Thursday, February 2, 2012

christian capitalism

The Truthless Reconciler continues to actively seek a variety of writers to express a variety of viewpoints, especially conservative. So far, no luck, but we'll keep trying.

Newt Gingrich can probably explain how corporate capitalism is compatible with christianity, because he's good at articulating conservative ideas, but in his absence we'll do what we can.

The main argument is that those who are wealthy have been rewarded by God. And how can anyone argue with that? However, it almost seems that Jesus discouraged collecting personal wealth:

               "Go they way, and sell whatsoever thou hast, and give unto the poor,
                                     and thou shalt have treasure, in heaven."

He also seems to favor paying taxes, no matter how high: "render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's."

Those among us who favor hiking taxes on the wealthy to pay for entitlement programs are not entirely without scriptural support. Even today, those who follow Christ most fervantly tend to be non materialistic, monastic, prayerful.

The best guess is that Jesus of Nazareth wouldn't have any complaint with any modern economic system which treats everyone respectfully and fairly, no matter how competitive the system. Are there any systems on earth which meet this standard? Beneficial economic competition must have rules, to eliminate chaos, violence, war.

Capitalist christianity? Never. Christian capitalism? Let's give it a try.

Please scroll down for the other articles in today's issue of The Truthless Reconciler! Thanks!

No comments:

Post a Comment