1. The Christian Approach: Unmasking the Illusions

2.  From the previous discussion, it is no wonder that the Bible offers so many warnings about pursuing riches.  The Christian vision aims to unmask the illusions.

3.  The Christian approach conveys a deep distrust of a preoccupation with money/possessions.  Wealth can fool us into thinking we have control of life.  In addition, riches are often gained at the expense of poor people.

4.  The Christian message is that we should be free from slavery to material things.  Jesus reminds us that no one can serve two masters.

5.  Americans are challenged today as never before to develop the inner freedom to resist the temptation constantly to seek more.

6.  In the biblical vision, everything belongs first and foremost to God.  The right to private ownership is not an absolute right.  The accumulation of wealth by a minority of the world’s population betrays the gift of creation.

7.  The early Christian communities practiced a life of sharing quite literally.

8.  Jesus taught that sharing is an obligation for his followers.  Just as love cannot be forced out of someone, neither can true sharing of resources.  If we give, we should do so freely.

9.  In any direction we look, people are in need.  Jesus called his followers to share with their neighbors so that everyone would have enough to live.

10.  A simple life does not imply poverty or starvation.  Simplicity means that we live close enough to our resources that we can rely on God’s love for us.

11.  Having enough but not too much  Being generous and warmhearted  Enjoying the goodness of people instead of fretting about acquiring more possessions.  But simple living is not simple to do.

12.  Detachment

13.  Another characteristic of the Christian attitude toward ownership is the notion of the fundamental equality of all person’s in God’s sight.

14.  1) Celebrate the Creator’s gift.

15.  2) Remain free.

16.  3) Share generously and freely.

17.  4) Live simply.