This article defends the proposition that all human persons merit basic sustenance on biblical grounds. The nature of humankind, Gods design for creation, the distribution of the land of Canaan, covenant law, an option for the poor, and Jesus teaching all serve to support this proposition. The article does not propose specific political-economic means to effectuate this biblical mandate. Rather it seeks to show that the mandate requiring basic sustenance for all is a matter of justice that can be carried out in contemporary societies through a variety of political-economic strategies.
Kent Van Til, "A Biblical/Theological Case for Basic Sustenance for All," Journal of Markets & Morality 7, no. 2 (Fall 2004): 441-466