Podcasts about bowyer research

In this episode, Dan Hugger speaks with Isaac Willour, journalist and analyst at Bowyer Research. They discuss his Religion and Liberty Online essay “America Poured Billions into DEI Initiatives. Who Benefited?” What ideology underlies diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives? How did DEI take root in corporate America, and why is it now in retreat? What roles do […]

Recently, Jerry (as president of Bowyer Research) gave a short speech to the board of directors of BlackRock, asking the company (1) to move back to political neutrality and (2) to go back to the classical economics of shareholder capitalism as opposed to stakeholderism. We present the speech (three minutes in length) here for our listeners to listen to.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever…” - Proverbs 27:23-24These days, our “flocks and herds” often look like stocks and mutual funds, not sheep and cattle. But the call to wise stewardship remains. One way we do that is through proxy voting. Jerry Bowyer joins us to explain how and why it matters.  Jerry Bowyer is the President of Bowyer Research and our Resident Economist here at Faith & Finance. He is the author of The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics.What Is Proxy Voting?Proxy voting is similar to civic voting. As a citizen, you vote in elections, attend town halls, and even influence legislation. As a shareholder in a company, if you own the stock directly, you have similar rights: to vote on proposals, ask questions, and even submit resolutions.But if you're invested through mutual funds or ETFs, you hand that vote over to someone else—often a fund manager or institution. And unless you know how they're voting, your values may not be represented at all.Many Christian ministries, nonprofits, and even pro-life organizations are unknowingly voting against their own missions. Why? Because they either don't engage in proxy voting or delegate it without vetting the recipient's values.How Can Investors Reclaim Their Voice?Proxy statements are often long, complex, and written in confusing legal language. For that reason, many advisors default to saying, “Just let the client decide,” rather than helping them engage meaningfully.Of course, that's not a good sign because if it's too complex for the advisor, it's definitely too complex for the client. Instead, we encourage advisors and Christian investors to partner with specialists, like Bowyer Research, who can help decode the process and ensure votes reflect biblical values.They offer audits to show investors how they've been voting—often to their shock. They've never done one where people weren't stunned by what they saw.Mutual Funds, ETFs, and the Challenge of Indirect OwnershipIf you're invested through mutual funds or ETFs, you're likely not voting directly. However, that doesn't mean you're powerless. Here are some things to keep in mind:You can request data on how your funds are voting. Bowyer Research tracks that. You can explore “direct indexing” solutions—an increasingly available strategy that allows you to own shares directly and reclaim your voting rights. You can ask your advisor questions. “How am I voting?” is a simple but powerful question. If your advisor can't answer it, that's a red flag.What You Can Do TodayAsk your advisor how your shares are being voted. If they don't know, press in.Get an audit of your proxy voting records through BowyerResearch.com.Talk to companies, not just about them. Change happens through engagement, not complaint.If you're an investor, advisor, or leader at a Christian ministry or nonprofit, don't let your investments work against your mission. Visit BowyerResearch.com to learn how to align your proxy voting with your values.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm 27 and own 20 acres of land. Should I use the land as collateral for a house loan, or use my saved money to get a bigger loan and increase my land's equity?I opened a Roth IRA with National Life Group in 2013. It's past the surrender fee date, but it's not earning me much. I'll be 66 in July, and I'm single with no one to depend on. I also have another annuity with F and G that I'm not happy with. What should I do with these investments?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Bowyer ResearchWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

How One Family Aims to Break Liberals' Corporate Voting Power

In. Ep. 105, Isaac Willour from Bowyer Research sits down for a conversation with Dr. Paul Mueller, senior fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER). Join us for an in-depth discussion of a Protestant approach to economics, how ESG agendas advance elitist ideology, and how G.K. Chesterton can fix our social media problems. Check out Dr. Mueller’s work at AIER here: https://aier.org/people/paul-mueller/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Ep. 102, Isaac from Bowyer Research sits down with Wade Myers, general partner at Eagle Venture Fund, and John de la Chapelle, COO at TruePathVision. Join us for a fantastic discussion on how Eagle is changing the game on impact investing, how TruePathVision is combating human trafficking in the hotel industry, and why Christians should embrace the growth of AI. Eagle Venture Fund: https://www.eagleventurefund.com/ TruePathVision: https://truepathvision.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do sustainability initiatives actually fix the problems they claim to solve? In Ep. 101, Isaac Willour from Bowyer Research sits down with Christian Britschgi of Reason Magazine to discuss how Starbucks' 2018 decision to nix plastic straws in the name of 'sustainability' ended up being far more complicated than anticipated, and what corporate activists often miss in their crusades against plastic use. Link to Christian's original piece here: Starbucks Bans Plastic Straws, Winds Up Using More PlasticSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Ep. 99, Isaac Willour from Bowyer Research speaks with David Everitt, CEO of GameSafe, an AI start-up combating the way predators groom children via online gaming portals. From Microsoft to Roblox, online gaming is a hotbed for child abuse - and the private sector is working hard to generate solutions like GameSafe. NOTE: This episode contains descriptions of online child predation. Check out GameSafe here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Isaac Willour joins Josh to discuss his recent article in The Daily Wire, "Restoring America Means More Tuskegee Airmen And Less DEI".  They discuss the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs).  How their story teaches a very different lesson then that of DEI advocates.    Isaac's article in The Daily Wire:   https://www.dailywire.com/news/restoring-america-means-more-tuskegee-airmen-and-less-dei   Follow Isaac on X:   https://x.com/isaacwillour?s=21&t=S8JoQpY3m4n6bFrTo8tLrg   Check out Isaac's work at the Bowyer Research:   https://bowyerresearch.com/   Links:   https://gml.bio.link/   YOUTUBE:   https://bit.ly/3UwsRiv   RUMBLE:   https://rumble.com/c/GML   Check out Martens Minute!   https://martensminute.podbean.com/   Follow Josh Martens on X:   https://twitter.com/joshmartens13   Join the private discord & chat during the show!   joingml.com   Bank on Yourself bankonyourself.com/gml   Get FACTOR Today! FACTORMEALS.com/gml50off   Good Morning Liberty is sponsored by BetterHelp! Rediscover your curiosity today by visiting Betterhelp.com/GML (Get 10% off your first month)     Protect your privacy and unlock the full potential of your streaming services with ExpressVPN. Get 3 more months absolutely FREE by using our link EXPRESSVPN.com/GML

