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Browsing Book by Author "Gagnidze, Ineza"

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    Orthodoxy and economy
    (Publishing House “UNIVERSAL”, 2025) Gagnidze, Ineza
    The concept of the “New Athens and New Jerusalem”, as envisioned by the Georgian monarch St David IV the Builder, remains pertinent today. Just as the construction of any edifice begins with a solid foundation, so too should industrial relations in Georgia rest upon a firm grounding in what may be termed “comprehended religion” – specifically, Orthodox Christianity. For generations raised in Soviet Georgia, where religious education was absent, Orthodox studies came to be regarded as the preserve of philologists and historians alone. This perception has been passed down to younger generations. As a result, Orthodox studies and the theory of economics continue to be viewed as largely separate and unrelated disciplines. This work explores the rationale for state intervention in the education system and examines the educational responsibilities borne by the state. One of the principal arguments in favour of such intervention is the perceived need to establish a shared set of societal values. Consequently, it is argued that the norms introduced through educational reforms should not conflict with the longstanding traditions and customs of Georgia, which have been shaped over centuries by the influence of Christianity. This perspective implies a harmonious integration of knowledge and faith within the individual. Such a view finds support in the writings and reflections of notable thinkers including Goethe, Planck, and Einstein. It also resonates with the teachings and insights of figures such as Saint Ilia the Righteous (Ilia Chavchavadze), Saint Gabriel the Bishop (Kikodze), and His Holiness Ilia II, the Catholicos- Patriarch of All Georgia. Drawing on both the Old and New Testaments, the discussion addresses the symbolic transformation of the serpent from an emblem of evil to a representation of wisdom. According to leading experts, any political, social, or economic model within a given country inevitably evolves in response to its religious and national characteristics and traditions. Historically, Georgia has endured persistent incursions by nations with markedly different cultural frameworks - both qualitatively and in terms of developmental stages. These challenges compelled Georgia to respond rapidly and pragmatically to externally imposed innovations, often necessitating adaptation. Such adaptations, however, were frequently excessive and marked by resistance to elements incompatible with the country’s traditional values. Over the centuries, Georgian culture and customs have been fundamentally shaped by the teachings of Orthodox Christianity. This work outlines key biblical principles concerning labour relations and remuneration, and explores the potential for their invocation and application within the context of Georgia’s contemporary economic system. This study also undertakes a comparative analysis of the wisdom found in the Gospels and the views expressed by Professor Gregory Mankiw of Harvard University, particularly his formulation of the ten fundamental principles of economics as outlined in his textbook Principles of Economics. The work incorporates selected passages from the Gospels and the Holy Scriptures that bear notable analogies to the concepts discussed in Mankiw’s text, offering insights into the resolution of specific economic challenges. These parallels are presented as further evidence of the timeless relevance of the wisdom embedded in Orthodox Christian thought. In his seminal work The Competitive Advantage of Nations, Michael Porter, a renowned professor at Harvard University, observed: “The competitiveness of a country results from the combination of its organisational model and management practices, which are most appropriate for particular countries and the sources of competitiveness within specific industries. Differences in national values, culture, economic structures, institutional functioning, and historical development contribute to the attainment of competitive advantage.” According to the 2025 yearbook published by the World Competitiveness Research Centre in Lausanne, over 300 indicators of global competitiveness are classified into four main categories: (1) Economic Performance; (2) Government Efficiency; (3) Business Efficiency; and (4) Infrastructure. Among the five sub-factors shaping business effectiveness is the category of “Approaches and Values”, which is further assessed through seven indicators: attitudes towards globalisation, the country’s international image, national culture, flexibility and adaptability, the need for economic and social reform, value systems, and corporate values. This article draws upon citations from the Gospels and Epistles, data from the Ministry of Economy’s official website, and the perspectives of prominent Georgian scholars to argue that Orthodox Christianity constitutes a significant factor in enhancing the competitiveness of Georgia’s economy. Horizontal and vertical equity are fundamental principles within the field of welfare economics. Horizontal equity refers to the equal treatment of individuals in similar circumstances, while vertical equity denotes differential treatment aimed at mitigating the effects of inherent disparities among individuals. An analysis of selected passages from the New Testament (Matthew 23:23; Romans 13:7; John 7:24; Colossians 4:1; Mark 12:42-44; 2 Corinthians 8:11-15; James 2:1-10) suggests that Orthodox Christian teachings are broadly consistent with these principles. This work also examines the Parable of the Talents from the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 25:14–29), in which the master entrusts his servants with five, two, and one talent respectively, charging them with the responsibility to invest and generate returns. The interpretation of "talents" varies among scholars. Some regard them as symbolic of material wealth, while others equate them with intellectual or cognitive capabilities, thereby underscoring the ethical imperative to employ such resources for the benefit of both the individual and wider society. Moreover, the legitimacy of generating profit is a significant point of consideration in this context. To explore this theme further, the study introduces Georgian readers to the work of the prominent scholar Gary North, who was raised in Southern California and dedicated his career to synthesising Austrian economic theory with theological conservatism. It is anticipated that engagement with North’s volume Economic Commentaries on the Bible will serve as a foundation for further scholarly inquiry among Georgian economists and interested readers alike.