If America is a Christian country (84 percent claim the big C) why are we capitalists? Jesus was definitely a staunch opponent of capitalism and even said that it was hard for rich men to get into heaven. He also was very much against individualism... if this is so, how is it possible that a nation known for all those things is considered a Christian nation? (Please if you are answering this to be mad... don't answer it, this is not an insult against Americans, which I am, or Christians, which I am not.) I just want to hear some real arguments but not "Well you aren't a Christian!!" and crud like that. I want to hear someone answer the question with something intelligent.
2007-10-19 18:39:59 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
wow michael... you did what I said not to do. You are officially not intelligent... good job... hope you can get some logic one day.
2007-10-19 18:48:52 · update #1
I also have no problems with a country being different than the bible (as I am not a Christian) but I don't like hypocrites and a country full of them is worse... to poster below.
2007-10-19 18:50:40 · update #2
one more thing for poster below, I think that saying that the argument is rubbish is a bit strong. Capitalism is an emphasis on capital... Jesus said that was bad... not an unmitigated charge that Jesus was against capitalism. As I say individualism I don't mean people being uniform, I mean people being selfish to the point of not being willing to pay an exra hundred dollars in taxes because they "earned it" to help someone who is less fortunate (whether they were born into poverty or learning disabilities whatever.
2007-10-22 06:12:07 · update #3
America is a mixture of, chrsitianity, paganism (you know that halloween), materialism, hedonism and econmic animalism.
2007-10-19 18:48:58 · answer #1 · answered by Happily Happy 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
well, first of all, the United States of America is not a Christian country, it is a freedom of religion country. But that's just a quibble. Rich people who claim to be Christians are hypocrites. But that doesn't mean capitalism is wrong. Not all capitalists are rich, and not all rich people here are capitalists. The system of capitalism is an economic machine which is not necessarily designed to line the pockets of the rich and impoverish the less adept. A true Christian can use capitalism to benefit a far greater number of people than any other economic system ever invented. The idea that Jesus was against capitalism is therefore, nonsense.
As far as individualism goes, Jesus espoused loving your neighbor AS YOURSELF - in other words, both being equal in importance. The greater community, your brother, your fellow man are all as important as yourself, so don't be selfish, but don't completely ignore yourself either - you aren't any good to anyone if you are dead. Give up your excess, sacrifice what you do not need, but don't harm yourself. We are created as individuals, not hive organisms. - part of the tribe or the clan, but capable of independent thought and free will. Therefore, the idea that Jesus was totally against individualism is also nonsense.
2007-10-19 19:04:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am sure the 84% that claim to be Christian want to be Christians but they have other things they want to achieve and instead of having God as number ONE in thier lives put Him to the end in their list. Also been rich does not mean your not Christian because God also blesses those who serve Him and that is one reason why America has been doing well for a while because of Biblical principles. but as those principles start to fall away we will also see the country start to become less powerful and less secure.
2007-10-19 18:49:10 · answer #3 · answered by Wally 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because America has given its citizens certain freedoms that we see as "Endowed by our Creator among which are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." We have also set up freedom of religion....by no means am I bashing Christians (which I am no longer), but I disagree with you on how a nation can not be different than what the Bible says.
Blessed Be.
2007-10-19 18:47:23 · answer #4 · answered by Zero Cool 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Apparently, we're not as Christian of a country as some seem people are led to believe. I'm pretty sure in real Christian countries children get to sing Christmas carols in school.
2007-10-19 18:48:48 · answer #5 · answered by Rossonero NorCal SFECU 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Actually, i did and do not consider this country a "christian country"
Somewhere in elementary school i learned that this is a melting pot..all races, religions etc..etc...
But i do see your point of view...it is sad when we live in such a world that the poor get poorer and the rich just keep running things and getting richer.....
Perhaps a little divine intervention....? Man, who am i kidding? lol
blessings
)o(
2007-10-19 18:51:06 · answer #6 · answered by trinity 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hypocrites.
2007-10-19 18:46:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
ok you made a good point... however alot of people are hypocrites , they say they are christians but there not ... and yea america is a "christian country" but we also have other cultures so yea HYPOCRITES is the main source of teh problem... and if your not a christian i dont care just so long as u dont force your views upon me...
2007-10-19 19:00:01 · answer #8 · answered by sibpomchi 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You know absolutely nothing about Jesus, or Christianity. At least have a semblance that you know what you are ranting about!
2007-10-19 18:46:21 · answer #9 · answered by micheal777 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Jesus said to help the poor...
And you do help the poor. Isn't the US a "nanny state"?
WHERE do you think Welfare comes from? IT COMES FROM YOUR POCKET in the form of taxes.
2007-10-19 20:46:05 · answer #10 · answered by CanadianFundamentalist 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