Jesus was an intense realist about the way the world system works. That is comforting in the light of the daily headlines about financial crisis and systemic meltdown in the banking sector. His early followers recalled clearly His encouragement to “seek first the kingdom of God” and the promise that if they did, “all these things [necessary shelter, food, clothing, etc.] will be given to you” (Matthew 6:33)

In interaction with some friends about the current situation, the name of Noriel Roubini has kept coming up and I wanted to pass along a couple of links that may help in clarifying the factual side of what’s happening:

Roubini is an professor of economics at New York University that has been predicting for five years or more exactly the scenario that is now playing out.

The New York Times ran an article on him recently. It makes for bracing reading.

Two articles by Glenn Beck summarize what Roubini is driving at:

This one was written on February 28th of this year.

This piece came out a couple of days ago.

In all of the turmoil, I’m comforted by Jesus’ words: “Peace I leave with you… my peace I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled or afraid!”

Shalom!