/the-eternal-impact-of-everyday-work-with-jordan-raynor-ep-89/) - In this episode of the City of God Podcast, we welcome Jordan Raynor, author of The Sacredness of Secular Work and a leading voice in the faith and work movement. Together, we explore the eternal value of everyday work, why many believers overlook its significance, and how our vocations can reveal God’s kingdom here on
- [Remembering the October 7th Attacks on Israel | Ep. 90](https://institutefc.org/remembering-the-october-7th-attacks-on-israel-ep-90/) - In this poignant episode of the City of God podcast, we reflect on the one-year anniversary of the October 7th attacks on Israel. Host Rob Pacienza is joined by an insightful panel: Shannon Harmeling, IDF reservist Doron Keidar, Sergeant Major Chaim Malespin, and Pastor Brad Carignan. Together, they discuss the ongoing impact of the conflict,
- [Pastoral Leadership and Why it Matters with Dr. John Currie | Ep. 91](https://institutefc.org/pastoral-leadership-and-why-it-matters-with-dr-john-currie-ep-91/) - In this episode of the City of God Podcast, Rob Pacienza and John Rabe talk with Dr. John Currie, Professor of Pastoral Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary. They explore Dr. Currie’s book, The Pastor as Leader, and discuss the challenges pastors face in connecting preaching with leadership. From the dangers of people-pleasing to the necessity
- [Confronting the Gender Madness with Christine Sneeringer | Ep. 92](https://institutefc.org/confronting-the-gender-madness-with-christine-sneeringer-ep-92/) - In this episode of The City of God podcast, Rob Pacienza and John Rabe welcome Christine Sneeringer, an author and leader in gender ministry, to discuss today’s most pressing gender issues. Christine shares her personal journey struggling with gender identity and her faith-based insights on why no one is born in the “wrong body.” The
- [Faith, Politics, and Public Life with Former Trump Aide William Russell | Ep. 93](https://institutefc.org/faith-politics-and-public-life-with-former-trump-aide-william-russell-ep-93/) - In this episode of the City of God podcast, hosts Rob Pacienza and John Rabe welcome William Russell, former Trump White House staffer and executive director of the Center for Christian Statesmanship. With the 2024 election just days away, Russell offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on his White House experience, the current Trump campaign, and the
- [Margaret Sanger’s Legacy: The Culture of Death in Today’s World with Seth Gruber | Ep. 94](https://institutefc.org/margaret-sangers-legacy-the-culture-of-death-in-todays-world-with-seth-gruber-ep-94/) - In this episode of City of God, Rob Pacienza and John Rabe welcome Seth Gruber, author, podcaster, and executive producer of The 1916 Project. Together, they explore the connections between Margaret Sanger, Planned Parenthood, and today’s cultural shifts. Seth explains how the ‘culture of death’ underpins many modern ideologies and calls the church to respond
- [Finding Purpose Beyond a Paycheck with David Bahnsen | Ep. 95](https://institutefc.org/finding-purpose-beyond-a-paycheck-with-david-bahnsen-ep-95/) - Join Rob Pacienza, John Rabe, and guest David Bahnsen as they discuss the meaning of work. How can Christians reframe work beyond routine and redefine it as part of God’s design? Discover why workaholism misses the mark and how to cultivate purpose, even if you're not in a dream job. David Bahnsen is the founder
- [Discipling the Next Generation in a Culture of Confusion with Rosaria Butterfield | Ep. 96](https://institutefc.org/discipling-the-next-generation-in-a-culture-of-confusion-with-rosaria-butterfield-ep-96/) - In this episode of City of God, host Rob Pacienza sits down with Rosaria Butterfield, acclaimed author and speaker, to explore the Biblical sexual ethic amid a shifting cultural landscape. Together, they discuss how Christians can navigate the challenges of modern sexual identity, avoiding common missteps while communicating the beauty of a Biblical worldview. They
- [The Beginning of Wisdom: America's Judeo-Christian Roots with Dr. Jerry Newcombe | Ep. 97](https://institutefc.org/the-beginning-of-wisdom-americas-judeo-christian-roots-with-dr-jerry-newcombe-ep-97/) - In this special episode of The City of God Podcast, Rob Pacienza welcomes Dr. Jerry Newcombe, Executive Director of the Providence Forum, to explore the Christian roots of American education. They discuss the documentary The Beginning of Wisdom, highlighting how Judeo-Christian principles shaped early schools, colleges, and national identity. In an era of cultural revisionism
- [Teaching Sound Doctrine to the Next Generation with Jason Helopoulos | Ep. 98](https://institutefc.org/teaching-sound-doctrine-to-the-next-generation-with-jason-helopoulos-ep-98/) - In this episode, Jason Helopoulos, senior pastor of University Reformed Church and author of Let the Children Worship and A Neglected Grace, dives into the significance of ministering to children at home and in the church. He discusses how teaching sound doctrine, prioritizing family worship, and biblical discipline shape the faith of the next generation.
