I’m serious about the connection between faith and economics. My paper on subprime lending and social justice was the lead article in the Journal of Markets and Morality. My book on the subject, Getting a Grip on Your Money, explored the subject and provided practical advice. I’m a member of the Association of Christian Economists, which provides a forum for many of us to discuss these issues. I’m also a member of the James Madison Christian Faculty Fellowship. But that’s mostly intellectual, and for me following Jesus Christ is much more than an intellectual pursuit. It has become my life goal and career goal.
To be specific about just one point, Jesus tells us how our efforts to meet the needs of the poor and visit those in prison will be judged: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” This means more than just dropping the occasional dollar into the Salvation Army bucket. For me as a Christian economist specifically, it means favoring the reforms that will truly empower the poor. And yet, the most important thing of all is not a matter of abstract reasoning or public policy. It is being faithful to God.