In Ep. 94, Bowyer Research’s Isaac Willour sits down with Dustin DeVito, director of corporate research at the 1792 Exchange, to discuss the Human Rights Campaign, one of the most notorious organizations pushing corporate bias on companies. Also discussed, the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index, a major pressure point for companies stepping back towards politically neutrality. Follow Dustin & the 1792 Exchange on X: @DustinDeVito @1792ExchangeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IntroductionLIVE from your ESG and DEI Teeth Bleaching Kit, it's a Business Pants Friday Show here at February 21st Studios, featuring AnalystHole Matt Moscardi. On today's weekly wrap up: Canada still cares, Rupert Murdoch knows how to text, the illusion of meritocracy, and an important new announcement from YouTubeOur show today is being sponsored by Free Float Analytics, the only platform measuring board power, connections, and performance for FREE.Story of the Week (DR):ESG Week MMBlackRock and Vanguard halt meetings with companies after SEC cracks down on ESGBlackRock resumes stewardship talks after reviewing new ESG guidanceProxy vote support for ESG drops to record low in 2024Clarification: ShareAction analyzed how 70 of the world's largest asset managers voted on 279 ESG shareholder resolutions during the 2024 proxy voting season:In 2024, only four (1.4%) out of the 279 resolutions we assessed received majority support, less than half of the percentage that gained a majority vote in 2023 (3%), and far lower than the 21% which passed in 2021.This is reflected in an ongoing downward trend in the average percentage support that these resolutions received, which was 20.6% in 2024 compared to 40% in 2021.Vanguard, the world's second largest asset manager, performed the worst of all the managers we assessed, voting in favour of 0% of shareholder proposals.Top 26 all in Europe1 GenAM (Italy) 982 BNP Paribas Asset Management (France) 973 PGGM Investments (Netherlands) 9728 Federated Hermes (top in US) 80BlackRock at #67 with a score of 5; Vanguard to out of 70 with a 0.Tesla Targeted With Worldwide Protests, Vandalism Tesla showrooms are being hit by a wave of anti-DOGE protestsSheryl Crow says goodbye to her Tesla and donates to NPR: 'You have to decide who you are willing to align with'Sign That Says “We Hate Him Too” Appears in Window of Tesla DealershipEconomist Warns That Elon Musk Is About to Cause a "Deep, Deep Recession"Jesse Rothstein, DOL's chief economist at the start of the Obama administration: "This is going to be very, very bad."James Murdoch lays bare his relationship with ‘misogynist' father amid succession fight in rare interviewThe interview, published in the Atlantic, reveals James Murdoch, now 52, regarded his father, now 93, as a “misogynist” and described Fox News as a “menace” to US democracy.A series of “withering questions” put to James by Rupert's lawyer in a nearly five-hour session at a Manhattan law office. According to the Atlantic, the questions included:“Have you ever done anything successful on your own?”“Why were you too busy to say ‘Happy birthday' to your father when he turned 90?”“Does it strike you that, in your account, everything that goes wrong is always somebody else's fault?”The lawyer also referred to James and his sisters as “white, privileged, multibillionaire trust-fund babies”.James realised Rupert, who was seated silently, was texting the questions to the lawyer. “How fucking twisted is that?” he asks Coppins.UnitedHealth's rough stretch continues, with buyouts, a reported DOJ probe and a 23% drop in three monthsUnitedHealthcare is in hot water again as the insurance giant grapples with a reported government investigation of its Medicare billing practices, pursues employee buyouts and potential layoffs and faces sharp criticism from billionaire Bill Ackman.It extends a tumultuous period for its parent company, UnitedHealth Group, marked by the killing of a top executive, a costly cyberattack against its subsidiary and high medical costs.The Department of Justice has launched a civil fraud investigation in recent months into UnitedHealth's billing practices for its Medicare Advantage plansThe probe specifically examines whether diagnoses were routinely made to trigger extra payments in those plans, including at physician groups the insurer ownsGoodliest of the Week (MM/DR):DR: Canadian banks must reveal diversity of board, top managers under new rulesCanadian banks and other national institutions have to disclose information about the diversity of their boards of directors and top management under new rules published on Saturday, in sharp contrast with the U.S. Trump administration which is ending such practices.Federally regulated financial institutions must also disclose policies to increase diversity while sending out notices of annual meetings to shareholders."Investors lack transparent and standardized information on the representation of women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities in senior leadership positions … Diversity is fundamental to creating a thriving and successful financial sector that reflects Canadian values."DR: DEI is good for our business, Coca-Cola saysIn an annual filing, the company said its business could be adversely affected if it was "unable to attract or retain specialized talent or top talent with diverse perspectives, experiences and backgrounds."DR: REVERSAL: Trump rescinds DOT approval for NYC congestion toll, condemns city to pollutionDR: REVERSAL: Amazon workers reject union in vote at North Carolina warehouseOf the 3,276 ballots cast, there were 2,447 votes opposing the union and 829 in favor, according to the National Labor Relations Board.CAUSE was founded in 2022 by RDU1 employees Mary Hill and Rev. Ryan Brown to voice concerns about the company's response to the Covid pandemic, which they viewed as inadequate. The group sought to organize RDU1 to boost wages and secure longer breaks.Starting pay at RDU1 is $18.50 an hour. CAUSE has pushed to negotiate for wages of $30 an hour.Unions have enjoyed increasing support across the country, with 67% of Americans saying they approve of labor unions, according to Gallup.North Carolina had the lowest union membership rate in the country last year, with only 2.4% of workers in the state represented, according to the BLS.MM: NASA Has Some Good News About The Asteroid That Could Hit EarthMM: Finally, a future lawsuit against return to office mandates is here: Afternoon Naps Boost Your Problem-Solving, Study Finds110 minute nap!!MM: What's in that drink? Starbucks becomes less Instagrammable. MM DRAssholiest of the Week (MM):Meritocracy, the new buzzword DRExxon Swaps 'Diversity' for 'Meritocracy' in Report to InvestorsAccording to our data, ONE of Exxon's TWELVE directors meets relatively unimpeachable “merit” measures: advanced knowledge of the industry, network power, economic interest in the company, performance (earnings and TSR) at any company board they sit on, and CEO or leadership positions in the past.The ONE member that hits three of the five is Kaisa Hietala, who was a dissent director put there by Engine No 1 in an activist voteHere's why merit's missing: 7 of 12 directors are white menThere are no people of color anywhere except the two twofers - the woman born in Egypt who lived in Texas her whole life and was part of Trump 1.0, and the black guy on three other boards?Our data shows on average black women have more merit on paper than any other cohortNew plan: companies need to announce “increased meritocracy targets” - increasing the number of employees, executives, and directors meet meritocracy requirements by 2050The result will be: 100% of every company is black womenYou're welcomeIt's your job, assholeBoeing CEO praises Elon Musk for helping with the delayed Air Force One delivery: 'He's a brilliant guy'Your literal job is to build that thing for a client - imagine if we developed sucky director data, then said we hired ISS to build it because, “they're better at it!”Investors - you elected this board, this fool, and it's your money - is your job as owner the company to keep on a board and management team that needs help to do its basic job?Just a reminder: Ohio AG sued Boeing's board for safety failures - they can't keep their planes safe, they can't build new planes, they can't figure out how to deal with their employees… and the lowest vote against wasn't for prior CEO Dave Calhoun, it was for the guy who chaired the safety committee… for one year!Ohio voted FOR THEM ALLWhat it was always aboutThe worst version of fuck, marry, kill… fuck anyone with a vagina since you're a middle school boy, marry money, and kill… peopleAn Influencer Says She Had Elon Musk's Baby and the Drama Is Pretty Spectacular, Even by His StandardsElon Musk has a problem with X's Community Notes when he disapproves of the resultsElon Musk Is Flagrantly Gutting an Agency in Charge of Regulating TeslaTesla recalls more than 375,000 vehicles due to power steering issueHeadliniest of the WeekDR: Zuckerberg's New Metaverse Ad Is So Bad That the People Who Created It Must Be Secretly Trying to Embarrass HimMM: YouTube picked a new shade of red for its logo because the old red was too red - because the old color, hex code #FF1B1B was super loud and diverse, they made it a less diverse woke red, hex code #EB2F3BWho Won the Week?DR: NYC pollutionMM: Investor Relations Teams: BlackRock and Vanguard halt meetings with companies after SEC cracks down on ESG. BlackRock resumes stewardship talks after reviewing new ESG guidance. Not said but implied: “don't worry, we totally can't actually do stuff now, we're just talking here”PredictionsDR: Robbie Starbuck sues Coca-Cola because color of Coke is “too DEI”MM: Apple, prior to their upcoming meeting, sues Inspire Investing and Wayne Franzten, who copy pasted a shareholder proposal submitted by Bowyer Research, the company propped up by ISS, to Deere for a meeting in the same week. The lawsuit is on the grounds that Wayne Franzten doesn't exist (the only search result for his name is the Apple proposal, not even in voter records or political donation or real estate records can I find him - and this is his ONLY shareholder proposal in our database EVER), and on the grounds that a religious investor cannot sue on the grounds of financial materiality since Jesus said, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” | Mark 10:24b-25 and “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” | Luke 12:13-15, which means churches are anti-shareholder value.

Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol is a timeless tale cherished for its powerful story of transformation. Yet beneath its heartwarming narrative lies a deeper commentary on economics, generosity, and faith—one that challenges the worldview of scarcity and embraces God's abundance.Today, Jerry Bowyer will dive into the philosophical and theological themes within the story and help us discover what we can learn from Ebenezer Scrooge's journey.Jerry Bowyer is the President of Bowyer Research and our Resident Economist here at Faith & Finance. He is the author of “The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics.”The "Surplus Population" MindsetOne of the most striking moments in A Christmas Carol is Scrooge's cold remark about the “surplus population.” This phrase reflects an ideology rooted in the teachings of Reverend Thomas Malthus, an 18th-century economist who believed that population growth would outpace resources, leading to widespread poverty. Malthus advocated for limiting population growth, particularly among the poor.Scrooge's initial worldview mirrors this philosophy: a belief that resources are scarce, people are a burden, and the poor are expendable. This mindset not only disregards the inherent dignity of every person but also misrepresents the nature of God as generous and abundant.A Christmas Carol: A Response to MalthusianismDickens wrote A Christmas Carol as a critique of Malthusian ideas. Through Scrooge's transformation, the story reveals the flaws in a worldview of scarcity. Scrooge begins the story isolated, stingy, and bitter—seeing others as competitors for limited resources. By the end, he embraces generosity, community, and joy, reflecting the biblical truth that humans are created in God's image to love, create, and give.The Ghost of Christmas Present drives this point home by challenging Scrooge's cold logic. In one scene, he rebukes Scrooge, asking, “Are you the surplus population?” This moment underscores that no one is surplus in God's economy. Every person is valuable, created for a purpose, and capable of contributing to human flourishing.The transformation of Scrooge's mindset from scarcity to abundance aligns with a biblical view of God's provision. In Genesis 1:28, God commands humanity to “be fruitful and multiply” and to “fill the earth and subdue it.” Far from being burdens, people are creators and contributors, reflecting God's creative nature.History supports this biblical principle. During Dickens' time, industrial and economic advancements were lifting many out of poverty. Contrary to Malthus' predictions, human ingenuity and collaboration were unlocking unprecedented prosperity. Dickens weaves this reality into A Christmas Carol, showing how generosity and a thriving community lead to abundance.Lessons from Scrooge's RedemptionScrooge's transformation offers timeless lessons:Embrace Generosity: The turning point in Scrooge's story is his decision to give freely to others. Generosity reflects God's character and opens the door to joy and community.Value Every Life: Tiny Tim, a child who might be dismissed as “surplus” in Scrooge's old mindset, symbolizes hope and purpose. Dickens reminds us that every life is precious in God's eyes.Challenge Scarcity Thinking: Scarcity thinking breeds fear, isolation, and selfishness. By contrast, faith in God's abundance allows us to live with open hands and hearts.Redeem the Past: Scrooge's journey with the Ghost of Christmas Past shows how trauma and hardship can shape our worldview. Yet, we can move beyond our past to live in freedom and generosity through grace, healing, and community.The themes of A Christmas Carol remain relevant in our world. Modern ideologies that devalue life, promote fear of overpopulation or prioritize self-interest mirror the Malthusian philosophy Dickens opposed. As believers, we are called to affirm every person's inherent worth and reflect God's abundant generosity in how we live and give.Just as Scrooge learns, we are not “bugs” competing for limited resources. We are image-bearers of a loving Creator who calls us to steward the earth, care for one another, and trust His provision.As we watch A Christmas Carol or reflect on its message this Christmas season, let's remember the gospel truth at its heart: God is generous, not stingy. He gave us His Son, Jesus, the ultimate gift of love and redemption.In the words of Tiny Tim, “God bless us, everyone!” May we live out that blessing by embracing generosity, valuing life, and trusting in the abundance of God's provision.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My 84-year-old mother wants to gift each of us four kids a $100,000 CD. What's the best way for her to do this without us paying a lot of taxes?I want to use my retirement accounts to pay off my kids' college debt. Is there a way to do this without having to pay taxes on the withdrawals? Or can I get their debt reduced through government aid programs?Resources Mentioned:The Life of Our Lord: Written for His Children During the Years 1846 to 1849 by Charles DickensLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Was Jesus a Marxist? Robert interviews Jerry Bowyer, president of Bowyer Research and author of "The Maker Versus the Taker: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics." They explore the biblical perspective on economics, discussing how Jesus's teachings relate to free markets, the difference between wealth creation and wealth extraction, and practical guidance for Christians navigating today's economic landscape. Bowyer shares insights on responsible investing, proxy voting, and how Christians can be effective stewards of their resources while maintaining their values in an increasingly complex financial world. https://www.meetingofmindspodcast.com/ https://x.com/jerryleebowyer https://www.bowyerresearch.com/ Life is busy! Download audio versions of the articles from the Catalog and listen while you're in the car, working out, or forward an episode to a friend.  To listen to articles that will equip and encourage you no matter where you are in your homeschooling journey go to ClassicalConversations.com/Catalog-Articles

In Ep. 92, Bowyer Research analyst Isaac Willour sits down with filmmaker, producer, and activist Robby Starbuck. We discuss Robby's latest victory at Walmart, the fate of discriminatory DEI programs in the next 4 years of Republican governance, and what the future holds for getting corporate America out of politics and back to business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew For America welcomes award winning journalist (USA Today, National Review, The Daily Wire, The American Mind, Wall Street Journal) and analyst at Bowyer Research, Mr. Isaac Willour, and journalist, local coordinator (in the United Kingdom) for Students for Liberty, Bastiat scroll writer for the year 2024/2025, and the Correspondent Program Manager on the Speak Freely magazine editorial board, Mr. Oscar Gill-Lewis. The panel discusses how ESG (environmental, social governance) and DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) policies have been implemented in companies around the world, and how those policies are positively or negatively affecting the efficiency and profitability of companies. Furthermore, they talk about how social/environmental issues have become much more involved in government policy. The panel also discusses anarchism, where we draw the line in the sand with regard to how much we allow government to encroach on our personal and professional lives, and how populist movements around the world have been grass-roots movements in many other countries (mass migration in Europe being a main cause), and how the MAGA populist movement in the United States has grown since its inception. Find Isaac and Oscar, as well as many other Young Voices, at joinyv.org. Visit allegedlyrecords.com and check out all of the amazing punk rock artists! Visit soundcloud.com/andrewforamerica1984 to check out Andrew's music! Like and Follow The Politics & Punk Rock Podcast PLAYLIST on Spotify!!! Check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Y4rumioeqvHfaUgRnRxsy... politicsandpunkrockpodcast.com https://linktr.ee/andrewforamerica Watch and learn about these awesome offers for your survival needs from former Afghanistan war veteran, police officer, and citizen journalist, Mr. Teddy Daniels: Operation Blackout Survival Guide: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://internalblackout.com/?a=683&c=434&s1=⁠⁠⁠⁠ Famine Fighter Survival Food Supply: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://foodforthesoul.co/?a=683&c=407&s1=⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Final Famine Survival Food Growing Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://finalfoodprepper.com/?a=683&c=433&s1=⁠⁠⁠⁠ Devils Dollar Currency Survival Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dbhtrkg.com/?a=683&c=468&s1=⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andrew-foramerica/support

