“Based on the world as it exists today, with the unique economic, social, and global issues facing people, what is my best response and option for blessing people and sustaining my life?” I believe that in most centuries, as in the time we live in today, those who take the Trappist approach may enjoy life and do more good than those who wait on others to empower their passion."
Hugh Halter. FLESH)
Rodney Stark, in his book The Victory of Reason: How Christianity Led to Freedom, Capitalism, and Western Success, said that capitalism was invented in monasteries in the ninth, tenth, and eleventh centuries. The reason was that these men, unlike the greedy, self-oriented society, actually believed that God was letting them steward His resources and followed the call to bless people and create sustainable products in line with God’s heart for them. They dealt with integrity, compassion, creativity, and hard work, and it changed the world. Again, not all monastic orders place such a high value on business enterprise. The Franciscans and Dominicans, like Buddhist monks, have to depend on charity and donations and sometimes stand on street corners, begging for help. They believe that, like Jesus, those who are “set apart” will be provided for. Again, I don’t think it’s helpful to dissuade people from being dependent on others, but as you consider your own calling, I want you to be aware that there are options. Missiology requires that we ask, “Based on the world as it exists today, with the unique economic, social, and global issues facing people, what is my best response and option for blessing people and sustaining my life?” I believe that in most centuries, as in the time we live in today, those who take the Trappist approach may enjoy life and do more good than those who wait on others to empower their passion.
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