While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue.
In Ezekiel’s vision of the future layout of Jerusalem, what limits are placed around the Prince in relationship to property? Can you think of a current example of a leader (or group of leaders) who takes property from others for his/her own gain?
What protections are in place in your community to make sure people are not dispossessed or displaced by those in power?
All of us live on land that did not belong to us or to our ancestors but was taken by force or fraud from its original inhabitants because we had the power to do it. We are not the only nation to seize land by force or government policy. Can you think of other examples of “forced relocation”?
What motivates “land grabs” and “speculative real estate deals” and even “urban pioneering”? What “power” you have? (If you don’t think you have any power, think harder.) How can people of faith “plot good on their beds” rather than evil in relationship to real estate and housing?
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
A trend over the last 30 years is for young (predominantly white) artists, students and professionals to move into poorer urban communities of color in what has become known as “gentrification.” Property values increase, new capitol comes into the community, and crime rates often fall. Cities often encourage this shift by improving infrastructure and adding amenities to the community because it represents development and increased revenue. However, as good as all this sounds, “gentrification” has a dark side.
According to Teresa Cordova in her article “Community Intervention Efforts to Oppose Gentrification” (In Philip W. Nyden, Wim Wiewel, eds., Challenging Uneven Development: An Urban Agenda for the 1990s, (1991) New Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers University Press, 25-48.), “gentrification is a creation of real estate agents, property developers, and banks who control the “who” and “where” of urban property shifts.” In other words, those with power shift the way urban property is reused, and “profit” is the typical motivation. As property values increase, property taxes and rents rise, often making the community unaffordable for existing homeowners and tenants. Families are forced to find a more affordable community. It also promotes speculative land purchases as people look for the next “hot” neighborhood. Buy a cheap property, hold on to it and then flip it for a large profit.
How do you see this phenomena happening where you live? Where are displaced people moving? Who are the real estate and development “power-brokers” in your community. What power do you have to ensure that the poor will maintain a place in their communities?
Over the past 6 years, the city of Chicago’s Planning Department has been preparing to transform the elevated train tracks running along Bloomingdale Ave into a 2.5 mile linear park known as the Bloomingdale Trail. While this would bring much needed green space to the Logan Square community, there are fears that it will simply increase the speed of gentrification in the neighborhood. If you live in Chicago, consider contacting Logan Square Neighborhood Association to see what they are doing to ensure continued economic diversity around the Bloomingdale Trail.
Deuteronomy 19:14; Proverbs 23:10-11
Why do you think God is so concerned about maintaining property lines? What do property lines represent? Where do you see boundary markers being moved today in a way that is detrimental to peoples’ inheritance? Consider the impact of zoning laws, urban renewal proposals or eminent domain laws in your community.
For Further Reflection
Since 1962, a fire has been burning in an old coal mine beneath Centralia, PA. Through “eminent domain” laws, which allow the State of Pennsylvania to seize ownership of private property without the owner’s consent for reasons of public safety or economic development, Centralia is now a virtual ghost town with a population of 10 people (2010). In 1962, the town had a population of over 2,000. How do you think the people who lost their property feel? How do you think God feels?
Book Recommendation: Root Shock by Mindy Fullilove. This groundbreaking book examines the immediate and long-term impact of the federally funded program, Urban Renewal, on communities in Pittsburgh, PA, Newark, NJ, and Roanoke, VA.
Why do you think God is opposed to the practice of property expansion? What motivates people to expand their property holdings? How do you see people today “adding house to house and joining field to field”? As a society, how do we reward accumulation of houses or land?
Why do you think people pursue purchase of vacation condos, winter homes in Florida, summer homes in Michigan, downtown weekend condos, etc? If you own extra housing/property, how could you use it for the benefit of others?
“The day of the Lord’s favor” was understood by the Jews to be the year of Jubilee when the land would be returned to its original owners. Jesus’ coded words would be good news to those living under Roman occupation. However, the Jews of Jesus’ day understood Jubilee to apply to Jews only. Gentiles were excluded. How did the crowd feel about Jesus’ interpretation of Jubilee?
When have you wanted to limit God’s vision of blessing to only those who deserve it or to those who are part of a certain group? Who are the “undeserving” in your community that are included in the promise of God’s Jubilee blessing? How does Jesus’ words challenge your vision of the future?
The Law permitted the re-purchase of land that was sold by the owner or by his relatives (to keep it in the family). However, redemption of houses inside walled cities had an expiration date. Why do you think there is a difference in how “urban” land and “farm” land is treated? What social benefits would a community experience if this law were practiced. What social and ecological ills might be prevented?
For Further Reflection
In December 2011, 65 homes (one out of every 1037 homes) in Lancaster, PA, received a foreclosure notice. In Chicago, the rate was one out of every 351 homes—a total of 3,406 homes. Foreclosure not only affects owners. Renters in foreclosed multi-unit buildings are often displaced when the property is taken by a bank, putting them at higher risk of homelessness.
Could a “land redemption” law like the one you read today help to stabilize a community? Who do you think would oppose such a law? Why?
In the year of Jubilee, there is a redistribution of land to its original family. What possible social benefits would a community experience if this law were practiced? What social ills might be prevented?
Why do you think the believers had a change in their view of possessions? How might testifying to the resurrection relate to their new view of property ownership? Some commentators have suggested that the early church was living out the Jubilee with a voluntary redistribution of wealth (the Jubilee year in Leviticus 25 returned land to its original family).
Who takes the lead in this new economy? What could this passage say to us about reducing wealth inequity today?
During our “fast” from unnecessary home decor and furnishing purchases, what items have you refrained from purchasing to date so you have something to share? With whom have you shared the savings?
The land belongs to God. What does that statement imply about property ownership? Why do you think God wants us to think of ourselves as tenants and not owners? Does God’s ownership over the land make you feel more or less secure? Why?
How does God’s ownership change the way you think about your property? Does it change the way you make decisions about home improvement projects or property purchases? If so, how?
You’ve heard the word “stewardship” as we’ve entered the Compact. Write a short paragraph about what stewardship means in relationship to your home or property. Consider posting your paragraph as a “Comment”.
Tongue on Fire 