In times like these, it’s only natural to seek the guidance of history. So, United Methodist J. Richard Peck, a retired clergyman, poses the question: What would Methodist founder John Wesley tell us about today’s economic crisis.

Says Peck: “John Wesley believed that most of the economic problems of the day were caused by a growing disparity between the rich and the poor.

Wesley felt the cure was to repress ‘luxury, either by example, by laws, or both.’ He asked legislators to establish laws that would prohibit the distillation of alcohol. While he lamented high taxes upon the poor and middle class, he called for additional taxes on luxury items such as horses and carriages. He suggested people be taxed on what they purchased rather than upon what they earned.”

No alcohol? Umm, okâÂ?¦what would John Knox do?