The purpose of the economics unit is to enable students to make wise economic decisions from a spiritual and eternal perspective. We challenge superficial and selfish thinking about wealth and promote sacrificial stewardship of resources. The unit begins by sensitizing students to how much economic matters affect their lives, then moves to defining what real wealth is. Poverty is examined in considerable detail. Generosity is extolled, along with a strong work ethic and warnings about credit card debt.

We challenge teens not to be slavish to current trends, and instead look at other, more modest standards of plenty. In a similar way, geographical awareness will bring them into contact with impoverished cultures that have a very different notion of financial security than Americans. Our cultural analysis will also take a look at how information technology has both the potential to empower people toward economic opportunities and act as a disorienting conduit of the materialistic worldview.

Learning Goals

1. The students will understand how much economics affects daily life and is therefore an important spiritual issue.

2. The students will question definitions of success that emphasize the attainment of material wealth over character and loving service.

3. The students will be able to effectively resist materialism & the manipulation of advertising.

4. The students will understand the problem of poverty and be motivated to do something about it.

5. The students will be motivated to become generous stewards of their resources.

6. The students will be informed about the dangers of consumer debt and the value of saving for the future.

7. The students will understand how to participate shrewdly in the economy by cultivating a work ethic, obtaining employment and managing their money.

See the Lessons Described