- [The Erosion of Biblical Truth with Todd Pruitt | Ep. 99](https://institutefc.org/the-erosion-of-biblical-truth-with-todd-pruitt-ep-99/) - In this episode of City of God, Rob Pacienza is joined by Todd Pruitt, pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church and co-host of Mortification of Spin. Together, they discuss the ongoing battle over truth, comparing God’s unchanging truth to the subjective “my truth” dominating society. They explore how rejecting biblical truth leads to cultural decay, from
- [True, Good, & Beautiful | Ep. 100](https://institutefc.org/true-good-beautiful-ep-100/) - In this milestone 100th episode, John and Lauren break format to interview Rob about his groundbreaking book “True, Good, & Beautiful: God’s Design for a Flourishing World.” Together, they explore the chaos in today’s culture, the rejection of God’s design in key areas like gender, marriage, and government, and why reclaiming God’s blueprint is essential
- [Christmas Traditions Rooted in Faith with William J. Federer | Ep. 101](https://institutefc.org/christmas-traditions-rooted-in-faith-with-william-j-federer-ep-101/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wp89qqUC71o Join Rob Pacienza and John Rabe for a special Christmas episode of The City of God podcast! Renowned author and historian William J. Federer shares the fascinating history of St. Nicholas of Myra, an early Christian Bishop of Greek descent, and how Christmas traditions connect to Jesus. Explore the deeper meaning behind the Christmas
- [The City of God vs. The City of Man with Sam Kastensmidt | Ep. 102](https://institutefc.org/the-city-of-god-vs-the-city-of-man-with-sam-kastensmidt-ep-102/) - In this episode of The City of God Podcast, Rob Pacienza and Sam Kastensmidt explore the Biblical theme of two cities—the City of Man and the City of God—beginning in Genesis and unfolding throughout Scripture. They unpack the ethics of Babylon, the countercultural call of Abraham, and Jesus’ vision of His followers as a city
- [The Sufficiency and Clarity of Scripture with George Sayour | Ep. 103](https://institutefc.org/the-sufficiency-and-clarity-of-scripture-with-george-sayour-ep-103/) - In this episode of The City of God Podcast, Rob Pacienza and Pastor George Sayour explore how the church can faithfully engage with today’s cultural challenges. From the sufficiency of scripture to the Cultural Mandate, they discuss the role of pastors, congregations, and individual Christians in reflecting God’s design in a broken world. Pastor Sayour
- [The Crisis of the Next Generation with Laura Gallier | Ep. 104](https://institutefc.org/the-crisis-of-the-next-generation-with-laura-gallier-ep-104/) - In this episode of The City of God podcast, host Rob Pacienza welcomes author, speaker, and producer Laura Gallier for a powerful discussion on the challenges facing today’s youth. From the mental health crisis and the impact of social media to issues of gender, sexuality, and the breakdown of the family, Laura offers biblical insights
- [Side A and Side B Christianity with Dr. Jon Payne | Ep. 105](https://institutefc.org/side-a-and-side-b-christianity-with-dr-jon-payne-ep-105/) - In this episode of The City of God, Rob Pacienza sits down with Dr. Jon Payne, senior pastor of Christ Church Presbyterian in Charleston, South Carolina. Together, they unpack the theological tensions of Side A and Side B Christianity, explore what’s at stake for the Church, and discuss Dr. Payne’s call to humbly contend for
- [Decoding Hollywood’s Worldview with Leah Klett | Ep. 106](https://institutefc.org/decoding-hollywoods-worldview-with-leah-klett-ep-106/) - In this episode of City of God, host Rob Pacienza welcomes Leah Klett, reporter for The Christian Post and member of the Critics’ Choice Association. Together, they explore the changing entertainment landscape, Hollywood's core messages, and the growing challenges of oversexualization and gender ideology in media. Leah shares insights on navigating content as a young
- [When Your Faith Costs You Your Job with Coach Joe Kennedy | Ep. 107](https://institutefc.org/when-your-faith-costs-you-your-job-with-coach-joe-kennedy-ep-107/) - Coach Joe Kennedy joins The City of God to share his incredible journey from coaching high school football to fighting for religious freedom at the U.S. Supreme Court. Fired for praying on the field, Coach Kennedy refused to back down, taking his case all the way to the highest court in the land. In this
- [Young Men in Crisis with Mark Koch | Ep. 108](https://institutefc.org/young-men-in-crisis-with-mark-koch-ep-108/) - In this episode of The City of God, Rob Pacienza sits down with producer, author, and speaker Mark Koch to discuss God’s design for men in today’s world. With masculinity under attack, many young men feel lost and lack godly role models. Mark shares insights on biblical leadership, overcoming sin, and leading a family with
