Jesus told the rich young man to sell all he had and give the money to the poor. Acts recounts how early Christians pooled all their resources and lived in socialistic communes. On the other hand, Jesus told parables about shrewd investors and managers who cut deals. Is Christianity more consistent with capitalism or socialism?
2007-08-25 02:33:10 · 6 answers · asked by Bruce 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Hi Bruce, this is an interesting question...it's best to approach the answer from two different disciplines: Theology and History (these disciplines are not mutually exclusive but they do help answer different types of questions).
From the theological angle: The Catholic Church is a strong advocate of individual rights and free enterprise (Catechism of the Catholic Church, pub. 1997). This also means they are an advocate of private property. So for a relatively simple answer to your question, it would be capitalism.
From the historical angle: Lots of things have changed in the business world and community life from the time of Jesus till now, at least in the western world. You can compare the different economic systems based on history. The economic systems that have been advocates of private property have thrived in comparison to statist, planned economies. Communism does not work, the historical record has proved that i.e. Russia, Eastern Europe, North Korea, etc. Capitalism is not perfect, there are abuses and inequalities, but on the whole it's a better model, it provides more opportunity for everyone.
One last thought, the writings in the New Testament are not necessarily advocating one economic system over another, they are trying to reveal theological truths to the reader. Human nature has not changed since Jesus' time, and man's greed can easily be the seed of his downfall, that's as true today as it's ever been no matter what economic system you happen to be involved in. God comes first...he should be your strongest love, your first consideration---not money.
2007-08-28 14:15:59 · answer #1 · answered by sh 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get rich quick schemes in the capitalist business world, (buyouts, IPOs, conglomerates, acquisitions, mergers, and the stock market), do not actually work. Remaining solvent does not actually exist within false economics capitalism.
Profit existing in the capitalist business world, or millionaires existing within capitalism, is pathological deception committed by the 21 organizations spying on the public with plain clothes agents, (with covert fake names and fake backgrounds).
Actual economics involves the persons paying the monthly business loan payments of companies voting at work in order to control the property they are paying for.
Capitalism is the psychology of imaginary parents, false economics, and the criminal deception of employees that are paying the bills (including the stocks and bonds, or shares) of companies.
2007-08-28 06:43:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus was a Commune-ists but fundies swear their allegiance to Capitalism.
What was joke about the rich man, the camel and the eye of a needle?
Weird how fundies manipulate the bible to do as they want, isn’t it?
Why am I not surprised?
2007-08-25 02:47:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Clearly socialism. Jesus said that when you heal the sick or feed the poor you are helping him. He didn't say "don't heal the sick unless they have money or insurance, and let the poor and homeless go to dirty, dangerous shelters because they can't pay rent."
2007-08-25 02:53:18 · answer #4 · answered by atheist 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not believe either would be suitable for Christianity. Jesus did not teach people to be apart of this world but rather but to be better than this world.
2007-08-25 03:08:10 · answer #5 · answered by Owl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Guided by the love of Christ, either would work.
Led by man, both have big problems.
2007-08-25 03:00:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