Key terms

Here’s where you’ll find clarifications of terms for the layperson.

Civic Duty — There used to be something in America called civic duty. Those with more had a responsibility to care for others. In Biblical times, wealthy Hebrews were expected to give 10% of their wealth to the government to distribute to the poor. If they did not, they were shunned.

Mixed economy —Citizens in the US may be surprised to learn that our economic system not purely capitalism, nor socialism, but contains elements of both.

Examples of socialism include: Public education from kindergarten to community colleges. As well as Medicare, Social Security, Disability insurance, food stamps, and the US Post Office. Promotes economic justice, a fair deal for all.

Elements of capitalism range from Mom and Pop businesses to multinational corporations. Profit motive creates high levels of efficiency, competition and innovation. Generally, the rich get richer at the expense of the working and middle class. Political power and capitalism are hand in glove in our economy, entrenching a system of privilege.

Trickle Down Economics —Generally, a lie. These are “Trickle down” tax cuts for the richest among us, the 1% and above. Doesn’t bring more wealth to the rest of us, never has, never will.

Wealth Tax —Potentially a great option for equalizing wealth inequality, a tax on the wealthiest among us could make a enormous difference in a number of ways.

Resources

We believe, as most early churches did,  in offering multiple ways to God. In keeping with this, we offer this list of books for you to read:

The Bible, Oxford Study Edition

Gospel of Thomas

Hymn of the Soul

The Way to Love, Anthony De Mello

Gnostic Gospels, Elaine Pagels

Adam, Eve, and the Serpent, Elaine Pagels

Philo of Alexandria

An Open Heart, Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life, the Dalai Lama

I heard God Laughing, Hafiz, William Ladinsky, translator

Egyptian Mysteries, Lucie Lamy

How to be Happy All the Time, Paramahansa Yogananda

Dark Money, Jane Mayer

American Fascists, Chris Hedges

Viking Economics, George Lakey

Requiem for the American Dream, Noam Chomsky