- [Biblical Authority in a Skeptical World with Sinclair Ferguson | Ep. 109](https://institutefc.org/biblical-authority-in-a-skeptical-world-with-sinclair-ferguson-ep-109/) - In this episode of the City of God Podcast, Rob Pacienza shares a powerful conversation from the City of God Archives. Recorded at the Kingdom Come Conference in Fort Lauderdale, this interview with renowned theologian Sinclair Ferguson explores the sufficiency of Scripture, the Church’s drift from evangelicalism, and the challenges of faith in a secular
- [Living in a Culture of Hate with Natasha Crain | Ep. 110](https://institutefc.org/living-in-a-culture-of-hate-with-natasha-crain-ep-110/) - In this episode of the City of God Podcast, Rob Pacienza sits down with author, speaker, and podcast host Natasha Crain to discuss her latest book When Culture Hates You. Together, they explore the tension between Christians and a culture that pressures believers to stay silent. From political engagement to defending biblical truth, they discuss
- [The American Miracle with Ralf Augstroze | Ep. 111](https://institutefc.org/the-american-miracle-with-ralf-augstroze-ep-111/) - In this episode of the City of God Podcast, Rob Pacienza sits down with Ralf Augstroze, executive producer of Heroic Pictures, to discuss The American Miracle – Our Nation is No Accident. Based on Michael Medved’s bestselling book, this film explores the key events that shaped America’s birth and rise. In anticipation of the 250th
- [Defending Religious Liberty in a Hostile World with Brad Dacus | Ep. 112](https://institutefc.org/defending-religious-liberty-in-a-hostile-world-with-brad-dacus-ep-112/) - Brad Dacus of the Pacific Justice Institute joins Rob Pacienza to discuss the increasing hostility towards religious freedoms. From defending churches and businesses to addressing growing concerns over Christian persecution, they dive deep into the legal and cultural battles facing believers today. Tune in to understand the alarming trends and challenges Christians face in today’s
- [The Sacred Duty of Raising Children with Abraham Hamilton | Ep. 113](https://institutefc.org/the-sacred-duty-of-raising-children-with-abraham-hamilton-ep-113/) - What role should government play in the upbringing of children? Rob Pacienza and Abraham Hamilton tackle the current state of parental rights, focusing on education and medical decisions. They discuss the potential for a federal "Parents’ Bill of Rights" and what it would look like to protect parents’ rights in today’s legal climate.
- [Faith, Freedom, and the Fight for America’s Soul with Col. Allen West | Ep. 114](https://institutefc.org/faith-freedom-and-the-fight-for-americas-soul-with-col-allen-west-ep-114/) - Join host Rob Pacienza on the City of God podcast as he welcomes Col. Allen West, former U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and Tea Party-elected Congressman. Together, they explore the Tea Party’s 2010 surge, its lessons for today’s America First movement, and the Constitution’s role in modern politics. Col. West shares how faith and military service
- [The City of God Families Ep. 3 | Back to School](https://institutefc.org/the-city-of-god-families-ep-3-back-to-school/) - On this episode of The City of God Families, we discuss how to approach the new school year with a Christ-centered mindset. As summer ends, we explore how to trust God, work diligently, build strong relationships, and appreciate the wonders of His creation through learning. We also cover handling challenges with faith and being a
- [The City of God Families Ep. 4 | Peer Pressure](https://institutefc.org/the-city-of-god-families-ep-4-peer-pressure/) - The City of God Families is a short, monthly podcast for the entire family to listen to together with the hope that your family will continue the discussion where this podcast leaves off. On this episode, we discuss Peer Pressure. On this episode of The City of God Families Pastor Rob Pacienza addresses peer pressure,
- [City of God Families Ep.5  – The Election](https://institutefc.org/city-of-god-families-ep-5-the-election/) - In this special episode of City of God Families, we explore how to navigate the upcoming election with your family through a Biblical lens. Discover five key ways to engage, from understanding God’s role in government to making politics a meaningful way to reflect Christ’s kingdom. We’ll also discuss common myths about faith and politics,
- [The City of God Families Ep. 7 | Valentine’s Day](https://institutefc.org/the-city-of-god-families-ep-7-valentines-day/) - This Valentine’s Day, the world celebrates love with flowers and romance, but what does true love really look like? In this episode of The City of God Families, Pastor Rob Pacienza explores agape love—the selfless, sacrificial love of God. Through Scripture and practical insights, discover how Christian families can live out this love daily. Plus,

