Capitalism and the Bible

With election season on the horizon, we are hearing quite a lot about capitalism and the differences between capitalism and socialism. The political parties are polar opposite on this issue.

Republicans are capitalist driven. The current state of the Democrat party seems to be embracing socialism. Many folks have no idea what the difference is. There is a huge difference and we should all research for ourselves and learn the two policies.

A Wall Street Journal article from many years ago had some interesting comments regarding capitalism. It is worth revisiting some of the points.

The Bible teaches about capitalism. That is a pretty good book to learn from, in my opinion.

Genesis tells us that we are created in the image of God. We are created with intelligence and individuality. God gave us the ability to dream and achieve. He gave us an abundance of natural resources to cultivate and use.

The Bible teaches us about personal responsibility and that “six days shall ye work”. And, of course, on the seventh day, the Sabbath, is time to rest. God managed to build the universe in six days and found time to rest on the Sabbath. If it is good enough for the Almighty, perhaps we should try it too.

The Bible is clear on many things. It teaches about the morality of personal responsibility. It is through this avenue that man learns to develop good citizenship that leads to happiness. The welfare state undermines this goal of personal responsibility.

Proverbs teaches that man is to be productive and that he is not entitled to well being. Idleness leads to bad actions and attitudes and work helps to avoid those traps.

God has implanted numerous treasures in our Universe for our benefit. We are human beings and, unlike animals, we are dreamers and can unlock the keys to these hidden treasures. After all, that’s why God gave them for our eventual use.

The Bible is clear on the position of payment and profit. “For why else should a man so labor but to receive reward.” Laborers receive payment for the production they create and investors are rewarded for the risk they take by earning profits. It is a win, win.

Capitalism is the system where anyone can achieve greatness and risk-takers and entrepreneurs are rewarded. Of course, many of us have an easier path than others. But we all have an equal opportunity to pursue our dreams. Some of us may have to work harder, much harder than others.

We are not all equal in talents. A basketball in Michael Jordan’s hands is likely to be much more valuable than in mine. A canvas that rested under the brush of famous painters would certainly be more valuable than one produced by yours truly. But we are all gifted with talents and God gives them lavishly and is delighted when they are used as intended.

God gives us the Ten Commandments and they are clear. He starts with, “I am the Lord your God.” And ends with “Thou shalt not envy your neighbor… nor any of his holdings.”

Envy is not a virtue. It is a corrosive vise and is destructive to those who embrace it.

There are those who criticize capitalism because all beings do not end up with the same monetary means. Churchill nailed it perfectly, “the equal sharing of misery” or something like that. In the Bible, equality simply means “equality under the law”. Deuteronomy clarifies that “judges and officers…. Shall judge the people with a just judgement; not favoring one over the other.” The Bible never refers to equality that is contrary to human nature.

Some are more beautiful than others. Some more articulate, smarter, artistic, better dancers, singers, athletes. The list could go on and on.

More than any other nation, we were founded on the themes of morality and good citizenship.

Obviously, we are not all born with the same advantages or talents. We are promised that we will be treated equally under the law and we can all pursue our own dreams and pursue our own happiness.