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.

Isaiah 5:8-10 

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?

Luke 4:16-30

“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?

Leviticus 25:24-31

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?

Leviticus 25:13-19

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?

Acts 4:32-37

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?

Leviticus 25:23; Psalm 24:1

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”.

Jeremiah 32:1-15

Jerusalem was under attack by the Babylonian army.  Though this would not seem to be a good time to buy land, Jeremiah publically purchased a field from his cousin, keeping it in the family. Why do you think God lead him to do that?  What does Jeremiah’s action communicate to the rest of the Jews?

What action could people of faith take today that would give people hope in the midst of a housing crisis?  With so many communities “under attack” with bank foreclosures and “short sales”, how could the church become a stabilizing agent?

Joshua 14:1-5

Each tribal clan of Israel, with the exception of the tribe of Levi, received an allotment of land, distributed by Eleazar the priest, Joshua and a leader from each tribe.  Each allotment was further divided among the families of the clan.  In the end, every family of every clan received a share of property as their “inheritance.”

What do you think would happen if every family in your community were given a plot of land and that they were told it would remain in their family for all generations?  How do you think this equality would change relationships?

How would you respond if someone suggested this kind of land distribution in your community?  How would your neighbors respond?  What does the response reveal about our understanding of ownership and property?