Is there a relationship between economic conservativism (or free-market capitalism) and religion?

Question

Is there a relationship between economic conservativism (or free-market capitalism) and religion? For example, why is there a correlation between Christian fundamentalism and the Republican party? By contrast, why have Communist regimes historically banned religion?

Answer 1

There's a correllation, but there's nothing particular in christianity that supports or opposes capitalism or free markets.

Communism tends to take down religion because it's goal is that all power go the prolitariate (ie the Communist Party) - any institution other than the Party is seen as a tool by which the prolitariate can be oppressed.

In the early years of the Cold War, American politicians capitalized on the 'godlessness' of Communism to rally support from the religious. I suppose that may well have led to the inclusion of fundies in the Republican party.

Answer 2

It is an odd relationship. Logically speaking, free market capitalism would go best with a social moderate/liberal position. The union of capitalism and Christianity is most pronounced in the USA. Center-right parties in the UK, Canada, and Australia are economically to the right, but not in the social conservative sense.

Answer 3

to impose a communist system always requires a revolution. to take power by revolution always means a brutal crackdown on opposition to seal your power. the church usually opposes the revolution and the subsequent brutality so it gets destroyed to.
i think that the crrelation between the gop and the fundamentalists is just a fluke. the gop is really all about the business. they just exploited a niche they found in the christian right. they wanted the vote and were able to get them by just spouting a few catchphrases. you notice that they actually do nothing for the christian right. the supreme court is as republican as it can get, yet no reversal of roe, no school prayer, etc. the c. right clings to the gop because the dems offer no hope for their agenda. and the gop keeps courting the c. right because they need the votes, the c. right has no where else to turn, and after the elections the gop can wad them up and throw them in the trash and noboby cares.

Answer 4

To me, laissez-faire capitalism has nothing at all to do with religion (although fundamentalists have made it that way).
They have been manipulated by the GOP in associating the two. Truth is,

The Communists believe that religion weakens your will to resist oppression. They believe that anything that makes you comfortable while the Bourgeoisie steal and keep you down is against the cause (this includes alcohol, drugs, religion, etc)

Answer 5

christianity and capitalism should be polar opposites IMO