Helping the Poor: Wealth Creation or Wealth Redistribution

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Paul Schlehlein

— Tim Cantrell

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

What a stark contrast between the two G20s: November 2025’s G20 here in Johannesburg prioritised climate change and redistribution of wealth to reduce inequality, which has never worked. All this is driven by the socialistic, flawed philosophy of globalism.

2026’s G20 will focus on “economic prosperity by limiting regulatory burdens, unlocking affordable and secure energy supply chains, and pioneering new technologies and innovations” – prioritising wealth creation instead of redistribution. Which approach will prove more helpful to the poor?

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The Politics of Blame

Posted on December 11, 2025 by Paul Schlehlein

— Lennox Kalifungwa

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

There is a sense in which complaint is the resignation and abdication of responsibility. This unqualified assertion will likely prompt the retort that affliction and pestilence are commonplace, and that people should be free to express their discomfort without fear of moral shaming.

Yet this expected retort ought to earn the response that trouble neither nullifies nor exempts a person from responsibility; in fact, it provides an opportunity for duty to be constructively exercised and applied.

To begin an article with such philosophical dialogue may not be ideal in some books, and yet it is necessary to confront the unfortunate spectacle that has been enshrined in the dogma of this modern world.

We live in a world that not only promotes, normalises, and celebrates irresponsibility but has effectively politicised and institutionalised it.

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Unequally Yoked in Business

Posted on November 12, 2024 by Paul Schlehlein

–– Tim Cantrell

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

‘Pastor, should I start a business with an unbeliever? Would it be wise for me to partner with this person or not?’ I’ve been asked this question many times, and I believe the Bible has answers.

Right now in South Africa, about 29% of the workforce is self-employed. Over 80% of South Africans believe entrepreneurship is a good career path, and there is a growing interest in starting new businesses, despite economic hurdles. But for the believer, the first question must not be, ‘How much money will I make? Will it succeed or not?’

Christian decision-making always begins with, ‘What does God’s Word say about this? What will be most pleasing to my Lord?’ To answer this question in relation to business partnerships, let’s ask three questions: (1) What does it mean to be unequally yoked?; (2) How does that differ with employment?; (3) Will this partnership compromise my Christian witness?

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Capitalism and Christ-like Competition

Posted on October 17, 2024 by Paul Schlehlein

–– Paul Schlehlein

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Here’s a bit of good news from the southern region of Africa. Visa applications in South Africa that had previously moved at a snail’s pace have recently picked up to breakneck speed. For decades applicants for visas have endured the dawdling movements of the Department of Home Affairs, sometimes waiting years for simple paperwork to return.

Not anymore. The phones of visa applicants are ding-ding-dinging, informing them their papers are ready for pickup. What changed? What’s been the secret? The answer is good old-fashioned competition.

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Institutionalised Envy: How the 10th Commandment Can Make or Break a Country

Posted on March 19, 2024 by Paul Schlehlein

–– Tim Cantrell

Audio version of this article available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Institutionalised Envy: How the 10th Commandment Can Make or Break a Country

As we in South Africa approach a major election, it is crucial for Christian voters not to be naïve or ignorant, but to recognise that all political systems are not created equal. Every form of government is fallen, but not in the same way or to the same extent.

Constitutional democracy and a free market are rooted in many biblical principles, when rightly applied. Socialism (and its end goal, communism) is rooted in envy, greed and covetousness. It has bred all kinds of theft and trampling over private property rights (as enshrined in the 8^th commandment against stealing) and discourages a biblical work ethic. As Margaret Thatcher famously said: “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.”

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