Why do Christians support capitalism?

Question

There's nothing in Scripture that points exclusively to capitalist economic systems, and more than a few places that suggest that a focus on profit and material goods is a big mistake. So why are Christians so supportive of free-market capitalism?

By the way, in considering your answer, remember that there are more than two possibilities for economic systems - in other words, communism is *not* the only alternative to capitalism.

Answer 1

Capitalist represents freedom, and that's what Christianity's all about. As far as yor references, this is amongst willing Christians, to help each other out. Never forced. Never state-run.

Answer 2

Actually, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have learned that there is such a thing as the law of consecration, which we will be living someday under the Milennial Reign of Jesus Christ after the Second Coming. This system will be neither capitalistic nor socialistic, and it will not be communist, either. I have heard that it will be based more on how each family will have enough to supply their needs, like a house commensurate with the size of the family, and extra funds or goods will be donated to the bishop's storehouse so that everyone in the world will never know poverty again. Work and talents will still be rewarded, but not with money. However, until that day arrives, I would have to support ethical capitalism, if there is such a thing, where company owners are held responsible for the way they treat their workers. That is because - as another answerer noted - capitalism promotes more freedom of expression and creative thinking to solve problems without undermining initiative.

Answer 3

You're right. Communism isn't the only alternative to capitalism.. but in theory... communism is the best form of government that any nation could want. Imagine if you.. the person working at McDonalds were just as important to society as the lawyer down the street.. a nation where everone is equal and no one wants for anything.. that would truly be the Christian way of thinking.. now if only we could find someone that wasn't greedy to lead us.. how about Jesus?

Answer 4

There is nothing wrong with capitalism unless you would rather live under the rule of government. There are many verses in the Bible that support working for a living so we can take care of our families. 2 Thessalonians 3: 10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 1 Corinthians 16: 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

Answer 5

Christianity adopts the paths of freedom. The result is capitalism. Is there any other religion that allows freedom to the extent what we see in the capitalist nations today? There is nothing to link between the scripture and capitalism except freedom.

Answer 6

There are many Christian nations that are not capitalist. Many are socialist. Some are even communist (Cuba).

So your arbitrary generalization that "Christians support capitalism" is wrong. That an individual Christian can be a capitalist is possible without violating christian ethics. There is nothing that supports or prohibits capitalism in and of itself in the bible. And many of the "righteous" people mentioned in the bible were gainfully and profitably employed.

Answer 7

First off, can you find a better economic system than capitalism...THAT WORKS??

Second, not all Christians support capitalism. But we are understanding in the fact that you can't change your government. Overnight, anyway.

I think you are assuming that we are supportive of it, because America is a capitalist society, and is composed mainly of Christians.

And we all know what assuming does...

Answer 8

I don't think the bible forbids other government types. You must understand all the big christian cultures were founded on capitalist societies, though. It's very hard to seperate that aspect of culture/values from Christianity as a whole.

Socialism is the alternative to capitalism but we see it doesn't work well.

Answer 9

I don't believe the bible supports any specific economic system, however there is clear evidence that we are to render unto our governments that which is due them, i.e. taxes. Money is not the root of evil. What the bible says is that the LOVE of money is the root of all evil. Christians can prosper and have wealth. In fact, God desires for us to be prosperous. What he also desires is that in our prosperity, we remember our brothers and sisters who need our help. We are called to serve others. That's a lesson that every Christian needs to remember. Capitalism isn't the problem, it's the love of money and greed. You can't serve and be greedy.

Answer 10

and then i think that is totally well to be capitalist if you're no longer Christian? Lol. I agree, capitalism isn't honest to each and absolutely everyone. besides the undeniable fact that, exploitation is by no potential precise, because shoppers comprehend that no one sells fabric products without the point of creating income. Ease of ingesting comes with the income of manufacturing, we study this in 4th grade. hi guy, you could examine and write. you could imagine for your self, granted you enable bias media impact your concept procedure too a lot. the point is, each and every scrap of wealth you be conscious round you, fabric and psychological, became presented into our lives by utilizing capitalism. in case you want to assist save the lives of the ravenous children in Africa and the middle East, then donate nutrients. Volunteer. you won't be able to save the international merely by utilizing switching to a diverse economy, because there are consistently undesirable those who will abuse the equipment. Even now, i'm conscious that our authorities is probable dirtier than the different round the globe. A Communist economy is easier to rig, rip-off, and corrupt. in case you imagine that someway switching to a Communist economy is going to save lives, you should actually think again your hypothesis.

Answer 11

In my experience there are true christians and pseudo-christians. It is hard to distinguish so you have to look closely at their behavior. There are pseudo-christians who believe in a god but only because their christian parents told them there was. These are lazy christians. They believe but not enough to study and absorb what is in the bible and sermons. Then there are the hard core true christians. The fire and brimestone lot. They believe in strict practice of what's in the bible. These are the capitalist free market christians. They hold themselves to be self righteous because they entertain no contestment of their interpretation of the bible. With self satisfaction and total faith comes an absence of doubt in themselves because they believe ignorantly that J.C. got their back and with one request from them they can send those to disent to the social gallows. With a lack of fear and full confidence they are embolden and go about establishing their superiority by increasing the social status by sticking their noses in everyone elses affairs. They purchase their social status by increasing their financial base because a poor person, be they christian or agnostic, looks up to those with money. The pseudo-christians talk of the true believers with awe, respect or contempt (contempt is a way of acknowledging another persons superiority). The true believer bask in the glow and tries to be benign by spreading the wealth. Helping others is supposed to be a charitable act and hopefully rewarded with a place in heaven. I am agnostic. I have observed christians. In response to your question--christians support capitalism mainly because it is already established, it's easy for them to understand, and mainly because most are ignorant of any other system. Those who understand the difference are usually accumulating wealth and why change a good thing. Simply -- they're generally ignorant. On a side note, it explains why the Predominantly christian United States keeps sticking its nose in every other country's business. We do charitable acts to make us feel superior and we tell everyone else they are doing things wrong because in the big picture they are disidents of the way the true believing christians believe.