Principles of Economic Liberty: The Biblical Case for Free Enterprise

—or—
The Biblical Case for Capitalism

A Six-Session Bible Study Series

Principles of Economic Liberty: The Biblical Case for Free Enterprise
A Six-Session Bible Study based on the Word Foundations Series of Articles Titled “The Bible and Free Enterprise”

“The Bible and Free Enterprise” is a Word Foundations series of articles that makes the case that the free enterprise economic model, or capitalism, is biblical. While free enterprise can be distorted and abused, the distortions are departures from biblical principles and a biblical worldview.

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Now more than ever, Christians must understand and be able to articulate that free enterprise, or capitalism, is rooted in biblical teachings and fosters qualities the Scripture commends. It is only within the context of God’s loving directives that we experience authentic freedom and liberty. Not convinced? In this six-session series, you’ll encounter overwhelming evidence. Join me for an enlightening journey you’ll never forget.

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SESSION 1
SURVEYING THE ECONOMIC LANDSCAPE: A CLASH OF WORLDVIEWS

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      • Discussion: What is the purpose of government?
      • A lesson from history: The Pilgrims’ 2-year experiment with socialism
      • Definitions of key terms
      • Socialism’s dismal track record
      • Economics is a worldview issue
      • Discussion: Does the Bible recommend socialism?
      • Biblical basis for individual freedom

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Here are the principles we will explore in the remaining sessions of the Bible study series.

A PDF file of this graphic is available here.

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SESSION 2
ORDERED LIBERTY
PRINCIPLES ONE AND TWO

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Session 2 will explore these principles and show how they are tied to biblical truths and ideals.

      • Capitalism is not economic anarchy but is maintained in the context of an ordered freedom that Scripture upholds and makes possible.
      • The voluntary relationships and the voluntary involvement of individuals that make capitalism work are antithetical to government orchestration of private decisions and actions. Scripture affirms personal freedom in the economic realm.

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SESSION 3
HUMAN DIGNITY
PRINCIPLES THREE AND FOUR

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Session 3 will explore these principles and show how they are tied to biblical truths and ideals.

      • A free enterprise economic model rests on the principle that people have inherent human rights consistent with their having been created by God “in His image.”
      • In the context of a free market economy, workers and supervisors, buyers and sellers, producers and consumers—all who participate—can act to fulfill the cultural commission God gave the human race in Genesis 1:28.

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SESSION 4
INDIVIDUAL CHOICE
PRINCIPLES FIVE AND SIX

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Session 4 will explore these principles and show how they are tied to biblical truths and ideals.

      • Both capitalism and Scripture affirm the individual sovereignty of human beings, including their right to make decisions.
      • The right to be free is an integral part of free enterprise—and a right upheld in God’s Word.

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SESSION 5
PROPERTY RIGHTS
PRINCIPLES SEVEN AND EIGHT

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Session 5 will explore these principles and show how they are tied to biblical truths and ideals.

      • The right to hold property is an inherent, God-given right and a principle on which the United States of America was founded. Scripture affirms property rights in various places, including the Eighth and Tenth Commandments.
      • The right to exchange what one owns for something else is another linchpin principle making capitalism work. Moreover, we see it clearly in many places in Scripture.

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SESSION 6
DIVINE GUARDRAILS
PRINCIPLES NINE AND TEN

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Session 6 will explore these principles and show how they are tied to biblical truths and ideals.

      • The system of morality that capitalism presupposes is entirely biblical.
      • Scripture recognizes the delicate balance between order and liberty so necessary for the smooth operation of the free market. It also provides the means for maintaining this balance.

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A printable copy of this overview is available here.

Copyright © 2021 by B. Nathaniel Sullivan. All rights reserved.

top image credit: The Oldwick General Store in Tewksbury Township, New Jersey