## White Papers

- [Five Reasons Christians Should Embrace Economic Freedom](https://institutefc.org/white_paper/five-reasons-christians-should-embrace-economic-freedom/) - Download and Print Full PDF ↓ What is economic freedom, and why do we need to embrace it? As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the resources that God gives us. Stewardship is not just about tithing or caring for the earth; it is about every choice we make. It is
- [Examining Jesus’ Inclusion of Work Roles in his Parables](https://institutefc.org/white_paper/examining-jesus-inclusion-of-work-roles-in-his-parables/) - Download and print the full paper here ↓ What early life experiences could best prepare Jesus to be formed for his distinctive divine-human role as Messiah and Savior of the world? To set the context for this question, imagine being invited to observe that special planning session in eternity past, when our Trinitarian God
- [A Biblical Case for Limited Government](https://institutefc.org/white_paper/a-biblical-case-for-limited-government/) - Download Full Paper ↓ A few years ago on ABC’s The View, Star Parker and Michael Moore had an instructive exchange.[1] To justify state-regulated universal healthcare, Moore sought to marshal support from Jesus: Jesus claimed that if you care for the poorest among us, you do this to him. According to Moore, this proves that Jesus
- [Rediscover Faith & Work](https://institutefc.org/white_paper/rediscover-faith-work/) - ‘How Then Should We Work? Rediscovering the Biblical Doctrine of Work’ For many Christians, work often seems only a “means to an end.” Many today have bought into the notion that leisure is good and work is bad. Others have been misled by the sacred/secular distinction which teaches that only working in the church
- [A Biblical Theology of Human Flourishing](https://institutefc.org/white_paper/a-biblical-theology-of-human-flourishing/) - Download Full PDF ↓ The Universality of Human Flourishing In the early 21st century there are few ideas that can be identified as universal. Few ideas span multiple disciplines of human knowledge, from philosophy to economics, from religion to world health policies, from ethics to psychoanalysis, from medical practice to jurisprudence, from trade policies
- [The Rise of Religious Freedom and How It Shaped the Political Theology of the United States](https://institutefc.org/white_paper/the-rise-of-religious-freedom-and-how-it-shaped-the-political-theology-of-the-united-states/) - The idea of religious freedom did not rise out of Hinduism or Islam. It also did not originate from the enlightenment but instead arose from the teaching of the holy scriptures as understood throughout the history of the church. The seeds of religious freedom were sown by the early church fathers, grew in the rich
- [Do Good Workers Do “Good Works”? A Biblical Review Of The Meaning Of “Good Works” In New Testament Marketplace Contexts](https://institutefc.org/white_paper/do-good-workers-do-good-works-a-biblical-review-of-the-meaning-of-good-works-in-new-testament-marketplace-contexts/) - This paper is co-authored by Joshua M. Greever, PhD and David Kotter, PhD According to the Apostle Paul, Christians are “created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10). The church has historically understood such good works as acts of charity, volunteer service, mercy ministries, and working for nonprofit organizations. While the concept of good
- [Lending and Interest in the Old Testament](https://institutefc.org/white_paper/lending-and-interest-in-the-old-testament/) - Dr. Klaus Issler’s research on lending and interest was sponsored by the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics and published as, “Lending and Interest in the OT: Examining Three Interpretations to Explain the Deuteronomy 23:19-20 Distinction in Light of the Historical Usury Debate,” in the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, vol. 59, 2016, 761-89. Read the
- [Economic Freedom and the Path to Flourishing](https://institutefc.org/white_paper/economic-freedom-and-the-path-to-flourishing/) - This paper was co-authored by Anne Bradley, Ph.D. and Joseph Connors, Ph.D. Download the full paper here. “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God.” –Psalm 92:12-13 The concept of shalom

