Biblical Foundations for the Economic Way of Thinking

The Biblical Foundations for the Economic Way of Thinking course is a seventeen-modules high school homeschool elective course. The course guides students through an in-depth, biblical exploration of the economic way of thinking and the basic principles of economics.

What makes IFWE’s course unique is its emphasis on learning the biblical foundations for economics as a necessary component of making God-honoring decisions. Using a variety of readings, students will learn how thinking economically can provide a framework for living that fits God’s design, brings him glory, and allows them to experience fulfillment in their lives.

When God created the world, he designed us to cultivate the flourishing of his creation and glorify him in the process. To do this, he equipped each of us with unique gifts and skills we are to use to “be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth” (Gen. 1:28). This command in Genesis is a call to stewardship. In a world of limited time and resources, we need to make good decisions in order to be faithful stewards of all God gives us.

The economic way of thinking is a tool God has given us to make decisions that fit with his design and glorify him as well as serve others. By gaining an understanding of economics, students will learn:

• How to make wise decisions while living under conditions of scarcity and limited knowledge.
• The importance of being able to freely exchange their time, abilities, and resources with others in order to produce more prosperity than they could on their own.
• Discernment as they learn about trade-offs and opportunity costs, knowledge that will help them make wise use of their time and create value using their unique gifts and talents.

In short, students who take this course will see how living out biblical economic principles empowers them to live faithfully as Christians, to flourish and to contribute to the flourishing of their families, their communities, their nation, and, ultimately, the world.

1. There is one book assigned for required reading.
   • Guartney, James D., Richard Stroup, and Dwight R. Lee. Common Sense Economics: What Everyone Should Know about Wealth and Prosperity. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2005.
2. There are also numerous readings and educational videos that can be found online (link below). IFWE regularly reviews these links to ensure they are accurate and functional.
3. A midterm and final exam will be given to help students think reflectively about the material and their own understanding of the economic way of thinking.
4. A teacher’s guide (paperback), including a grading rubric with suggested answers and guidelines, is included with the purchase of the curriculum.