THEOLOGICAL COMPREHENSION OF THE PROBLEM OF SOCIAL INEQUALITY (ACCORDING TO THE PENTATEUCH)
This article is devoted to the study of one of modern global problems of human society - social inequality. The growing stratification leads to the fact that the number of people who are unable to meet their main needs is extremely large. The current situation certainly requires a Christian understanding based on the Holy Scriptures. In social terms, it is the Pentateuch that is extremely interesting, since it describes the structure and formation of a theocratic society. The biblical concept, based on the creation of man in the image and likeness of God and universal equality before the Creator (Gen. 1:26), sees everyone as a unique person, and not just part of a social or state system. The article offers for consideration the Old Testament ideas about land ownership, Sabbath and jubilee years, tax service, debt obligations, charity and slavery.