question::

The teachings of Jesus regarding economics posed a new social movement which manifested itself in small communities of faith we now call the early church or early churches. Since Jesus was an "outsider" to mainstream society, his teachings were obviously directed at those "inside" institutionalized economic practices and structures. Many Christian disciples find themselves "inside" institutions concerned with continuity and self-preservation. Stable and predictable financial arrangements are necessary for organizations to continue. Protecting financial self-interest is basic to institutional survival. How, then, do we relate the economic teachings of Jesus, the "outsider," to the issues faced by "insiders" in mainstream organizations, corporations, schools, and churches? Can the teachings of Jesus inform the economic life of modern organizations, without jeopardizing their survival?