A faith perspective on role of economics in human society

Bottom line? System should serve us, not the other way round

There is no question the economy has a direct impact on our lives.

This is especially true when it comes to employment. People want good-paying jobs that provide financial security to individuals and families. This is why most people become deeply concerned when they hear of plant closures and job losses. These decisions have a profound effect on people and on the local economy.

There are many opinions and perspectives on this matter and I would like to briefly consider a faith perspective. If we reflect upon the following parable, we find what Jesus has to say about the significance of work and the role of management.

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the labourers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the labourers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Mt. 20:1-16)

The landowner of this parable understood the principle that the human person needs work because it helps to promote human dignity. God created all things and through human labour we co-operate with the Creator. We continue the work of God by using our gifts and talents and contribute to the building of God’s kingdom. From a Christian perspective, human work is much more than simply making a living. It gives meaning to life.

My own Roman Catholic tradition has a rich body of social teaching that speaks about how we can build a more just society. A significant part of that teaching involves the value of work and the dignity of workers.

We face many economic challenges today that seem to have many causes and too few solutions. I am not an economist or a business owner; however, I do believe that when making difficult decisions the bottom line is not always to simply reduce costs and increase profit. We must never forget that the role of the economy is to serve people and not the other way around.