The essay deals with the Protestant approach towards the issue of wealth. While biblical statements tend to take a very critical stance towards riches and the rich, the protestant tradition and classical and contemporary imagery take a more favorable approach. For that reason, a closer look seems necessary. Three steps are taken. First of all, the concept of 'wealth' bears cioser scrutiny. Secondly, the classical Protestant doctrine on wealth is given a short survey. Finally, the role of wealth in a Protestant concept of the good life is discussed. As a result, prosperity and capital are distinguished from wealth: While economic prosperity and capital may well be used as means in a Christian concept of the good life, wealth - understood as intentional use of prosperity as means towards social distinction or as overwhelming economic power - should not be one of its ends. Rather, Christians should advocate the spread of a basic prosperity and capital to everyone.

Enthalten in:
Zeitschrift für Evangelische Ethik; 2008/2 Kommentare, Studien, Berichte, Dokumentationen, Diskussionen, Rezensionen, Bibliographie (2008)

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Serie / Reihe: Zeitschrift für Evangelische Ethik

Personen: Meireis, Torsten

Schlagwörter: Reichtum Christsein Protestantismus Teilhabe