Our modern economic system is a cruel parody of Sabbath economics. We have indeed created a situation of “scarcity” in nature because of our relentless plundering of the land and its gifts. At the same time, capitalism has demonstrated incredible ingenuity and capacity to manufacture “artificial abundance” (think of the 30 kinds of cereal or toothpaste at your local supermarket). There is enough, but it is no longer a gift of creation. Rather, it is a marketed commodity, which by definition does not circulate equitably to everyone. Thus we have “re-engineered” the world: our refusal to limit our appetites has drained natural abundance, and our artificial abundance belongs only to the few. This is not ironic; it is idolatrous.
Ched Myers
The Biblical Vision of Sabbath Economics
