Economic collapse and some wise words from Micah

Economic collapse and Micah’s words of wisdom

Being a leader or a government official means taking on a tremendous responsibility.

The Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the United Kingdom were warned of the disastrous effects of their actions last week when they announced a financial plan that caused economic meltdown, but they disregarded the warnings and the advice, fired the senior civil servant in the Treasury, and refused to share their plans for analysis by the Office for Budget Responsibility.

Then, they lost the support of the markets when they couldn’t justify a massive increase in government borrowing, sending the pound plummeting to the point where the Bank of England had to intervene.

It seems the administration wanted to try something out based on some ideological drive to change the way people think about the economy, and they weren’t interested in hearing anybody out or taking any advice. Since this strategy wasn’t included in the most recent Conservative manifesto, it’s safe to claim they acted without proper authorization. As evidence of how unpopular this was, even amongst their own MPs, they have recently reversed course somewhat on the 45p tax rate.

The risks involved in this experiment were high, and they may have a devastating effect on people’s lives and already precarious financial situations. Despite the government’s efforts to reduce energy costs, rising interest rates and inflation are having a far larger impact on the cost of mortgages, groceries, and other necessities.

I do my best to be fair, and I don’t criticize politicians or their ideas simply because we disagree with them. Instead, we try to fathom the logic behind opposing perspectives. But every once in a while something happens that just leaves us… dumbfounded.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with being ideologically driven in one’s actions; after all, every government and every person is guided in their choices by their own set of ideas. Those in positions of authority, however, must strike a balance between being prudent and irresponsible.

What does a Christian perspective look like on this? When we need guidance from God, we often read Micah 6:8 “So, what is it that God expects of you? Be fair in your dealings, kind in your approach, and humble in your relationship with God.”

We know now that this was not done in modesty. Is it fair and compassionate, though? The idea that cutting taxes on the wealthy would spur economic development rings hollow when the poor are being forced to choose between heating their houses and feeding their children.

Disturbing new data from Christians Against Poverty reveals that about half of the UK’s population, or 25.4 million people, living in poverty. It’s believed that eight million people have no access to any kind of heat or power at all, and another eight million go hungry every day.

Sadder even, another study conducted by CAP indicated that 36% of their desperate customers admitted to having “thought or tried suicide as a way out of debt.”

The idea that the government should provide a safety net for the most vulnerable members of society is widely held today. We call this system the welfare state. There is no denying the dramatic and genuine increase in need in the wake of recent events, and politicians may favor more or less support through this system (we do not want people languishing on benefits or ‘playing the system,’ but perhaps we feel that local communities should support those in their midst rather than government stepping in).

The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, used a family analogy in his sermon at the Labour Conference’s church service last week, saying that a prosperous economy is like a home where everyone’s needs are met. It’s unacceptable that some people are eating at the dinner table while others are going hungry. But this is exactly the case in many homes right now. Parents often sacrifice their own nutrition in order to provide for their children. Kids eat lunch at school just as much as they learn.

Regardless of our political beliefs or our opinions on the role of government in the economy and the welfare state, Christians should be able to agree on the need of loving one another. The Bible does not portray love as a mushy, emotional emotion. It’s a down-and-dirty immersion in the lives of others. In addition to preaching the good news of eternal life, Jesus also brought food and healing to everyone he met on his mission. This entails a more tangible obligation for his devotees to watch out for one another.

Acts tells the experiences of early Christians who made it a priority to “[give] to anybody who had need.” Concurrently, “the Lord added to their number everyday others who were being rescued” (Acts 2:45, 47)

In light of our belief in the Redeemer, we have a political obligation to do all we can to alleviate global poverty, hunger, and injustice. Our government needs our prayers for wisdom as they face this crisis so that they may fulfill their stewardship responsibilities in a way that is fair, merciful, and humble.