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.” - Luke 2:8-14That's from the Christmas Story in Luke, Chapter 2. The angels announce the coming of the Savior to a group of shepherds. It sounds simple enough…but there's more to the story. Jerry Bowyer joins us to talk about it.Jerry Bowyer is the President of Bowyer Research and our Resident Economist here at Faith & Finance. He is the author of “The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics.” You can also read his insightful columns for World News Group. Why Shepherds?When the angels announced Jesus' birth, their audience wasn't kings or scholars but shepherds. Often portrayed as social outcasts historically, shepherds were viewed negatively because their flocks could wander onto others' property, leading to accusations of theft. Despite this reputation, shepherds played a crucial role in the temple system, raising sheep for sacrifices.Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, was a hub for breeding sacrificial lambs. Archaeological evidence supports this, highlighting structures like the Migdal Eder (Tower of the Flock), where unblemished lambs were identified for temple sacrifices. This foreshadows Jesus' role as the ultimate Lamb of God, born in the city that prepared lambs for sacrifice.Mary's Economic PhilosophyMary's Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) reveals her economic worldview. In this poetic expression of praise, she celebrates God's justice: the rich are sent away empty, and the poor are filled. These are the socio-economic dynamics at play when Mary visits Elizabeth in Judea, a wealthier and more hierarchical society compared to Galilee. Elizabeth's high status contrasts with Mary's humility, yet Elizabeth honors Mary, signaling a reversal of societal norms.Interestingly, Mary's upbringing near Sephoris, the financial capital of Galilee, likely exposed her to sophisticated cultural and economic ideas. This blend of humility and intellect influenced her son, Jesus, whose teachings often echoed themes from her Magnificat.Herod's Fear and the Temple SystemThe birth of Jesus didn't just bring joy; it also struck fear into the hearts of the ruling class, especially King Herod. He and the temple elites understood the revolutionary implications of Jesus' arrival. The Messiah's mission to bring justice threatened their corrupt economic system, which exploited the poor through practices like unfair money-changing in the temple.Herod's fear highlights the broader conflict between two kingdoms: one driven by greed and oppression and the other by justice and generosity. This tension culminates in Jesus' cleansing of the temple, an act that symbolized the dismantling of a corrupt economic system.The Magi and the Two TemplesThe gifts of the Magi—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—mirror offerings described in the Torah for the temple. The gospels contrast two “temples”: the physical temple, corrupted by greed, and Jesus himself, the true temple who provides for the needy. This theme of “the Maker versus the Takers” runs throughout the gospels, illustrating the stark difference between God's economy and human systems of exploitation.Economics in God's PlanThe Nativity story profoundly reminds us that God's master plan includes economics. From shepherds to Mary's Magnificat and from Herod's fear to the Magi's gifts, every detail points to God's concern for justice, generosity, and the redemption of all aspects of life—including money. This Christmas, as you reflect on the birth of Christ, consider how God's kingdom calls us to live with integrity, humility, and a heart for justice in every area of life.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My husband plans to wait until full retirement age to take Social Security. I will take spousal benefits, but I'll only be 65 when he retires. Can I take spousal benefits, then? Or will I have to wait until my full retirement age?I'm 35 and returning to work part-time at my kids' school. We have $600,000 saved for retirement, max out my husband's 401(k), and do a backdoor Roth IRA. I have to contribute 10% to OPERS. Should I invest in their deferred comp option with about $800 per month, or is there something else you'd recommend?We have a HELOC that matures a couple of years after our mortgage is paid off. The bank said it's best to keep the HELOC open to safeguard against potential fraud. Should I follow their advice and keep the HELOC open, or is this just the bank trying to get us to spend more money?Resources Mentioned:The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics by Jerry BowyerLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

A Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service of Healing & Recovery  … GUEST Jerry Bowyer … Pres of Bowyer Research, host of the Meeting of Minds podcast on the Salem Podcast Network, and author of “The Maker Versus the Takers, What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice & Economics”… event details: Wed 6pm, Old St Luke's Church , one of Western PA's most historic churches whose origins date to 1765 when worship was held in a log stockage on the colonial frontier … going back to Colonial Times and using a service of worship that was used at the time of the birth of our country … the collection will be used to purchase a rooming house (Duffland Serenity House) for homeless men w addiction, mental illness, or suffer from the trauma of war … 330 Old Washington Pike Carnegie, PA 15106 Future of Space Flight … Solar Flares ... GUEST Astrophysicist & author Dr Hugh Ross … senior scholar & founder of Reasons to Believe, an organization that researches & communicates how discoveries about nature harmonize w the words of the Bible … his books include “The Creator & the Cosmos,” “Why the Universe Is the Way It Is,” and  “Improbable Planet” Chat GPT's moral timeline for Thanksgiving conversation … GUEST Rev Jay Slocum … rector, St Thomas Anglican Church, Gibsonia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service of Healing & Recovery  … GUEST Jerry Bowyer … Pres of Bowyer Research, host of the Meeting of Minds podcast on the Salem Podcast Network, and author of “The Maker Versus the Takers, What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice & Economics”… event details: Wed 6pm, Old St Luke's Church , one of Western PA's most historic churches whose origins date to 1765 when worship was held in a log stockage on the colonial frontier … going back to Colonial Times and using a service of worship that was used at the time of the birth of our country … the collection will be used to purchase a rooming house (Duffland Serenity House) for homeless men w addiction, mental illness, or suffer from the trauma of war … 330 Old Washington Pike Carnegie, PA 15106 Future of Space Flight … Solar Flares ... GUEST Astrophysicist & author Dr Hugh Ross … senior scholar & founder of Reasons to Believe, an organization that researches & communicates how discoveries about nature harmonize w the words of the Bible … his books include “The Creator & the Cosmos,” “Why the Universe Is the Way It Is,” and  “Improbable Planet” Chat GPT's moral timeline for Thanksgiving conversation … GUEST Rev Jay Slocum … rector, St Thomas Anglican Church, Gibsonia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Election musings … GUEST Jerry Bowyer ... President of Bowyer Research, host of Meeting of Minds podcast on the Salem Podcast Networ, and Author of “The Maker Versus the Takes, What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Election musings … GUEST Jerry Bowyer ... President of Bowyer Research, host of Meeting of Minds podcast on the Salem Podcast Networ, and Author of “The Maker Versus the Takes, What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Week in the Nation's Capitol (Election Day is tomorrow)… GUEST Greg Clugston … SRN News White House Correspondent. Unity amid Division:  tomorrow's election … GUEST Jerry Bowyer ... President of Bowyer Research, host of Meeting of Minds podcast on the Salem Podcast Networ, and Author of “The Maker Versus the Takes, What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics”. The Seventh-Day Adventist Church: revival of gospel-centered preaching which they attribute to Tim … GUEST Kathy Keller ... formerly served as assistant director of communications for Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC ... She is the author of "Jesus, Justice, & Gender Roles: A Case for Gender Roles in Ministry" and co-author with her husband, Tim, of "The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God," "God's Wisdom for Navigating Life: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Book of Proverbs," "The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Week in the Nation's Capitol (Election Day is tomorrow)… GUEST Greg Clugston … SRN News White House Correspondent. Unity amid Division:  tomorrow's election … GUEST Jerry Bowyer ... President of Bowyer Research, host of Meeting of Minds podcast on the Salem Podcast Networ, and Author of “The Maker Versus the Takes, What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics”. The Seventh-Day Adventist Church: revival of gospel-centered preaching which they attribute to Tim … GUEST Kathy Keller ... formerly served as assistant director of communications for Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC ... She is the author of "Jesus, Justice, & Gender Roles: A Case for Gender Roles in Ministry" and co-author with her husband, Tim, of "The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God," "God's Wisdom for Navigating Life: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Book of Proverbs," "The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textJerry Bowyer joins me this month to discuss a wide array of topics concerning leadership and career paths. Jerry has a fascinating and diverse background and thinks deeply about subjects impacting all leaders. Jerry's LinkedIn pageJerry's podcast channelJerry's published books Support the showBe sure to rate and follow our podcast!