## Categories

- [Politics](https://institutefc.org/category/politics/)
- [Christian Living](https://institutefc.org/category/christian-living/)
- [Bible & Theology](https://institutefc.org/category/bible-and-theology/)
- [Current Events](https://institutefc.org/category/current-events/)
- [Work & Economics](https://institutefc.org/category/work-and-economics/)
- [Uncategorized](https://institutefc.org/category/uncategorized/)
- [Featured Freedom](https://institutefc.org/category/featured-freedom/)
- [News](https://institutefc.org/category/news/)

## Tags

- [Stewardship](https://institutefc.org/tag/stewardship/)
- [C.S. Lewis](https://institutefc.org/tag/c-s-lewis/)
- [Kingdom of God](https://institutefc.org/tag/kingdom-of-god/)
- [Private Property](https://institutefc.org/tag/private-property/)
- [Cultural Mandate](https://institutefc.org/tag/cultural-mandate/)
- [Theology of Work](https://institutefc.org/tag/theology-of-work/)
- [Leadership](https://institutefc.org/tag/leadership/)
- [New Testament](https://institutefc.org/tag/new-testament/)
- [Old Testament](https://institutefc.org/tag/old-testament/)
- [Faith at Work](https://institutefc.org/tag/faith-at-work/)
- [Biblical Justice](https://institutefc.org/tag/biblical-justice/)
- [Church History & Tradition](https://institutefc.org/tag/church-history-tradition/)
- [Common Grace](https://institutefc.org/tag/common-grace/)
- [Creation & Fall](https://institutefc.org/tag/creation-fall/)
- [Eschatology & Hope](https://institutefc.org/tag/eschatology-hope/)
- [Flourishing & Shalom](https://institutefc.org/tag/flourishing-shalom/)
- [Gospel & Redemption](https://institutefc.org/tag/gospel-redemption/)
- [Holy Spirit & Spiritual Gifts](https://institutefc.org/tag/holy-spirit-spiritual-gifts/)
- [Image of God & Human Dignity](https://institutefc.org/tag/image-of-god-human-dignity/)
- [Worldview & Apologetics](https://institutefc.org/tag/worldview-apologetics/)
- [Character & Virtue](https://institutefc.org/tag/character-virtue/)
- [Church & Congregational Life](https://institutefc.org/tag/church-congregational-life/)
- [Discipleship & Spiritual Growth](https://institutefc.org/tag/discipleship-spiritual-growth/)
- [Evangelism & Missions](https://institutefc.org/tag/evangelism-missions/)
- [Students & Young Adults](https://institutefc.org/tag/students-young-adults/)
- [Suffering & Grief](https://institutefc.org/tag/suffering-grief/)
- [Calling & Vocation](https://institutefc.org/tag/calling-vocation/)
- [Career Transitions & Job Search](https://institutefc.org/tag/career-transitions-job-search/)
- [Entrepreneurship & Business](https://institutefc.org/tag/entrepreneurship-business/)
- [Productivity & Time Management](https://institutefc.org/tag/productivity-time-management/)
- [Rest & Work-Life Balance](https://institutefc.org/tag/rest-work-life-balance/)
- [Women & Work](https://institutefc.org/tag/women-work/)
- [Workplace Relationships](https://institutefc.org/tag/workplace-relationships/)
- [Cronyism & Corruption](https://institutefc.org/tag/cronyism-corruption/)
- [Economic Freedom & Free Markets](https://institutefc.org/tag/economic-freedom-free-markets/)
- [Economic Policy & Government Spending](https://institutefc.org/tag/economic-policy-government-spending/)
- [Economic Thinking](https://institutefc.org/tag/economic-thinking/)
- [Environment & Resources](https://institutefc.org/tag/environment-resources/)
- [Generosity & Giving](https://institutefc.org/tag/generosity-giving/)
- [Global Development & Trade](https://institutefc.org/tag/global-development-trade/)
- [Greed, Materialism & Consumerism](https://institutefc.org/tag/greed-materialism-consumerism/)
- [Income Inequality & Mobility](https://institutefc.org/tag/income-inequality-mobility/)
- [Poverty & Poverty Alleviation](https://institutefc.org/tag/poverty-poverty-alleviation/)
- [Socialism & Marxism](https://institutefc.org/tag/socialism-marxism/)
- [Wealth & Prosperity](https://institutefc.org/tag/wealth-prosperity/)
- [American Founding & History](https://institutefc.org/tag/american-founding-history/)
- [Education & Schools](https://institutefc.org/tag/education-schools/)
- [Elections & Civic Engagement](https://institutefc.org/tag/elections-civic-engagement/)
- [Limited Government](https://institutefc.org/tag/limited-government/)
- [Marriage & Family](https://institutefc.org/tag/marriage-family/)
- [Race & Reconciliation](https://institutefc.org/tag/race-reconciliation/)
- [Religious Liberty](https://institutefc.org/tag/religious-liberty/)
- [Sexuality & Gender](https://institutefc.org/tag/sexuality-gender/)
- [War, Peace & Military](https://institutefc.org/tag/war-peace-military/)
- [Culture Making & Engagement](https://institutefc.org/tag/culture-making-engagement/)
- [Film & Television](https://institutefc.org/tag/film-television/)
- [Literature & Story](https://institutefc.org/tag/literature-story/)
- [Music & the Arts](https://institutefc.org/tag/music-the-arts/)
- [Technology & Digital Life](https://institutefc.org/tag/technology-digital-life/)
- [Book Reviews & Reading](https://institutefc.org/tag/book-reviews-reading/)
- [Interviews & Profiles](https://institutefc.org/tag/interviews-profiles/)
- [News & Commentary Roundups](https://institutefc.org/tag/news-commentary-roundups/)
- [Video & Audio](https://institutefc.org/tag/video-audio/)

