What The Bible Teaches About Capitalism

[Valin]

WSJ:

 

 

As the Ten Commandments instruct, envy is corrosive to the individual and to those societies that embrace it.

ARYEH SPERO

1/29/12

 

(Snip)

More than any other nation, the United States was founded on broad themes of morality rooted in a specific religious perspective. We call this the Judeo-Christian ethos, and within it resides a ringing endorsement of capitalism as a moral endeavor.

 

Regarding mankind, no theme is more salient in the Bible than the morality of personal responsibility, for it is through this that man cultivates the inner development leading to his own growth, good citizenship and happiness. The entitlement/welfare state is a paradigm that undermines that noble goal.

 

(Snip)

 

At the opening bell, Genesis announces: "Man is created in the image of God"—in other words, like Him, with individuality and creative intelligence. Unlike animals, the human being is not only a hunter and gatherer but a creative dreamer with the potential of unlocking all the hidden treasures implanted by God in our universe. The mechanism of capitalism, as manifest through investment and reasoned speculation, helps facilitate our partnership with God by bringing to the surface that which the Almighty embedded in nature for our eventual extraction and activation.

 

(Snip)

[righteousmomma]

True - and the Bible also gives us our first instance of "socialism" and its failure. Good intentions and all.

[Valin]

True - and the Bible also gives us our first instance of "socialism" and its failure. Good intentions and all.

 

?

[Al_Simmons]

He that will not work shall not eat.

[righteousmomma]

True.

 

 

However I was referring more to Acts 2. The main or mother church that had formed in Jerusalem became poor. Paul had an offering delivered to them.

Many scholars think that their decision to practice communal living and sharing (an early form of a type of socialism) might have contributed to their need. Though the Bible does not say one way or the other and it most certainly does not project a negative reaction to their transformed, revolutionized lives.

 

 

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.