The problem with John’s recommendations is that they are vague and on the important points he sits on the fence:
– what does it mean when he says: “Those who follow the One who gave himself up for us all will endeavour to put their private interests aside and seek instead to serve the wider community”? What does serving the wider community mean?
– “moral health far exceeds economic prosperity as an honorable goal for society”. Moral health is indeed what God is interested in. But, this subordination of economics to morality is somewhat flawed. First, your ability to be merciful is proportional to what you have that can be given. Economic prosperity and opportunity, whilst in some respect dangerous, also enable good works and generosity. Second, economic growth is mostly about greater innovation. We are made in God’s image: surely our creativity and innovation should be celebrated?
– “Whatever socio-economic model Christians believe in, they ought to vote for those who need their vote more than they do. ” Why doesn’t John just say what he thinks? Is the social welfare model more effective or is the economic prosperity more effective? Thankfully he provides some examples of those that are disadvantaged – and those he lists genuinely are. And yet, what about middle class welfare and the concomitant taxes that fund this? Are these just?
Dickson’s article isn’t meant to be comprehensive, and is more principles based. But I would have liked something a little more definitive from someone employed by the Centre of Public Christianity.
Partners in Prayer 
The problem with John’s recommendations is that they are vague and on the important points he sits on the fence:
– what does it mean when he says: “Those who follow the One who gave himself up for us all will endeavour to put their private interests aside and seek instead to serve the wider community”? What does serving the wider community mean?
– “moral health far exceeds economic prosperity as an honorable goal for society”. Moral health is indeed what God is interested in. But, this subordination of economics to morality is somewhat flawed. First, your ability to be merciful is proportional to what you have that can be given. Economic prosperity and opportunity, whilst in some respect dangerous, also enable good works and generosity. Second, economic growth is mostly about greater innovation. We are made in God’s image: surely our creativity and innovation should be celebrated?
– “Whatever socio-economic model Christians believe in, they ought to vote for those who need their vote more than they do. ” Why doesn’t John just say what he thinks? Is the social welfare model more effective or is the economic prosperity more effective? Thankfully he provides some examples of those that are disadvantaged – and those he lists genuinely are. And yet, what about middle class welfare and the concomitant taxes that fund this? Are these just?
Dickson’s article isn’t meant to be comprehensive, and is more principles based. But I would have liked something a little more definitive from someone employed by the Centre of Public Christianity.