In an era dominated by instant gratification, soaring national debt, and hyper-financialized markets, we may be unknowingly participating in an economic system that actively undermines our faith, marriages, and families.
In this episode of the Live IT Today podcast, hosts Greg and Stephanie Schlueter are joined by economics professor, author, and father of seven, Drew Blazsik, for a deep, challenging, and deeply eye-opening exploration of Catholic economic principles. At the center of their conversation is Drew’s forthcoming book, The Forgotten Sin of Usury: Debt, Labor, and the Moral Order of the Family.
Together, they unpack how modern debt dynamics have quietly inverted the moral order—privileging immediate pleasure before labor and reshaping our societal view of work, family life, and eternity.
Key Takeaways & Highlights
Defining Usury Beyond the Modern Definition: Drawing from Scripture, Church Councils, and papal encyclicals—including the Fifth Lateran Council and Vix Pervenit—Drew outlines the traditional Church teaching on usury: acquiring gain from a sterile asset without true work, expense, or genuine risk-sharing.
The Psychology of Debt & Immediacy: How modern consumer credit, “buy now, pay later” schemes, and interest-bearing models foster a throwaway culture. By claiming our future labor to pay for past pleasures, debt reverses the natural and spiritual sequence of work before reward.
Impact on Marriage, Family, and Birth Rates: The profound connection between high-debt societies, economic insecurity, declining birth rates, and strain on marriages.
Redefining Catholic Inheritance: Moving away from handing down paper assets or 401(k) balances to true inheritance: passing on the Catholic faith, practical production skills, and local, family-owned productive property.
Macroeconomics, Inflation, and Policy: A critical look at the Federal Reserve, monetary expansion, fiat currency, and how inflation acts as a hidden tax on the labor of past and present generations. Drew also explores historical solutions like the Chicago Plan, public banking models, and restoring subsidiarity to local communities.
Tune in for an invigorating discussion that moves beyond simple market talking points to offer a grounded, Catholic vision for restored families, authentic stewardship, and kingdom building.
Truth is a Person. Freedom is found in Him. Live IT. At the heart of IT all is God’s reminder: We Image the Trinity.
That’s the IT.
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