Can capitalism in America be considered a religion?

Question

I hear people call themselves Randians and swear by her novels, as though this author had been born with the peculiar hability of never making mistakes. I hear people swear that all the problems society has can be solved by a perfect free market, even though such a system is most likely politically unfeasible. Others insist technology can only be good, as it leads to better production, despite science that demonstrates the unsustainability of present-day consummerism.

Has faith in capitalism reached the level of religious belief in a certain segment of the population?

Answer 1

Yes, it can be a religion. Click the link below and you will see. Part "4" of the definition does not relate to a god or supernatural nature.

Answer 2

You're right on the money with the religious right. Sadly, for most, this presents a false choice. The assumption is made that any rational atheist would then also reject freedom and capitalism. This is of course utter nonsense. The other side of the political spectrum--servitude and socialism--builds their foundation on another mythical creation: society. Society, as an entity, exists no more than any deity, however it has been used (preceded by "the good of") to justify as many atrocities as any religion. It would appear to the casual observer that the only difference between left and right is who precisely is the false god whose every whim must be obeyed. If only there was a philosophy that advocated personal freedom and individuality from an ethical framework that holds human life in the highest regard and doesn't rely on fantasy, but instead upon reason and empiricism. Good news, kids: we do exist.

Answer 3

I'm a Christian, and I do believe the capitalist system is a much better system than socialism or communism. However, I don't worship money. I work hard, I own three successful businesses in three different fields, and I enjoy my work. The money is good to have to pay my bills, but other than that, it doesn't mean much to me. My employees are happy and well treated, and unless they were moving, I have never had an employee quit on me. This is because they like their work, and I give great benefits. I could turn a larger profit if I wasn't as good to them, but that wouldn't be right. I give a good portion of the money that I make to various charities and causes. I help my friends and neighbors out when they are in need. I could do none of those things under communism.

Personally, I don't care for Ayn Rand. I'd rather pinch myself until I bleed than read another one of her books. Not everyone who believes in capitalism subscribes to her particular view of it.

My faith is in my Lord, Jesus Christ. There is nothing more important than that.

Answer 4

In America there is no such thing as pure capitalism. Case in point there are too many Democrats in Congress to allow such a condition.

Randians are rare, and America needs more of them. Not that they are the total answer, they are not !!! Just proper balance

Answer 5

Not really. religion does not have much to do with certainty. it is about relieving the anxiety of uncertainty by replacing your fears with a hope and faith that somebody with power will save you if you beg.
Aynn Rand's followers supposedly believe in the myth of man's ability to solve any problem himself if he works hard and is lucky enough to be smart and obey certain principles.

It is not incompatible with atheism, which is not a religion. although it is a mental conclusion upon rational thought.( maybe valid maybe not, maybe true, maybe not)
Randians do not beg or supplicate any superior beings as they are the superior ones with distain for the petty groveling masses of weaklings they see around them.
Capitalism is a sound economic system that is not perfect but does seem to blend well with human tendencies to survival and to seek advantage over others. It is driven by the engine of greed. It has many flaws but can be tinkered with by wise men
(or women) and perhaps actually work.
The governmental systems create the worst problems. Democracy being one of the most flawed as it allows the perpetuation of the comforting myth that all men are created equal (a patent lie) and allows the majority of unwashed fools to decide what happens. UGH, no wonder we are in trouble. anyone over age 18 can vote no matter how stupid. Who dreamed that idea up? I prefer an elite oligarchy of intelligensia to rule provided they are benevolent. That would be a lot better than being ruled by an aristocracy of millionaire senators and a bungling rabble of discontented congreemen and a president elected on the basis of his popularity with the voters. Our republic form of democracy is not working well for most folks and the ones who profit or benefit most are not the most worthy, but certainly the most crafty. Benefits to particpants should be based upon a rational system of the value of the contribution to society and not by paying the most to the most popular singer, or athlete or politician and under rewarding the teachers and police and soldiars and real working people that built this country and keep it together. That would only be possible with a ruling class that was both intelligent and caring and appointed on ability and merit rather than PR, Ads on TV and other pointless stuff such as money to spend on manipulating opinions. Our system id doomed to disappoint and ultimately fail because we wind up with a bunch of selfish rich fools making the decisions (like war) and running the country. The constutution was a a nice effort but it has failed miserably as judging by the results you see all around you. We need to revise it. (legally of sourse)

Answer 6

No. In no sense is capitalism a religion. Religions rely on belief in supernatural phenomena, and capitalism has nothing to do with such. Capitalism is simply the system which is based on sound economic principles.

Answer 7

you have a good point. In the book Brave New World, it is definitely a religion....I think capitalism could be defined as religion because some people worship money, without money, most would not know how to survive and woud not know how to adapt and be happy with that. But, I use money to survive, and don't think much of it, i can also do without if I have to. Money does not rule my life, I think I was much happier when I had none.

Answer 8

No, religion by definition involves a deity. Sorry Buddhists, you don't qualify either.

But I know what you mean about putting money above all. The way I see it, it is conceivable that one person could own everything.... if they were the only person on earth. Kinda scary.

Answer 9

There is a god representative of capitalism.He is called Mamon.And there is a religion of sorts where the churches are located in places like Wall Street,company boardrooms,banks,etc. *Link*

Answer 10

Religion is a fixation of devotion, usually toward a diety; but not limited to such.

If you constantly think about money, and how to get rich quick, then Capitalism is a religion to you.