Lenten Bible Study: Money Talks
Lent invites us as disciples of Jesus Christ to refocus on the worship of God rather than the worship of wealth.
Money Talks focuses on the 2025 Lenten lectionary psalms and gospels ‘to encourage Australian churches to talk about money as a central part of their mission to pursue justice’, according to former University of Divinity Vice Chancellor, Peter Sherlock. Commenting on the five studies written by the UCAs Rev John Bottomley, Sherlock added, ‘churches need to talk about how biblical testimony speaks to the just and unjust uses of money in our society today‘.
Lent invites us as disciples of Jesus Christ to refocus on the worship of God rather than the worship of wealth. Like most people, Christians find it difficult to talk about money, but here there is both a new and an old context for such discussion. The Banking Royal Commission uncovered the use and abuse of money as the source of profound harm in Australian society, while Indigenous perspectives highlight colonialism’s priority for economic growth over social and environmental justice, prompting deeper reflection on the money issues that are at the heart of the studies.
The gospels call us to reflect seriously on the attraction of wealth and the need for Jesus’ followers to get our priorities right in this area. The studies also focus on the business ethics, powerlessness, responsibility, forgiveness, and wellbeing experienced by employees in the finance sector. Using actual case studies, groups are asked to reflect on their own experiences of acting with integrity and compassion in challenging life situations. Suggestions for personal and congregational practical action are also provided.