Holy Shekels: Ancient Welfare Meets Modern Economics

Summary: Enoch and Tim challenge the assumption that welfare policy is a modern invention by exploring social safety nets in ancient societies. The conversation centers on the Old Testament's laws of Jubilee, examining the theological and practical purposes behind these ancient provisions for economic redistribution and debt relief. Rather than treating these historical practices as mere curiosities, they draw connections between ancient wisdom and contemporary welfare debates, asking what principles from these time-tested systems might inform modern policy design.

Credits: Drew Elliot (music) with additional thanks to the Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics.

Recording Date: September 25, 2025