The natural inclination when trying to sum up Trump as an economic participant in the Gospels is to think along the lines of how he fits into the stories.

Can you imagine him saying or doing the things mentioned, and perhaps, which participant does he most emulate. Different readers will see that very differently I suspect. Many of his followers will think he bears much in common with Jesus Himself. Others might choose Lazarus. Still others Pilate.

It seems though that Herod is perhaps the best choice along these lines, as well as “The Man” in the parables, meaning the boss or master. Most of the parables have such a figure and it’s easy to see Trump in those roles.

The economy we see in the Gospels, when broken down and analogized to today, seems familiar in many ways.  Perhaps that is why the narrative, the stories, the people, the situations, the images seem relevant through the ages.

It’s easier in some ways to notice the things that aren’t there.  But what we see is that much of what we take for granted was there, albeit in more simple states: Agriculture?  Check.  Housing?  Check.  Lawyers?  Of course. We’ll get to a more robust discussion of Trump and Experts in the Law later.

As we reach the end of this series on Trump and Economics in the Gospels we find a chapter that finds little to talk about in reference to Trump.

Sure, we could talk about Ivanka and her clothing line but few ties in to Donald himself, per se. Aside from his ties perhaps being a bit too long – and there are no mentions of ties in the Gospels – his clothing is pretty standard stuff: suits, suits, suits. And golf attire. So, since no one dresses like Jesus or John the Baptist nowadays we’ll just let this chapter come straight from the original Economics in the Gospels without comment.

See if you can make a tie-in.

As we approach the inauguration we thought we would complete this series on Trump and Economics in the Gospels first begun in 2017.
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To bring this, and other intriguing connections to the consumerist world in which we live, and which Trump, and his family (particularly Ivanka), take advantage of as entrepreneur, included in this instalment are more links than usual to make the connections.

Trump is an industry to himself with a seemingly endless array of products marketed with his image and imprimatur, and presumably, a royalty. What’s more basic to economics than that?

Amazon.com : trump merchandise

The Gospels include mention of a significant number of goods produced in what one might term the light-manufacturing of its day.  Items include nails, swords, tables, lamps, etc.

One could argue that this list of products are a good start on a list of essential items a society needs to function.  When added to the services/labor listed previously, and the construction activity evidenced as well, a picture of the Gospel economy emerges.

From steaks to golf gear, to Christmas ornaments and masks, the list goes on and on. Not to mention daughter Ivanka’s offerings or the merchandise sold at his properties, this list is virtually unlimited.

And let’s not forget those MAGA hats.

Frustratingly perhaps for free-marketers, Jesus seemed rarely to be a friend of the marketplace.
 
Mark 11:16 and he would not permit anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts.