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The lesson of history is that capitalism (or any other economic system, for that matter) is beneficent only when it is subject to moral restraints derived ultimately from religious truth. These same moral restraints have been dangerously loosened, as Enron reveals. The resulting chaos can only lead to deadening bureaucratic regulations—and, inevitably, the loss of freedom. Unless, that is, we rebuild the third leg of Michael Novak's stool. This will require a heroic effort but it's one that Christians are uniquely equipped to undertake.

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A ready-to-download Bible Study on this article is available at ChristianBibleStudies.com. These unique Bible studies use articles from current issues of Christianity Today to prompt thought-provoking discussions in adult Sunday school classes or small groups.

For news coverage of the Enron controversy, see Yahoo! full coverage.

Christianity Today sister publication Books & Culture recently examined the lessons of the Enron scandal.

Recent Charles Colson columns for Christianity Today include:

More Doctrine, Not LessWe need to proclaim truth to a truth-impaired generation. (April 15, 2001)

Post-Truth SocietyThe recent trend of lying is no accident. (March 4, 2002)

Drawing the Battle LinesWe need to be informed and discerning about the Islamic worldview. (Jan. 9, 2002)

Wake-up CallIf September 11 was a divine warning, it's God's people who are being warned. (Nov. 5, 2001)

The New TyrannyBiotechnology threatens to turn humanity into raw material. (Oct. 5, 2001)

Merchants of CoolWe should be angry that the media hawks violence and that parents allow it. (June 6, 2001)

Slouching into SlothThe XFL is but the latest sign of the coarsening of our culture. (Apr. 17, 2001)

Checks and (out of) BalanceMoral truth is in jeopardy when the courts enter the business of making law. (Feb. 27, 2001)

Pander PoliticsPoll-driven elections turn voters into self-seeking consumers.(Jan. 3, 2001)

Neighborhood OutpostChanging a culture takes more than politics. (Nov.8, 2000)

MAD No MoreIn this post-Cold War era, it's time to rethink our nation's defensive strategy. (Sept. 27, 2000)

Salad-Bar ChristianityToo many believers pick and choose their own truths. (Aug. 8, 2000)

A Healthy 'Cult'A lively response by one unusual audience shows how God's power transforms culture. (June 12, 2000)

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June 10 2002, Vol. 46, No. 7