The Economic Stimulus Payment: how will you spend yours?

I will receive $1,800 this May. The IRS will pay me $1,200 because I’m married and $600 for my children. The money comes with no strings. And therein lies my quandary—how will I use my economic stimulus payment?

Through the Economic Stimulus Act, Washington wants 130 million recipients to spend $168 billion in an attempt to bolster the economy. The prescription is consumption.

The message is striking. The American economic engine requires an ever-increasing rate of consumption to remain functional. Good Americans are good consumers because when they stop consuming, the system fails. Like a junkie in search of a fix, the economy needs an injection of cash.

Is consumption really a viable answer? I find two problems with this approach: one practical, one theological.

This is the intro for an article I wrote for FPU's Scholars Speak feature. I raised the issue at faculty prayers the other day and was surprised by the vigorous amd engaging reactions I got. The dilemma is this: as Christians we claim that material possessions should be low priority and that our "treasure is in heaven," but our government is telling us that spending and consuming is the answer to a weak economy. This raises all sorts of questions: Should good Americans be good consumers? Can an economy continue to grow and can Americans continue to consume in greater quantities at an endless pace? Is there also a place for saving and sharing our money? Is it un-American not to spend the stimulus rebate? Are there any theological implications? What should Christians do with the stimulus checks that will be sent out in May?

In my recent research I have been shocked to discover that no one is raising these questions. I suspect that there are people who are interested in the theological ramifications of the stimulus package, I simply can't find a public place of discourse on the issue.

I offer the following suggestion in the spirit of being transparent, certainly not to be haughty.... Tracy and I are giving our rebate away. We'll split it between an urban ministry in Fresno, a transitional home for homeless families in Pasadena and a HIV/AIDS clinic in Jos, Nigeria.

What will you do with yours? Would you consider giving a portion to a ministry or charity? Would you leave a comment and let other readers know about your issues, dilemmas, concerns, and suggestions? I know money is a private matter, but maybe on the advent of May's stimulus rebate it should be a public discussion.

Here's the full article to spur other thoughts and conversations.

Comments

[terry timm]

thanks for raising this important issue. our leadership team is going to seize the teachable moment and beginning the first week in may we will do a series called, "the big give." what do the scriptures have to say about generosity? what is the best antidote to consumerism? is it un-american to give your rebate away (i have heard people say it is our patriotic duty to spend it all)? we will encourage people to do exactly what you are doing - use their rebates and engage in a personal giving project.

i truly believe this is a kairos for the Church in the US.

stay connected...

[Linda]

We are grateful for the upcoming stimulus because we have been unable to take care of some fairly large problems with our house that would eventually make it unsafe/unhealthy to live in. I guess we are "giving" our money to our kids to keep them healthy and safe. Maybe it doesn't sound as selfless as giving it to someone else in a foreign country, but I think it is a legitimate way of stimulating the economy and giving at the same time. Does that make sense?

[Tim]

Good comment Linda. I'm guessing that your repairs are not "wants" but "needs." That makes sense to me.

I'm reacting to the notion that consumption, usually self-indulgent and unrestrained, is what our government (both Reps and Dems, there's no difference on this and many similar issues) says will "fix" (that's right, like a junkie) our economy. At best it will only be a short-term Bandaid. We were told to do the same after 9/11. In the end I think there is something deeply theologically wrong with this notion. A recent National Geographic special proved that if every nation practiced consumption habits like Americans we would need five planet Earths to meet the demand for resources.

I hope no one interprets Tracy and my actions as a "holier than thou" attitude. We just know this is right for us and believe on this issue of finaces we need a public conversation (normally we wouldn't think anybody had any business knowing our giving patterns). Others will know what is right for them if they give it some prayer and critical thought.

I hope and pray the rebate will cover the expenses of the home repairs/improvements. Thanks again for the comment, sis. I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Tim

[Linda]

I couldn't agree more about the whole U.S. consumption/consumerism thing! It is a blight on our faith, culture, and planet. I especially appreciate the contrast (in your last comment) between the U.S. and the other nations of the world.

I guess I just wanted to point out that there are people who truly need the economic stimulus checks. Some will be stimulating the economy by purchasing goods and services that are needs rather than extras (wants) that would simply be nice to have.

And by the way, I am so pleased in your choices for giving. I hope that others may be spurred on to such giving.

We're looking forward to seeing you guys, too!

[Josh M.]

I agree Tim. It kinda saddens me to see so many willing to just gorge themselves on whatever personal items they can think of. I know that I am tempted to as well, which is the normal thing for people my age to do, but I have one solid goal in mind with my stimulus payment: debt reduction.

When my eager, curious self acquired a credit card more than a few years ago, it has been difficult to get out from underneath it. With the impending student loans about to roll in, my life looks like an influx of steady debt for a long time. I figured that this check, regardless of how big it is, can do nothing but help me by applying it towards the elimination of debt. Now if only other typical American minds could think this way, it would help relieve many other problems that occur in our country. Unfortunately, the message that is being painted is "Spend, spend, spend" and that message speaks directly to the brain patterns of the average American mind.

[Tim]

Hey Josh, thanks for your comment. One of the things that saddens me is the system that college students have little choice about: student loans. Very few graduate without debt. I understand the burden that you now carry from going to a Christian university. The irony is that you had to do it to receive a degree in ministry!

I say, "Pay down that debt! (But don't buy a plasma TV...)". More power to ya'.

Tim

[Chris B.]

Tim,
Excellent points regarding the "stimulus" package. I am sorry I missed the faculty prayers meeting where you raised this issue and hope the discussion went in a good direction. I am looking forward to seeing the article getting picked up in the local papers, that should really get some talk buzzing too.

Right now my plans for the stimulus package have been put a little on hold by your thoughts actually. I planned to include it in some home improvements we are working on, but now...
I think it would be a shame to miss this opportunity to both do good with the funds, and teach my family that it is important to do so. Thanks for being the prophet's voice at this time. Blessings on you and your family.

[Glenna Friesen]

Hi Tim,

I enjoyed your article regarding "What to do with our rebate checks." It has caused me to think, more deeply, about what my purpose on earth is.

Thanks.

Glenna

[dave wainscott]

Awesome stuff.

And inspired me here:
http://davewainscott.blogspot.com/2008/05/does-macphisto-have-prayer.html
PS: Do you know offhand if MacPhisto ever sang "Acrobat."?

Love your mind.