Contact: Kristin Hansen, The Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, 703-962-7818, media@tifwe.org

MCLEAN, Va., May 22, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Institute for Faith, Work & Economics (IFWE) released a research report Tuesday entitled, "Why Does Income Inequality Exist? An Economic and Biblical Explanation" by Dr. Anne Rathbone Bradley, Vice President of Economic Initiatives at IFWE.

"Income inequality is a hot topic, yet many do not understand the true economic picture or some of the Biblical reasons why it exists," said Dr. Bradley.  "In my report, I take a look at what income inequality is, how it emerges in society, and its impact. Based on that understanding, we can better understand today's income inequality in light of Biblical teachings and what our response should be as Christians, particularly in our own vocation."

In her report, Dr. Bradley asserts the following:

• Diversity is a Biblical premise of Creation. We are born with different gifts.
   
• By focusing on our gifts we can unleash our comparative advantage and bring value to the marketplace by serving others.
   
• In a free society, absent cronyism, disparity of wages is not a sign of injustice.
   
• If we care about a society that reduces poverty and assists the poor, we should be concerned not about income inequality but the relative prosperity of those at the bottom and their income mobility.
   
• An opportunity society is the best way to unleash the creativity and dignity with which we are created and serve others with our gifts.

To download the full report and access related articles and information, go to tifwe.org/research/income-inequality.

The Institute for Faith, Work & Economics is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to educating and inspiring Christians with a Biblical understanding of faith, work and economics. For more information or interviews, visit www.tifwe.org or contact the IFWE press office at media@tifwe.org or (703) 962-7818.