In this episode I talk with Dr. Carl-Magnus Carlstein, lecturer on Biblical Studies at Linkoping University, Sweden, about the contribution he made with co-author Rebekah Eklund in New Testament Ethics, out now on Eerdmans, which explores the ethics of possessions and wealth in the New Testament. We discuss the often-neglected topic of possessions, why many Christians are uncomfortable with this topic, and why it is so significant to the New Testament. Carl explains why Luke has a unique take on this subject, how Christians tend to emphasize either radical renunciation or charity as the models for thinking about the ethics of wealth, and how Jesus is more concerned with intentions, moral formation, and the heart. We then look at four passages in Luke’s gospel which address the issue of wealth and possessions, showing how in case after case Jesus is concerned with the disposition of those who possess wealth and how we must be transformed to use wealth properly. Finally, we discuss how the church can implement this vision today and cultivate healthy, God-honoring motivations towards what we possess.
New Testament Ethics: https://a.co/d/02cjLNET
Dr. Carlstein: https://liu.se/en/employee/carca26
Dr. Eklund: https://www.loyola.edu/academics/theology/faculty/directory/eklund-rebekah.html
Episode on Barclay, Wealth, and the New Testament: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-260-wealth-and-the-new-testament-a-response-to-john-barclay/
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