Former Texas senator Phil Gramm joins Bowyer Research's Isaac Willour on Meeting of Minds for a wide-ranging discussion of AI, defending free market ideals in our current political moment, and the medieval/feudal roots of the modern ESG movement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is ESG at odds with human flourishing? And how do we move beyond it? Our guest, advisor and author Terrence Keeley, served for 12 years as a managing director at BlackRock before leaving to author several ESG-critical books. He joins Bowyer Research analyst Isaac Willour to discuss the failures of ESG, the roots of human flourishing, and the political/financial future of the free enterprise system, guided by the recent AEI book Ending ESG & Restoring the Economic Enlightenment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep.” - Genesis 1:1-2I'm sure you're more than familiar with those first lines of the Bible…but are you aware of the economic implications of the creation story? Jerry Bowyer fills us in today.Jerry Bowyer is the President of Bowyer Research and our Resident Economist here at Faith & Finance. He is the author of “The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics.” You can also read his insightful columns for World News Group. Understanding the BeginningIn the opening verses of Genesis, we learn that the earth was formless, void, and dark. This detail is crucial for two reasons: it sets the stage for the rest of Genesis 1 and highlights God's creative process. When we understand that the earth was initially disorganized, empty, and dark, we can appreciate God's work in bringing order and fullness.God's Creative ProcessFor the first few days of creation, God deals with the earth's formlessness by separating elements: light from darkness, waters above from waters below, and dry land from the sea. This separation creates structure. Then, God begins to fill what He has organized. He populates the sky with the sun, moon, stars, the seas with fish, and the land with plants and animals. Ultimately, He fills the earth with humanity.The first thing God does is turn on the light, akin to how we start our workday by turning on the light in our office. God's act of turning on the light symbolizes bringing clarity and purpose to the day ahead.The Significance of “It Was So”Genesis often states, "Let us do such and such, and it was so." This phrase can be confusing as it seems out of order. However, it signifies that God's actions were deliberate and agreed upon, possibly within the Trinity or with the angels. This consensus highlights the collaborative nature of God's work, which we can emulate in our own lives by seeking agreement and unity in our endeavors.Evaluating Our WorkGenesis 1:18 says, “God saw that it was good.” This implies that after creating, God stopped to evaluate His work. Similarly, we should regularly review and assess our efforts to ensure they meet our standards and God's approval. This practice underscores the inherent goodness of the material world and our role in stewarding it responsibly.Humanity's Unique RoleAfter creating humanity, God saw that it was "very good." Humans are unique because we are made in God's image, capable of forming, filling, and evaluating our work. This divine likeness sets us apart from the rest of creation, emphasizing our unique role in God's plan.Our Relationship with CreationHumanity's relationship with the garden and the earth is distinct. The garden was a cultivated space where Adam and Eve learned from God. However, the rest of the earth was wild and needed to be subdued and developed. This mandate to cultivate and improve the earth remains fundamental to our purpose.Any economic philosophy that discourages development contradicts this biblical mandate. While we must avoid pollution and destruction, we are called to transform and utilize the earth's resources to promote human flourishing.Applying Creation Principles to EconomicsIn our daily work, turning raw materials into useful products—like sand into microprocessors or seeds into crops—is not optional but a divine command. This creative mandate is essential for economic growth and human flourishing. Neglecting it leads to stagnation and conflict.Understanding the creation story from an economist's perspective reveals God's intention for humanity to bring order, fill the earth, and evaluate our work. Our work, done unto the Lord, is part of His grand plan and promotes true human flourishing.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I recently borrowed money on my life insurance. Should I declare that on my income taxes next year?In Florida, many of us have 55-deed-restricted homes. Many fees are involved, and quite a few have gone up. There is the recreation and fitness membership, which is deeded to the house. Can we get out of something like this?My question is about my work annuity. What's the best way for me to use it when I retire so that I don't lose money and it can continue to grow? A friend lost 18% by taking a lump sum; I wonder if that was taxes or penalties.Resources Mentioned:Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

GUEST Jerry Bowyer ... President of Bowyer Research, host of Meeting of Minds podcast on the Salem Podcast Networ, and Author of “The Maker Versus the Takes, What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics”. The New Testament in Color: A Multiethnic Bible Commentary ... GUEST Dr Amy Peeler ... assoc prof of New Testament at Wheaton College and assoc rector at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Geneva, Ill ... author of “Women and the Gender of God”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GUEST Jerry Bowyer ... President of Bowyer Research, host of Meeting of Minds podcast on the Salem Podcast Networ, and Author of “The Maker Versus the Takes, What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics”. The New Testament in Color: A Multiethnic Bible Commentary ... GUEST Dr Amy Peeler ... assoc prof of New Testament at Wheaton College and assoc rector at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Geneva, Ill ... author of “Women and the Gender of God”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We at Bowyer Research worked with a financial advisor to place a proposal on the annual shareholder meeting ballot of Mastercard. One of the rights that comes with placing such proposals is the right to address the board, CEO, and other shareholders present at the meeting directly and unfiltered.  Usually, the advisors and ministries we work with give this speech themselves, but in this particular case, the advisor delegated it to me. It's only three minutes long. Given the grave moral consequences of Mastercard's actions, I was not my usual, quiet and reserved self. Some issues require a no-holding-back approach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“PayPal, WellsFargo, Morgan Stanley, Capitol One, and Visa have either “debanked” conservative groups or adopted policies based on highly subjective criteria such as (wink, wink) “hate … misinformation … intolerance.” “Christians have been behind the curve about what’s been going on in corporate politics, but thanks to people like Bahnsen, who are willing to use their vote and put their name on the line, they’re catching up quickly.” Bowyer Research https://bowyerresearch.com/ Sign up for The FLF Conference 2024 (Prodigal America) https://flfnetwork.com/prodigal-america/

“PayPal, WellsFargo, Morgan Stanley, Capitol One, and Visa have either “debanked” conservative groups or adopted policies based on highly subjective criteria such as (wink, wink) “hate … misinformation … intolerance.” “Christians have been behind the curve about what’s been going on in corporate politics, but thanks to people like Bahnsen, who are willing to use their vote and put their name on the line, they’re catching up quickly.” Bowyer Research https://bowyerresearch.com/ Sign up for The FLF Conference 2024 (Prodigal America) https://flfnetwork.com/prodigal-america/

In Matthew 10:16, Jesus called us to be wise as snakes and gentle as doves. But can we be gentle and wise when standing up for biblical principles and our voting rights as investors?It's the annual shareholder meeting season for public corporations, meaning companies will hear about their policies from investors. Jerry Bowyer joins us today with a biblical perspective on corporate engagement.Jerry Bowyer is the President of Bowyer Research and our Resident Economist here at Faith & Finance. He is the author of “The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics.” You can also read his insightful columns for World News Group. When you work with corporations and voting shares, are you helping Christians stand up for their “rights” in some way?Christians can advocate for their rights as corporate shareholders by putting shareholder proposals on the ballot if they own $2,000 worth of shares for three years. This enables them to speak at the annual meeting or delegate that to somebody else and present their questions and cases to the CEOs and executives. Through shareholder activism and proxy voting, there is a great deal of ability to "speak to kings" or address corporate leadership.How does proxy voting work and how can it impact a company?Proxy voting works similarly to how voting works for citizens. As shareholders, investors get to vote for members of the board of directors, just like citizens vote for members of Congress or the president. As shareholders, investors can attend the annual meeting and speak up if they own just one or even a fractional share, similar to how citizens can go to town hall meetings to voice their opinions.What are some differences in how one engages a corporation vs. a government agency?When engaging with government funds as investors, they are on the "our side" as the investor. They help governments engage properly when they are company investors, just like individuals invest through 401ks, ETFs, etc. Governments have a fiduciary obligation to invest for retirees' good and vote in a way that benefits them. With corporations, the engagement is more about holding them accountable and encouraging them to focus on their core business rather than politics or social issues.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I just read the book “Home Equity and Reverse Mortgages: The Cinderella of the Baby Boomer Retirement” by Harlan Accola and have decided to move forward to do that, too. I contacted my bank, and they don't offer that service. Do you have any suggestions? In Virginia, specifically Richmond, are there banks that do this?My house loan is only in my husband's name, and I would like to know if I should put my name on it or leave it as is.I will be 65 in June and don't want to work until I fully retire. My job is gratifying but very stressful. I have no credit card bills or anything additional to the mortgage or car payment. My car payment is about $400 monthly, and I still owe about $18,000. Would it be in my best interest to take my additional monthly commission checks, typically put in savings, and put that toward paying the car off?Resources Mentioned:Home Equity and Reverse Mortgages: The Cinderella of the Baby Boomer Retirement by Harlan AccolaMovement MortgageRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Jerry Bowyer is our resident economist here at FaithFi and the president of Bowyer Research. He's also the author of The Maker and the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics.  Fans of the story might remember this exchange: Scrooge: “My taxes help support the public institutions which I've mentioned and they cost enough. Those who are badly off must go there.”Portly Gentleman: Many can't go there and many would rather die.Scrooge: If they had rather die, perhaps they had better do so and decrease the surplus population.Portly Gentleman: Surely you don't mean that, sir?Scrooge: “With all my heart … “ WHAT HAVE WE BEEN MISSING IN "A CHRISTMAS CAROL" ABOUT THE PHRASE "SURPLUS POPULATION"?This phrase reflects the Malthusian belief prevalent in the 1800s, suggesting that population growth, especially among the poor, outpaces the supply of resources."Surplus population" was a key term in the Malthusian debate, which argued that population growth surpasses food and resource supply, especially among the poor.Charles Dickens used Scrooge's character to critique Malthusian ideas, as Scrooge embodies this philosophy but changes his views by the end of the story.The contrast in Scrooge's character, from his impoverished childhood to his abundant adult life, mirrors the economic shifts from scarcity to abundance during the Industrial Revolution. WHO OPPOSED MALTHUS' THEORIES, AND WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM SCROOGE'S CHARACTER?Boyer highlights opposition to Malthus' theories, notably from Charles Dickens, who used Scrooge's transformation in "A Christmas Carol" to challenge Malthusian beliefs. The story illustrates a shift from a scarcity mindset to recognizing abundance and the value of human life.Dickens, along with economists like John Baptist Say and writers like G.K. Chesterton, opposed Malthus' theories, advocating for human value and abundance.Scrooge's initial scarcity mindset, as shown in his reaction to the Ghost of Christmas Present, evolves to recognize the abundance and value of every human life, including Tiny Tim.The story illustrates a shift from viewing the poor as a burden to treating them with dignity and generosity, reflecting Dickens' broader critique of Malthusianism. HOW DO MALTHUSIAN IDEAS PERSIST TODAY, AND WHAT IS THEIR IMPACT?Boyer explains how Malthusian ideas persist in modern times through organizations like Planned Parenthood and in ideologies that advocate for reduced population growth. These ideas often target specific groups, reflecting biases against the poor, people of color, and immigrants.Modern Malthusianism is evident in organizations like Planned Parenthood and in ideologies promoting reduced population growth, often biased against marginalized groups.These contemporary beliefs, rooted in Malthusian ideas, suggest that certain populations are surplus and promote actions like abortion, which is contrary to sustainable human flourishing.We should view every human life, including the unborn and marginalized, as valuable, akin to Dickens' portrayal of Tiny Tim and contrary to Malthusian beliefs. WHAT SHOULD VIEWERS TAKE AWAY FROM "A CHRISTMAS CAROL" THIS SEASON?As viewers watch "A Christmas Carol" this season, Boyer hopes they recognize the underlying economic and theological messages. He encourages seeing God as generous and abundant, not stingy, and understanding the transformative journey of Scrooge as a call to embrace generosity and value all human life.Viewers should appreciate God's generosity and reject the scarcity mindset, learning from Scrooge's transformation to value every human life.The story offers a chance to understand deeper economic and theological themes, recognizing the shift from Malthusian scarcity to an appreciation of human potential and abundance.Boyer suggests using the story to teach children about the value of each person, drawing parallels to modern issues like the treatment of the unborn and marginalized. You can read Jerry Bowyer's insightful commentaries for WORLD Opinions at WNG.org. ON TODAY'S PROGRAM, ROB ANSWERS LISTENER QUESTIONS:  I'm 23, just sold my house, and have about $70,000 in proceeds. I'm wondering how I can use this money to grow it, considering I plan to buy another house using a VA home loan.I have a small pension from a previous employer and a 401(k) I kept with them. Should I transfer the pension to the 401(k) or a Roth IRA, and what would be the tax implications? Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach. Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Jerry Bowyer is the president of Bowyer Research and our resident economist. You can read his insightful columns for World News Group at WNG.org.  [1:03]WHAT WERE THE SELF-INFLICTED HARDSHIPS THE PURITANS FACED DUE TO THEIR ECONOMIC POLICIES?The Puritans at Plymouth Plantation implemented a communal property system as dictated by their charter.This economic policy was essentially a form of communism where no one owned their land, men worked the land collectively, and women cooked for everyone.The system led to a lack of motivation as people didn't want to work for others, causing excuses and a decrease in productivity, which resulted in starvation and hardship.[2:36]HOW DO WE KNOW THAT THE PURITANS' ECONOMIC FAILURES WERE NOT JUST "REVISIONIST HISTORY"?The reality of the Puritans' struggles was documented by primary sources, including writings from William Bradford, who acknowledged the mistake.The communal economic policy was influenced by the prevailing intellectual ideas from England, derived from Plato's philosophy.The Puritans realized their error, abandoned the communal system, and allotted private land which led to improved work ethic and productivity, aligning more with Biblical principles such as the commandment "Thou shalt not steal," emphasizing private property. [6:45]TELL US ABOUT THE ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES THAT THE PILGRIMS APPLIED AT PLYMOUTH PLANTATION AND HOW IT RELATES TO THE FIRST THANKSGIVING.The Pilgrims initially implemented a communal system where property and labor were shared, but it led to laziness and food shortages.Changing to a system that embraced private property, as encouraged by the wisdom of Moses and the Bible, resulted in productivity and abundance.This shift to private property and trade, including exchanges with the Native Americans, culminated in the first Thanksgiving, celebrating their newfound prosperity. [9:06]HOW DOES THIS HISTORICAL EVENT RELATE TO AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM AND THANKSGIVING?The Pilgrims' experience with and rejection of a communal system for a biblical model of private property is a foundational story of American exceptionalism.William Bradford, leader of the Pilgrims, was deeply versed in the Bible, and their biblical worldview provided a clear alternative to failed economic systems.The knowledge of this pivotal moment has faded in American culture, contributing to the repetition of economic mistakes such as nationalization efforts seen in recent history. [10:52]CAN YOU DISCUSS GOD'S PROVIDENCE IN THE FORMATION OF THE UNITED STATES AND ITS ECONOMY?The Puritans' gradual acceptance of a capitalist system for all economic sectors, not just agriculture, coincided with the upbringing of early American founders.This theological and economic evolution was providentially timed, setting the stage for the independence movement and the framing of the Constitution. [12:29]HOW DOES TODAY'S ECONOMY COMPARE TO THAT OF THE FOUNDING ERA?Current economic practices have drifted towards the control and taxation reminiscent of the tyranny the American colonies rebelled against.The challenge today is not armed conflict but an intellectual and cultural one, advocating for a return to biblical principles of private property over government control. [14:22]WHAT ACTIONS ARE NEEDED TO RETURN TO A BIBLICAL ECONOMY?Christians should lead by example in economic productivity and voluntary sharing, countering the compulsion inherent in communist systems.To prevent the state from stepping in to solve problems, individual and collective actions in repentance, prayer, engagement, and especially sharing within the community are crucial. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: Will starting to withdraw from my annuities cause me to have a tax issue since I don't currently file taxes, and does the IRS monitor deposits over $600?I'm retired and have a $50,000 annuity; the company suggested converting it to a precious metal IRA - is this possible and advisable in my 70s? Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.   Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Are we headed for a debt crisis? Is there a point of no return? How would a debt crisis affect you? We'll talk to Jerry Bowyer  to get the answers on this Faith and Finance.Economist Jerry Bowyer is president of Bowyer Research and a frequent contributor to Faith and Finance and WORLD Opinions.  Learn more about Jerry Bowyer at faithdriveninvestor.org.Bowyer says while he doesn't see a national debt crisis looming on the immediate horizon, there is no question we're drawing closer to one. Our working population is declining, our debt-to-GDP ratio is 100%, and there seems to be little appetite in Washington to truly rein in spending. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office recently added another $3.1 trillion dollars to its projected national debt over the next 10 years. Uncle Sam is spending more than it takes in - to the tune of around $2 trillion dollars a year. That's $2 trillion dollars of spending on the national credit card, expanding the national debt, which now stands at almost $32 trillion dollars. And if we hit a recession later this year, we will likely start adding to the national debt even more quickly because social spending would be up while GDP is down. We have additional challenges in that our government is not employing pro-growth policies, which makes it more difficult to grow our way out of the situation we're in. Bowyer, says another aggravating factor is the fact that roughly 70 million people are missing from the economy because they were aborted. It's Potterville in It's a Wonderful Life: the world is a worse place for the loss of those people.He explains that immigration will be key to the future of America, though that is complicated with the lack of agreement over immigration policy in Washington. On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: What kind of inheritance tax should you prepare for with the passing of a parent?How do you determine the wisest way to use or invest an unexpected windfall? RESOURCES MENTIONED:Find a Certified Kingdom AdvisorBe sure to check out the rest of FaithFi.com to access our books and our many free helpful resources. You can also find us on Facebook Faith and Finance (Live) and join the conversation. Thanks for your prayerful and financial support that helps keep Faith and Finance (Live) on the air. And if you'd like to help, just click the Give button.

