Counting the Cost: Christian Perspectives on Capitalism

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Counting the Cost: Christian Perspectives on Capitalism
The issue in the essay Human Flourishing and the Bible by Jonathan Pennington is biblical Christianity encourages true human flourishing and happiness by honoring God's word. According to Lindsley, both the old and new testaments in the Bible offer a promise and a vision for flourishing. The old testament uses concepts such as shalom, Tamim, and Ashre to enhance flourishing and abundance, while the new testament emphasizes the values of how to live with one another. Human flourishing is the ability to live a happy life and the motivation to have a good life while serving the Lord.
First, Jonathan argues that true Christian flourishing is paradoxical: an individual must endure suffering and sadness to achieve true flourishing and happiness. Secondly, he argues that self-denial is imbalanced and unbiblical; instead, Christian self flourishing encourages redirection and orientation to God. Thirdly, Christian flourishing is different from other forms of human flourishing. It is missional and goal-oriented to different people, with various means and values. Therefore, he argues that God created human beings to thrive and be happy instead of being in self-denial of material substances and otherworldly pleasures.
Christiaan flourishing is different from other forms of flourishing, such as philosophy and other religions. Firstly, it has a different set of values. According to the Bible, a Christian must live an intentional life that is virtuous and praiseworthy to achieve flourishment. In both the new and Old Testaments, the greatest virtue is love, love for others, and love for God. Also, values such as goodwill, kindness, humility, faith, peace, and patience are encouraged. Secondly, Christian flourishing is oriented to different people in the church, and Jesus is the head that unites them. All Christians are invited to redemption equally; thus no privileges for particular...