From beginning to end, Scripture speaks of land and a place to dwell. The first sins resulted in a marred land. Joshua is about equally dividing the land. Leviticus and Deuteronomy reveal the rhythm of Sabbath and Jubilee Laws—a plan to prevent poverty. The prophets often spoke of housing disparities as symbols of injustice as they warned Israel that it would lose its promised land if the Sabbath laws were not obeyed; thus Israel grieves over its loss of land in Lamentations. Jesus entered history proclaiming Jubilee for those who would believe on Him. The early Church practiced a form of communal life, selling land and homes so that “there was no one poor among them.” Jill Shook’s cultural reflection article shows how these biblical foundations may help point us toward solutions to the present housing crisis. The article substantiates its claims with inspiring examples of how churches and cities are currently applying biblical principles of justice and Jubilee to preserve and create affordable housing.
The Institute for Cultural Engagement, an official program of Multnomah University and Biblical Seminary