Despite high inflation, rising interest rates and slow economic growth, the labor market remains seemingly strong. We'll talk about that with Jerry Bowyer today. Economist Jerry Bowyer is President of Bowyer Research and a MoneyWise contributor.. On today's program, Bowyer explains why the economy is still adding jobs and employers are still looking for workers, and why a falling employment rate could be a good thing or a bad thing if it means too many people are leaving the labor market. He discusses the importance of American society providing a safety net but not a hammock. Rob and Jerry also talk about how employment can be a lagging economic indicator and what we might expect in the months ahead. They also discuss long-term trends that will impact the labor force and the economy, including: - Aging of the workforce (500K+ net loss to the workforce each year) - Abortion (60MM babies aborted/40MM would be between 18-50 years old today/20MM prime working age) - Expansive social safety net And they talk about the importance of current trends, including: - COVID reduced labor participation rate - Did not rebound due to, in part, early retirees (55+ taking early retirement) - Nearly all women back to work - Only 50% of men back to work - Cultural stigma of not working if working age seems to be gone - Anti-fertility trends (1-2 kids average vs. 3-4) and the importance of immigration Bowyer also explains why an incredibly strong dollar can actually be concerning. Furthermore, they discuss rising interest rates and the ripple effect they're having through the economy, and what it might take to get inflation under control. They also answer the question: Are we officially in a recession yet? Jerry Bowyer is the author of The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics. And you can read his insightful columns at the Christian Post. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● When do annuities make sense as an investment? ● What is the best way to start saving or investing for a very young child? RESOURCES MENTIONED: ● Betterment ● Wealthfront ● Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

Despite high inflation, rising interest rates and slow economic growth, the labor market remains seemingly strong. We'll talk about that with Jerry Bowyer today. Economist Jerry Bowyer is President of Bowyer Research and a MoneyWise contributor.. On today's program, Bowyer explains why the economy is still adding jobs and employers are still looking for workers, and why a falling employment rate could be a good thing or a bad thing if it means too many people are leaving the labor market. He discusses the importance of American society providing a safety net but not a hammock. Rob and Jerry also talk about how employment can be a lagging economic indicator and what we might expect in the months ahead. They also discuss long-term trends that will impact the labor force and the economy, including: - Aging of the workforce (500K+ net loss to the workforce each year) - Abortion (60MM babies aborted/40MM would be between 18-50 years old today/20MM prime working age) - Expansive social safety net And they talk about the importance of current trends, including: - COVID reduced labor participation rate - Did not rebound due to, in part, early retirees (55+ taking early retirement) - Nearly all women back to work - Only 50% of men back to work - Cultural stigma of not working if working age seems to be gone - Anti-fertility trends (1-2 kids average vs. 3-4) and the importance of immigration Bowyer also explains why an incredibly strong dollar can actually be concerning. Furthermore, they discuss rising interest rates and the ripple effect they're having through the economy, and what it might take to get inflation under control. They also answer the question: Are we officially in a recession yet? Jerry Bowyer is the author of The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics. And you can read his insightful columns at the Christian Post. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● When do annuities make sense as an investment? ● What is the best way to start saving or investing for a very young child? RESOURCES MENTIONED: ● Betterment ● Wealthfront ● Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

Despite high inflation, rising interest rates and slow economic growth, the labor market remains seemingly strong. We'll talk about that with Jerry Bowyer today. Economist Jerry Bowyer is President of Bowyer Research and a MoneyWise contributor.. On today's program, Bowyer explains why the economy is still adding jobs and employers are still looking for workers, and why a falling employment rate could be a good thing or a bad thing if it means too many people are leaving the labor market. He discusses the importance of American society providing a safety net but not a hammock. Rob and Jerry also talk about how employment can be a lagging economic indicator and what we might expect in the months ahead. They also discuss long-term trends that will impact the labor force and the economy, including: - Aging of the workforce (500K+ net loss to the workforce each year) - Abortion (60MM babies aborted/40MM would be between 18-50 years old today/20MM prime working age) - Expansive social safety net And they talk about the importance of current trends, including: - COVID reduced labor participation rate - Did not rebound due to, in part, early retirees (55+ taking early retirement) - Nearly all women back to work - Only 50% of men back to work - Cultural stigma of not working if working age seems to be gone - Anti-fertility trends (1-2 kids average vs. 3-4) and the importance of immigration Bowyer also explains why an incredibly strong dollar can actually be concerning. Furthermore, they discuss rising interest rates and the ripple effect they're having through the economy, and what it might take to get inflation under control. They also answer the question: Are we officially in a recession yet? Jerry Bowyer is the author of The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics. And you can read his insightful columns at the Christian Post. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● When do annuities make sense as an investment? ● What is the best way to start saving or investing for a very young child? RESOURCES MENTIONED: ● Betterment ● Wealthfront ● Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29 What does running a major corporation have to do with supporting anti-religious liberty legislation? It's a question many company CEOs don't want to answer. All too many corporations are involved in obnoxious policies these days and economist Jerry Bowyer has been trying to get them to answer for it. He's here to discuss that first today then it's your calls at 800-525-7000. Jerry Bower frequently graces the Fox Business Channel with his market insights. He's the founder and president of Bowyer Research. Rob and jerry first discuss the Equality Act and how it poses many threats to our religious liberties. Rob then asks Jerry to discuss his recent conversations with companies like Target, Pfizer Apple, and ATT. Jerry talks about his conversation with Target and their ban on specific books. Jerry attends multiple shareholder meetings to be able to ask questions and force debate about companies that support abortion funding. Some of the questions Jerry wanted these corporations to address are: oWhy in the world would large publicly traded companies endorse such divisive legislation that is clearly incompatible with the sincerely held beliefs of half of the country? oIs it mainstream to force girls to compete in sports with athletes who identify as females, but are, biologically, boys? oIs it mainstream to force shelters for battered women to accept biologically male applicants? oIs it mainstream to compel churches into accepting new gender ideologies in their hiring practices? Jerry also talks about the importance of having an option and using your right to vote to show where you stand. Economist Jerry Bowyer's been our guest today. He shares a lot more of his market insights at Townhall.com. Here are a couple of questions we answered from our callers on today's program: I heard there is a new law affecting beneficiary IRAs? We tithe on the RMD that we take out each year, but have not tithed on the whole amount. What is your opinion on this? My mother left her property to me and my siblings. I was 17 when she passed. The property is now hindering me and my credit. What can I do to get the land back and move forward? Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them toQuestions@MoneyWise.org. Visit our website atMoneyWise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources like the MoneyWise app. Like and Follow us on Facebook atMoneyWise Mediafor videos and the very latest discussion!Remember that it's your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

