Creating Faith-Based Jobs

By Stephanie and Eric Stradford

AMWS, October 6, 2011, Atlanta, GA -- Many Americans were either saddened or inspired by the death of Apple Computer founder, Steve Jobs. But, his innovative work is likely to inspire a new definition of an American job.

As some members of Congress figure out how to oppose The American Jobs Act, members of the President’s Cabinet are bypassing bipolar politics to offer hope and seek help for Americans in need.

Diverse people of faith, including African Methodists from Atlanta area congregations, met with U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis at Cascade United Methodist Church. According to Eric and Stephanie Stradford, Youth Achievers USA Institute, “the President’s point person on jobs is reaching out to the faith community with her vision of the future.  Secretary Solis encouraged faith-based groups to promote their job clubs, career ministries or employment initiatives and incorporate efficient use of 21^st century technology.”

In her remarks, the secretary presented a relevant point for public debate on the President’s American Jobs Act. “Government doesn’t create jobs,” she said. However, the secretary did offer some hope for folks looking for jobs.

Job Creation Programs are undertaken by a government to help unemployed citizens secure employment. Scholarly study on the President’s job plan reveals some thinking that is as American as The Tea Party. Jobs programs are especially common during times of high unemployment. They may either concentrate on macroeconomic policy in order to increase the supply of jobs, or create more efficient means to pair employment seekers with their prospective employers.

Keynesian CAIN-ZEE-AN economics is as simple as Herman Cain’s 9-9-9 scheme, but with far more depth for discussion. This school of macroeconomic thought is based on the ideas of 20th-century English economist John Maynard Keynes.

The Keynesian economics debate, redubbed innovation economics or The Great American Jobs Debate, argues that private sector decisions sometimes lead to inefficient macroeconomic outcomes. It has ignited responses from the public sector including monetary policy by the central bank. This might explain Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernake’s insistence that Congress should get to work on a Jobs Act.

An inclusive, transparent, and substantive debate should include those citizens who are empowered to make a difference. Since such a debate is beyond the comprehension of some congressional leaders and political candidates, perhaps an appeal directly to America’s faithful can help to bring us back into the light.

One point for debate might advocate a mixed economy, one that served as the economic model during the later part of the Great Depression, World War II, and the post-war economic expansion (from 1945 all the way up to 1973).

The believer’s debating point might follow a 400 year period of wondering how, when and at what cost change would come. Good news, presented in the form of prophesy, points to a series of strategic events that would “restore the places long devastated and renew ruined cities.”

The actual good news report laid out a first century A.D. manufacturing process that produced a Community Asset. So profound was this asset that its replication continues wherever believers live, learn, work and worship.

The innovation behind the economics of assets and liabilities is so simple that even Congress can get it. The innovative, undisputable good news is “The Word Became Flesh.” The manufacturing timeline outlined in The Gospel of Saint John reveals the miracle of faith-based job creation. The secret formula for believers is as follows:

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 He was with God in the beginning.

3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

The great American Jobs Debate might model 21st Century job descriptions on an established government accepted manufacturing process.

The product, “America’s Future,” centers on an intentional, pro-social approach that engages youth within their communities, schools, organizations, peer groups, and families in a manner that is productive and constructive; recognizes, utilizes, and enhances youths' strengths; and promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing opportunities, fostering positive relationships and furnishing the support needed to build on their leadership strengths.

What an awesome opportunity for modeling “as such is the kingdom.”

The first large scale job creation programs in the United States were introduced as part of the New Deal during the Great Depression. Departments like the Civil Works Administration, Public Works Administration, Civilian Conservation Corps, and, most prominently, the Works Progress Administration created thousands of jobs for the unemployed.

In a recent address to the American people in 2011, President Barack Obama discussed using innovation economics as the basis for his jobs creation program. Perhaps our vision of America’s future can begin with RAISING AMERICA.