Now, on the other hand, The Bible very clearly shows God’s favor for his people when they live according to his way of life. This includes wealth from a worldly perspective. Is it a must? No! But it seems to be God’s way.

I personally believe that is why America is still the richest and most powerful nation in the world. We have a heritage that was built on a Godly foundation. The problem is that we are watering down what it means to follow Christ and paying the price for it.

I believe the circumstances in America right now are divinely inspired to call God’s people and a nation to repentance.

For starters, I’m a huge fan of Stick World. I’m so happy you’ve stumbled across my blog.

Without wanting to be sound combative, I have to say I’m a bit concerned that you’re equating a discussion about the cost of discipleship with Marxism. I’m not interested in upending capitalism or supporting Marxism. I’m interested in taking Jesus seriously when he says you can’t serve God and money, when he says it’s hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom, and when he tells us to carry our crosses.

Whatever you want to call it, America says we need to work hard, accumulate, and rise in status. Jesus says we need to seek the Kingdom, give away, and take the place of servants. To speak of Jesus’ Kingdom vision as opposed to the American Dream is not an underhanded way of supporting Marxism.

Having said all of that, I know that Jesus can be read in a way that supports a Marxist agenda, but my focus here is the cost of discipleship in an American context.

I’m not missing your point – it’s a great one, an important one – but am I detecting some Marxism in your gospel? The Bible’s and Marx’s plans for the “little man” are pretty different from each other.

I would love to feature this post on our upcoming SustainableTraditions.com blogazine we’re about to launch. We would credit you and included a link back here.

If you are interested please let me know.
Thanks!

-shalom!
J Fowler

Evan, you’ve hit on why the Gospel is more than a matter of personal salvation. There really are some staggering implications to consider.

We have to remember, too, that Jesus’ “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near!” is another way of saying, “Turn away from your ways of bringing about heaven on earth and follow mine!” America has often attempted to bring its own “heaven on earth,” and I think this economic crisis is humbling for Americans. We aren’t indestructible.