Our world primarily has a toxic and harmful view of money. Even among Christians, there is this pervasive idea that wealth is a cause of evil, and Christians should have no wealth aspirations. We see this as a fundamentally flawed view, and we are here to combat the false teachings surrounding money through financial apologetics. 

What exactly does this mean?

Merriam-Webster defines apologetics in two ways: 

“systematic argumentative discourse”; or 

“a branch of theology devoted to the defense of the divine origin and authority of Christianity.” 

Both definitions fit our objectives. We aim to combat misleading and false views of money systematically by using practical experience, logic, theology, and economics. We defend the Gospel of Jesus Christ and demonstrate how Christians can use their financial resources to benefit His Kingdom.

Let’s consider two examples of myths we are working to dispel.

Financial Apologetics in Action

“Money is the root of all evil.”

Not only is this incorrect, but it also misstates the verse from which it derives. The verse, 1 Timothy 6:10, does not state that money is the root of all evil. It states something very different:

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

Notice the phrase preceding the word “money”: “the love of.” We may also describe this as a form of idolatry, where we worship the provision instead of the Provider.

The verse also states that the love of money is a root, not the source. Many other evil desires lead people into sin and destruction that are not related to money. To reduce the cause of evil to one overarching life component is to oversimplify our sinful nature and blind ourselves to the temptation that lurks around every corner of life.

“The rich cannot get into heaven.”

This passage is a popular take on account of Jesus’ interaction with the rich young ruler in Matthew 19, Luke 18, and Mark 10. The idea that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God has caused a tremendous amount of negativity about wealth.

The entire passage must be read in context, not one verse in isolation. Looking solely at the famous line, where the camel analogy appears, may lead one to conclude that wealth is an obstacle to salvation. But that is not what the passage states.

Instead, the context shows that Jesus saw the young ruler’s heart and that the ruler was fixed on his wealth. So, Jesus touched on that particular idol to demonstrate where the ruler’s loyalty was. After Jesus stated that it would be difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom, the crowd wondered who could be saved. It was then that Jesus said the famous words:

“With people, it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.”

How Financial Apologetics Affects You

We are to have a defense for the things we do and believe (1 Peter 3:15). The resources we create will help you combat the toxic views of money in your life and your community.

We act in a way that is consistent with what is in our minds and hearts. Therefore, to get better results, we must alter our thought processes and beliefs. As Christians, we know that the Bible is our guide to truth. By studying and understanding the truth of God’s word, we get a clear understanding of truth and reality relating to finances. 

Our resources will also help you to stay within the proper Biblical bounds regarding money. Scripture warns about the dangers that wealth presents, the world tells us that it is easy to trust in our efforts, we know that is a lie. With an equipped heart and mind with a proper Biblical understanding of money, we can grow our wealth and grow in our faith as well.

We invite you to start your journey with us today!