Videos | economics

Videos about Economics

Within this video, Richard Wilkinson charts the hard data on economic inequality, and shows what gets worse when rich and poor are too far apart: real effects on health, lifespan, even such basic values as trust. I think this is an interesting look on how economic inequality effects more than just pocket books, and why it is important for religious leaders to take economic systems into consideration.

Tim Jackson, British ecological economist and professor of sustainable development at the University of Surrey, looks at our idea of prosperity and applies it to our economic systems. Jackson argues that we must redefine prosperity so that it takes into consideration those who are poor, and rejects prosperity of growth typically seen in the west. This video contains a short interview after Jackson's talk where Jackson looks at the reality of his ideas becoming implemented into society.

I put this video here, not necessarily for educational value, but to highlight conflicting polar Christian economic ideas. As well, I think there is a humor element to the video.

I think this video is a good quick video about the negatives of the prosperity gospel. The prosperity gospel dangerously connects God's blessings with financial security. It promises temporal riches and wealth, but deprives its followers of eternal and lasting joy in Christ who truly sustains us.

I think one of the more important things we can do as religious leaders when considering economics is be able to articulate the difference, if any, between vocation and occupation. Often times people feel like their occupation is not important, and do not understand how it fits into their "calling" and vocation. Although this video does not answer that question specifically, I think the video makes us consider how the two are connected.