On this episode, we’re joined by Jerry Bowyer (Boier). Jerry is the Chief Economist of Vident Financial, Editor of Townhall Finance, and President of Bowyer Research. He is also Resident Economist with Kingdom Advisors, and serves on the Editorial Board of Salem Communications. He has been Forbes.com columnist and a frequent commentator on Fox Business News, Fox News, and CNBC. He has been a contributing editor of National Review Online, The New York Sun and Townhall Magazine, and he has written for the Wall Street Journal and for numerous other publications. He’s the author of the new book, The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics. https://affluentinvestor.com/ Questions explored in this episode: Was Jesus rich or poor? How did being an artisan from Galilee influence Jesus’ teachings on money-related issues? Why did Jesus primarily confront religious leaders regarding money issues rather than the average small business owner? Why did Jesus clear moneychangers and merchants out of the temple? Why did He target the dove merchants specifically? Theology of Business is the show that helps marketplace Christians to partner with God in business to make disciples of companies, industries, and communities. If you want to learn more about how to do business for the glory of God and shape culture through discipling the business world, this show is for you. | Entrepreneurship | Marketing | Nonprofit | Church | Author | Startups | Marketplace | Ministry | Business as Mission | Faith and Work | Faith | Success | Leadership | www.TheologyofBusiness.com

On this episode, we're joined by Jerry Bowyer (Boier). Jerry is the Chief Economist of Vident Financial, Editor of Townhall Finance, and President of Bowyer Research. He is also Resident Economist with Kingdom Advisors, and serves on the Editorial Board of Salem Communications. He has been Forbes.com columnist and a frequent commentator on Fox Business News, Fox News, and CNBC. He has been a contributing editor of National Review Online, The New York Sun and Townhall Magazine, and he has written for the Wall Street Journal and for numerous other publications. He's the author of the new book, The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics. https://affluentinvestor.com/ Questions explored in this episode: Was Jesus rich or poor? How did being an artisan from Galilee influence Jesus' teachings on money-related issues? Why did Jesus primarily confront religious leaders regarding money issues rather than the average small business owner? Why did Jesus clear moneychangers and merchants out of the temple? Why did He target the dove merchants specifically? Theology of Business is the show that helps marketplace Christians to partner with God in business to make disciples of companies, industries, and communities. If you want to learn more about how to do business for the glory of God and shape culture through discipling the business world, this show is for you. | Entrepreneurship | Marketing | Nonprofit | Church | Author | Startups | Marketplace | Ministry | Business as Mission | Faith and Work | Faith | Success | Leadership | www.TheologyofBusiness.com

On this episode, we're joined by Jerry Bowyer (Boier). Jerry is the Chief Economist of Vident Financial, Editor of Townhall Finance, and President of Bowyer Research. He is also Resident Economist with Kingdom Advisors, and serves on the Editorial Board of Salem Communications. He has been Forbes.com columnist and a frequent commentator on Fox Business News, Fox News, and CNBC. He has been a contributing editor of National Review Online, The New York Sun and Townhall Magazine, and he has written for the Wall Street Journal and for numerous other publications. He's the author of the new book, The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics. https://affluentinvestor.com/ Questions explored in this episode: Was Jesus rich or poor? How did being an artisan from Galilee influence Jesus' teachings on money-related issues? Why did Jesus primarily confront religious leaders regarding money issues rather than the average small business owner? Why did Jesus clear moneychangers and merchants out of the temple? Why did He target the dove merchants specifically? Theology of Business is the show that helps marketplace Christians to partner with God in business to make disciples of companies, industries, and communities. If you want to learn more about how to do business for the glory of God and shape culture through discipling the business world, this show is for you. | Entrepreneurship | Marketing | Nonprofit | Church | Author | Startups | Marketplace | Ministry | Business as Mission | Faith and Work | Faith | Success | Leadership | www.TheologyofBusiness.com

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29 How should believers engage a culture sorely in need of the Gospel? Author and pastor Tyler Edwards writes, Find a way to invest yourself, the revolution begins now, and it starts with you. Christian investors have a unique opportunity to witness for Christ. Jesus was certainly an activist, but Christians by nature arent. Host Rob West welcomes economist Jerry Bowyer for a look at how that can change.Jerry Bowyer is the chief economist at Vident Financial, but hes also the President of Bowyer Research. Bowyer Research has put together a blueprint for Christian investors to engage the culture.Then its your calls at 800-525-7000. Christian investors struggle with the idea of investing in companies involved in ungodly practices. Jerry talks about now being the time for Christians to get involved in corporate activism. Jerry explains ESG strategies and talks about how these strategies can affect the economy. He then talks about what most investors are concerned with in our current investing climate. Rob asks Jerry to explain why investing (taking an active approach) is better than di-vesting. Jerry and Rob speak about the model that Jesus set for us in the area of investing and engaging the culture. They speak about who Jesus and his disciples did financial work with and whom they tended to stay away from. They also offer Biblical wisdom and advice on how to use your voice for good. They offer advice on how to influence in a Christian way. You can download Jerrys booklet,The Christians Handbook for Transforming Corporate America for free atMoneyWise.org/resources Here are some questions we answered from our callers on todays program: I am retired and I have some investing accounts. I have been managing them myself. How should I best educate myself about my investing options? Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them atquestions@moneywise.org. Visit our website atmoneywise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources. Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion!Remember that its your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

In this special edition of the podcast, Peter Leithart and Alastair Roberts discuss the Rich Man and Lazarus with economist Jerry Bowyer. It's a fascinating conversation that we think you'll enjoy. Jerry is a friend of Theopolis and has a very broad resume. He is the founder and president of Bowyer Research, has written for Forbes Magazine, and is the founder of the Allegheny Institute for Public Policy. Learn More! ______________ Website: https://theopolisinstitute.com/ Say "hi" on Twitter: twitter.com/_Theopolis "Like" and Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/theopolisinstitute/

In this special edition of the podcast, Peter Leithart follows up his discussion from episode 173 with economist Jerry Bowyer on the economics of Jesus. In particular, they discuss how economics played into Jesus' crucifixion. It's a fascinating conversation that we think you'll enjoy. Jerry is a friend of Theopolis and has a very broad resume. He is the founder and president of Bowyer Research, has written for Forbes Magazine, and is the founder of the Allegheny Institute for Public Policy. Sign up for our newsletter, "In Medias Res." theopolisinstitute.com/about/newsletter/ Learn More! ______________ Website: www.theopolisinstitute.com Say "hi" on Twitter: twitter.com/_Theopolis "Like" and Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/theopolisinstitute/

In this special edition of the podcast, Peter Leithart interviews economist Jerry Bowyer on the economics of Jesus. Jerry is a friend of Theopolis and has a very broad resume. He is the founder and president of Bowyer Research, has written for Forbes Magazine, and is the founder of the Allegheny Institute for Public Policy. Enjoy! Sign up for our newsletter, "In Medias Res." theopolisinstitute.com/about/newsletter/ Learn More! ______________ Website: www.theopolisinstitute.com Say "hi" on Twitter: twitter.com/_Theopolis "Like" and Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/theopolisinstitute/

My guest in this episode is Jerry Bowyer, widely respected writer, editor, commentator, and economist. In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about his views as an editor on writing and writers, the challenges for writers and commentators to stay true to their beliefs, and his views on assorted issues, such as entrepreneurship, the state of commentary today, as well as his own research and writing on a variety of biblical issues. Bowyer's message to writers of all kinds includes staying honest. Jerry is the chairman of Bowyer Research, editor of Townhall Finance, a Forbes.com contributor, and is the publisher of Affluent Christian Investor at www.affluentinvestor.com. His books include the "Bush Boom" and the "Free Market Capitalist's Survival Guide."