{"id":634,"date":"2018-04-29T21:56:01","date_gmt":"2018-04-29T20:56:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pbthomas.com\/blog\/?p=634"},"modified":"2018-04-29T21:56:01","modified_gmt":"2018-04-29T20:56:01","slug":"act-justly-6-an-ethical-lifestyle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/pbthomas.com\/blog\/?p=634","title":{"rendered":"Act Justly 6 – An Ethical Lifestyle"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the book by Ronald Sider, \u2018Rich Christians in an age of hunger\u2019 are challenged to act justly, not only as consumers and campaigners, but also in their lifestyle in general. Rich Christians are challenged to consider the environmental impact of their lifestyles and to \u2018live more simply that all may simply live\u2019 \u2013 a saying from Mahatma Gandhi used as a fundraising slogan by Christian Aid.
\nThe dangers of greed
\nRead Colossians 3:5-8 and Matthew 6:24-34. Greed, over-consumption and striving for material security are seen as indications of a lack of trust in God. Why is greed seen as idolatry? Give examples of how serving money damages people and planet.
\nThe example of the Early Church
\nRead Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 4:31-37. Go around the group and list all the characteristics of the lifestyle of the early church as seen in these passages. What can Christians learn today from their example?
\nGenerosity, simplicity and contentment
\nRead 1 Timothy 6:6-10 and 17-19. Discuss John Stott\u2019s view that \u2018we are to cultivate generosity on the one hand and simplicity with contentment on the other\u2019 New Issues Facing Christians Today (1999), page 280. What does this mean in practice?
\nCare for Creation
\nRead Genesis 1:26-28 and 2:15. What do these verses say about mankind\u2019s responsibilities as caretakers of God\u2019s creation? Find examples from the Jubilee and Sabbath laws that show God\u2019s concern not only for justice for humans, but also for the non-human creation, such as animals and the land (Leviticus 25, especially 1-7). <\/p>\n

Living more simply is expressed in a number of ways e.g.
\n\u2022\tSimplifying diet
\n\u2022\tReducing consumption
\n\u2022\tReducing possessions
\n\u2022\tReducing work time
\n\u2022\tReducing travel
\n\u2022\tIncreasing self-sufficiency
\n\u2022\tReconsidering technology
\n\u2022\tCare for the planet e.g. by recycling<\/p>\n

TO DISCUSS
\n\u2022\tAsk each member of the group to contribute one action they have already taken to live more simply or to care for the planet (such as recycling), and to say very briefly why they consider this important.
\n\u2022\tIf you are not doing anything yet, are there obstacles that prevent you doing so?
\n\u2022\tIf not, what might you consider doing first? What else might you start doing next?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In the book by Ronald Sider, \u2018Rich Christians in an age of hunger\u2019 are challenged to act justly, not only as consumers and campaigners,…<\/span><\/p>\n

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