The theology of economics from the time of Christ to today shows that from the 2nd century to the 16th, theologians followed pagan writers such as Aristotle and Cicero who saw commerce as one of the world’s worst evils. From the 16th through most of the 19th centuries, they taught laissez-faire. From the late 19th to today they teach socialism for the most part.
Why has the theology of economics changed so radically? The Bible hasn’t. The answer lies in the fact that theologians can’t think for themselves on the topic and merely baptize the philosophy popular among “intellectuals.”
Karl Barth exemplifies the problem. Most readers won’t know Barth but your pastor will, so you might pass this on. I mentioned that Mises had become a fan of the theologian in his later years in spite of Barth’s rabid socialism. Readers should learn about Barth whether you’re a Christian, atheist or other because he has exerted the greatest influence on regressive Christians who call themselves “progressive.” It is often said that Pope Pius XII and Pope Paul VI called Barth the greatest theologian since Aquinas, but no one provides a reference. Consider these accolades:
