Capitalism– ”generally considered to be an economic system that is based on private ownership of the means of production and the creation of goods or services for profit or income by individuals or corporations.” –Wikipedia
At least that’s what this NY Times piece entitled Capitalists and Other Psychopaths says
It basically talked about how evil business people are, how they’re all in bed with the devil, and they’re on a one way trip to hell!
Nothing new right?
But then the author wrote something that struck a chord–made me have to press pause on the Spurs and Thunders game. They said,
“There are ethical corporations, yes, and ethical businesspeople, but ethics in capitalism is purely optional, purely extrinsic… Capitalist values are antithetical to Christian ones. (How the loudest Christians in our public life can also be the most bellicose proponents of an unbridled free market is a matter for their own consciences.)…Like Christian ethics, the principles of republican government require us to consider the interests of others. Capitalism, which entails the single-minded pursuit of profit, would have us believe that it’s every man for himself.
And yes…I had to look up “bellicose” too!
It means, “demonstrating aggression and willing to fight.”
Hmmm…so this person is saying “How a person can be a Christian and still be an advocate of free market is something for their consciences.”
Yes…I am officially offended!
Capitalism As a Calling???
The Bible says,
“The good man’s earnings advance the cause of righteousness. The evil man squanders his on sin.” (Proverbs 10:16 TLB)
Money is neither good nor bad. It’s what the person DOES with the money…that’s what makes the difference.
Business is good…at least I believe its good:
- 5 Lessons From Christ-Centered Billionaires “They” Don’t Want You to Know
- Could Christpreneurship Be the Next Move of God
- Why Christpreneurs Are on The Rise: 4 Reasons “They” Don’t Want You to Know
- 3 Reasons Why Partnering With Ministries is an Effective Business Strategy
- The 5 Mindblowingly Simple Reasons Every Startup Needs to Tithe
- Could Generation Y Be The Most Entrepreneurial Generation Ever?
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
But what about you? Do you think capitalism falls into the plan of God? Is it something that falls into your life?
Your thoughts…
This post was written by...
Michael – who has written 77 posts on The Simple Strategies for Startups Blog.
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I tend to stay away from the NY Times, it just ticks me off. Why someone would write on something they know little about is beyond me.
I would not try to write about neurosurgery after reading one text book on the subject, so why should Christianity be any different? Christianity is a life long journey of growth, you can’t read the Bible once and really say you know all about it.
@tcavey1
Exactly!
I read a book on flying one day so obviously I can pilot a 747
I don’t see why capitalism and free trade would clash. There was free trade before there was America, and God was there before that. I think it’d be wrong to say Jesus or God was a capitalist per se…but I do get ticked off when people automatically assume that a business person can’t be successful and love God.
You said: “These two examples of people who owe their business and life success to being sensitive to God’s Voice.”
I think we are just returning to the same horse and cart from a number of years ago when God spoke to folks with ideas for inventions that translated into market share, But the mistake they made was to allow themselves to slowly get watered down. They started in Faith, and with Good Folks at the helm, and later they hired whomsoever, and the old tried and true philosophy that once worked lost it’s sharp edge. IF THE RIGHTEOUS REIN the people will PROSPER. Someone dropped the ball in each case. Taken from God’s own Word – reliable!!!
If you don’t follow my train of thought here do some research with large enterprises that were begun on a solid Godly foundation, but have since fallen by the way side or at the very least no longer exhibit that earlier cutting edge.
My suggestion for this to work again effectively and over time is for these new start-ups to Go With God and to STAY WITH GOD. Agree!
Where eagles fly,
Don (Greywolf)
Native American Storyteller and Short Story Editor
Don,
You have said a mouthful…nothing else I can add
Thank you for your great insight
I tend not to listen to the NYT on what God meant and how Christians should behave, especially when the person writing is generally antagonistic to Christianity and really only has what he/she thinks it should be.
While I may not say completely that God is a capitalist, I will say that that comes closest. In capitalism (not crony capitalism, which is pretty much what we mostly see), you have the freedom to choose and create, the freedom to produce and the freedom to be worthy of your compensation. I can think of at least a dozen scriptures, in context, where this is promoted.
Absolutely Mak! Free market existed before there was an America and God existed before free market. I think that person was completely off.
Thanks for your insight!
We’re in this situation because we’re free. Capitalism is a free system. We’re free to be selfish or to be gracious. In every case, over the long term, the intrinsic rewards of doing the right thing win out over the extrinsic short-term reward of being selfish. Only in a capatilistic society are we free to do what’s right. Compromise some of those freedoms and eventually the right things will be the very things that are against the law.
The critics have a valid complaint though, because as a Christian in the free market, I don’t make a big enough difference. I’m not providing enough evidence to the contrary. I’d say “we” but I don’t want to judge everyone else. As a Christian, I must use my liberty to show off the grace of God. When we all see articles like this one as a warning that we’re not doing a very good job, maybe we can do more to provide a compelling argument to the contrary.
Thanks for the great post. Mike…
Many people start their own businesses, feeling like at last they can be their own boss. But for a Christian, God is always their boss, whether they work for themselves or somebody else.
Capitalism is the best system, working with human motivations, to make and distribute goods. The problem is that same human nature. While private property is to be protected (‘do not steal’ and ‘do not covet’), there are also biblical rules for business people (against cheating and dishonest weights and measures). Instances of fraud and cheating today give the free enterprise system a bad impression to the public. We need more checks and balances against unscrupulous business people, and their frauds and scams – not more freedom and less regulation. It may be polite to say people are good, but without the check of accountability, people are basically bad.
http://www.postadavisongs.50webs.com/Are%20You%20Good.htm
Dave Davis
Dave,
I just saw this. I agree with all of what you’re saying. I’m about to check out the post you left. Thanks for responding!