Teaching Economics Through Old Testament Stories

Abstract: This article presents a unique collection of lesson plans that utilize Old Testament stories to teach foundational economic concepts. The narratives, predominantly sourced from the Torah, are chosen for their familiarity across the three Abrahamic faith traditions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) and their accessibility to those without religious backgrounds. Designed to resonate across diverse faith backgrounds, these lesson plans are equally suitable for secular audiences. The lessons presented in this article explore a range of economic concepts, including sunk costs, game theory, labor markets, fiscal policy, and the importance of institutions. Each lesson plan begins with a summary of a Biblical story, key concepts, learning outcomes, and assessment questions. To enrich the learning journey, the lesson plans each include pop culture media resources. Moreover, interactive elements such as discussion prompts and Kahoot! quizzes are integrated to foster active student engagement and enhance comprehension of economic principles. The lesson plans presented in this article are applicable to teaching economic principles in both secular and religious educational settings and at both the undergraduate and high school levels.

Keywords: Economic Education, Bible Stories, Old Testament, the Torah, Principles of Economics, Interactive Learning

JEL Codes: A20, A23, Z11, Z12