## Tags

- [yes](https://institutefc.org/?wc_square_synced=yes)

## Product categories

- [Christ in Culture](https://institutefc.org/product-category/christ-in-culture/)
- [Downloads](https://institutefc.org/product-category/downloads/)
- [Books](https://institutefc.org/product-category/books/)

## Product tags

- [Book](https://institutefc.org/product-tag/book/)

## Leadership Categories

- [Staff](https://institutefc.org/leadership_cat/staff/)
- [Senior Fellows](https://institutefc.org/leadership_cat/senior-fellows/)
- [Contributors & Speakers](https://institutefc.org/leadership_cat/contributors-speakers/)
- [Advisors](https://institutefc.org/leadership_cat/advisors/)
- [Speaker's Bureau](https://institutefc.org/leadership_cat/speakers-bureau/)

## Formats

- [journal](https://institutefc.org/format/journal/)

## Shows

- [Redeeming Work](https://institutefc.org/show/redeeming-work/)
- [City of God](https://institutefc.org/show/city-of-god/)
- [City of God Families](https://institutefc.org/show/city-of-god-families/)
- [Unmasking Gender Ideology](https://institutefc.org/show/unmasking-gender-ideology/)
- [Voddie Baucham](https://institutefc.org/show/voddie-baucham/)
- [Kingdom Come Conference](https://institutefc.org/show/kingdom-come-conference/)
- [Francis Schaeffer](https://institutefc.org/show/francis-schaeffer/)
- [Rob Pacienza](https://institutefc.org/show/rob-pacienza/)
- [God's Design Sermon Series](https://institutefc.org/show/gods-design-sermon-series/)