Public Square

Income Inequality Isn’t the Real Problem

LinkedIn Email Print
Photo courtesy of Justin

Is income inequality wrong?

Not according to theologian Ron Sider, theologian Jordan Ballor, and economist Anne Bradley.

According to Christian Post reporter Tyler O’Neil, Sider said,

I think that a good, short statement of a biblical definition of economic justice is that God wants every person and every family to have access to the productive resources, so that if they act responsibly they can earn their own way and be productive members of society…I am not arguing for equality of income and wealth.

Bradley cited the Parable of the Talents as a biblical example of income inequality. Because we are all unique, we will not make the same amount. What matters is that we get the opportunity to do what we love and what we are good at, as well as how well we steward what we have.

But Sider, Ballor, and Bradley all agreed that there is something wrong with our society, something that stifles creativity and opportunity. It leads to a political and economic system that is stacked against the poor. Bradley said,

We’re creating an environment where the rich aren’t getting rich because they serve people but because they’re rigging the game.

So if income inequality isn’t the problem, what is?

Read more about the real problem here and find out how to fix it here. Do you agree? Leave your comments here.

Have our latest content delivered right to your inbox!

Further readings on Public Square

  • Economics 101
  • Public Square
How To Think About Student Loan Forgiveness

By: Susan Wharton Gates

9 minute read

On February 28, the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments for two cases challenging the Biden Administration’s…

  • Public Square
  • Theology 101
The Work of Revival After Revival Ends

By: John Pletcher

7 minute read

We’re hearing the full blend of skepticism, joy, critique, and applause surrounding the recent non-stop gatherings on university campuses. Asbury,…

Have our latest content delivered right to your inbox!