NOT ONLY JUBILEE, SABBATH AND DEBT ARE FOR (AND ARE A FUNCTION OF) THE HUMAN BEING, BUT ALSO LABOUR

Abstract

This article takes as its point of reference the prophetic-apocalyptic and messianic Christian tradition, which is rooted in early Christianity, concerned with those at the bottom and the suffering. It is contrasted with the other imperial and colonial tradition of those from above and the powerful, which is initially reflected in the legalism of the Pharisees and the scribes, and which ends up imposing itself over the course of time towards the present day.

In particular, the paper focuses on the theme of debt forgiveness, connecting it to the spirit of the Jubilee and its impact in terms of dignified living. It also reflects on the metaphor of conceiving the Sabbath (and any human production or creation) as a day of rest, in function of human beings and not, the other way around, making human beings subordinate to the law and its legalism, which obliges them to rest on Saturdays. Finally, it is situated with a specific example, focused on the concept of work as a means to achieve dignified living conditions and as a satisfier and generator of enjoyment, enjoyment and existential wealth in our societies.