The Other Law of Moses

How did Israel, in Biblical times, become the world’s first middle class nation, with peace, freedom, and opportunity for all? What happened to end that prosperity? And what does “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s” really mean? Political Economy, as we teach it, is entirely based on logic and evidence, and thus different from religion. But successful religions include some fundamental truths in their dogma, and Christianity is no exception. Many churches have “social action” committees, intended to alleviate some of the pain that comes from poverty and misgovernment. But do these activists understand what causes the problems they address? This course was developed to help churchgoers educate themselves about political economy from a Christian point of view. It shows how Israel prospered for centuries by following the “law of God.” Because the people failed to appreciate how their economic system worked, a privileged class emerged and most of the population fell into poverty. Jesus is seen as a reformer, who sought to restore the practices which had been successful, and thus was a threat to the privileged. Although they weren’t all Christians, America’s founders understood the Biblical laws that had worked so well, and have continued to work well where applied, even up to the present day. The course was created by John Kelly, of Peoria, and will be taught by veteran HGS instructor John Kuchta. This is the first time it has been offered at a Henry George School. Everyone is welcome to enroll regardless of religion or non-religion. to current schedule.

2013 update:  With the death in 2012 of John Kuchta, the course is now in the capable hands of instructor Bob Jene.  And of course, this is no longer the first time it has been taught at a Henry George school.