“What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun."
Ecclesiastes 1:9
Dear Kingdom Builders,
These were the frustrated words of the Roman emperor Julian the Apostate.
The early Church grew during one of the most economically turbulent periods in Roman history. Rome wrestled with mounting fiscal pressures, political instability, military spending, and repeated debasement of its currency. Yet Christians didn't become known for criticizing Rome's economy.
They cared for widows. Fed the hungry. Welcomed strangers. They offered charity where they were unable to fulfill their pursuit of economic justice. They became people others could trust.
That feels surprisingly relevant today.
Many people feel like they're working harder than ever just to stay in place. Housing has become less affordable. Government debt continues to rise. Inflation has reminded us that purchasing power is never guaranteed. Whether our challenges are identical to Rome's is a worthwhile historical debate, but economic uncertainty is hardly new.
The early Christians couldn't control Rome's monetary policy. They could control how they responded to it. More importantly, they understood the world they lived in well enough to respond faithfully within it.
As Christians, we don't study economics simply to build wealth. We study it because economic realities shape families, communities, opportunities, and the lives of our neighbors. Understanding those realities helps us use money and circumstances as tools to create Christian impact.
That's what drew me to my conversation with veteran portfolio manager Paul Musson.
After more than thirty years managing billions of dollars in assets, Paul argues that many of today's biggest economic challenges aren't random. They are often the predictable result of incentives embedded within our financial system.
Whether or not you agree with all of his conclusions, Paul invites us to ask a question that Christians should care deeply about: If Christians are called to build the Kingdom, shouldn't we understand the financial world we're building it in?
The early Church didn't become known because it had political power. It became known because it understood its times and responded with wisdom, generosity, and courage.
Perhaps there’s a lesson we can take from our Christian ancestors in our current times. Not simply to navigate today's economy successfully, but to understand it well enough to use it to become faithful witnesses to Christ.
Have a blessed week!
Matt
For informational purposes only. This content does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice, nor a recommendation to buy or sell any security.
30-year, multi-billion dollar portfolio manager and Capital Offence author, Paul Musson, discusses:
Why today's economy may be producing exactly the outcomes we've incentivized.
How inflation, housing affordability, and government debt are deeply connected.
Why rising asset prices don't necessarily create real wealth.
How understanding our economic system helps us become wiser stewards.
The Texas State Board of Education approved a statewide reading list that will require Bible passages as part of the curriculum for more than five million public school students beginning in 2030. Supporters say the move reflects the historical influence of Judeo-Christian traditions, while critics argue it raises concerns about religious neutrality in public education.
A coalition of 82 Catholic leaders urged the U.S. Senate to remove a provision from the CLARITY Act that would exempt certain decentralized finance (DeFi) developers from anti-money laundering compliance requirements. They argue the exemption could make it more difficult to detect and prevent human trafficking, organized crime, and other illicit financial activity, while supporters contend it is necessary to protect open-source software developers and innovation.
For informational purposes only. This content does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice, nor a recommendation to buy or sell any security.
30-Second Investment Terms and Strategies
Cantillon Effect
The Cantillon Effect describes how newly created money enters the economy unevenly, benefiting some people before others. In simple terms, those who receive new money first often benefit the most, while those who receive it last face higher prices without the same gains.
What it is: An economic theory explaining that newly created money does not affect everyone equally. It enters the economy through specific channels, creating winners and losers along the way.
Purpose: Helps understand why inflation doesn't impact everyone the same and why asset prices often rise before wages or consumer purchasing power.
Where it's used: Most commonly discussed in macroeconomics and monetary policy, but relevant to investors seeking to understand inflation, asset bubbles, and wealth inequality.
Why it matters: Following the flow of new money can help explain why certain assets appreciate rapidly while others and many households struggle to keep pace. It's a powerful framework for understanding incentives and long-term market dynamics.
For informational purposes only. This content does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice, nor a recommendation to buy or sell any security.
DISCLAIMER: This material is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice, nor is it an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any security. “ChristianAlts” is a media publication operated by HoneyHive Capital Partners LLC. HoneyHive Capital Partners LLC is not a broker-dealer, investment adviser, or funding portal and does not offer or sell securities. The author is a registered representative and investment adviser representative operating through separate, regulated entities, including Execlitrax LLC (d.b.a. HoneyHive Capital), which conducts investment banking and securities-related activities under the supervision of Finalis Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. This publication is not issued on behalf of, or supervised by, Finalis Securities LLC or any affiliated broker-dealer. Any securities-related services or transactions are conducted only through the appropriate regulated entities and are offered solely by means of formal offering documents, including, where applicable, a confidential offering memorandum, and in accordance with federal and state securities laws. The views expressed herein are solely those of the author and are based on internal research, opinions, and publicly available information that has not been independently verified. No representation or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that may cause actual results to differ materially.
