economic crisis in our country is climaxing. I've always been struck by the incompatibility between true capitalism and the first Christian Church. With what is going on in our nation now (and with me happening to read the first couple of chapters of Acts), I've really been thinking about it.I've always been taught that our nation is the best. It has the best system. More importantly, it has the best economic system. I wouldn't call myself a product of the Cold War (I was 11 when it really ended), but my parents and most of the people I learned from were. I learned that Capitalism was good; Communism was bad. Those were fundamental truths. As I got into high school, college, and graduate school, I learned about the 'Protestant Work Ethic', and how it is arguably the foundation of Capitalism. I figured since I was a protestant, capitalism must be good. Then I really paid attention to what I was reading in Acts...
Acts 2:44-45 reads "And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need." Acts 4:34-35 reads "Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need."
The commentary in the Life Application Bible claims that this was not communism because it was voluntary; it wasn't government mandated. I wonder if that comment was a product of the Cold War. The only communism we have seen in practice is the government controlled systems of the old Soviet Union, China, and other smaller nations.
Is unregulated capitalism really a good thing? I argue that it is not. Human nature is greedy. Can we really trust the 'Capitalists' (big businesses) to have the best interests of the entire nation in mind when they make decisions. By putting full trust in the capitalist system, we are essentially making that assumption. That assumption sounds ridiculous to me. I don't know these men and women. I don't know their hearts. How can I put that trust in them? We are called to put our trust only in God and His son Jesus. If the direct students of Jesus thought having all things common was a good thing, why do we shudder at the thought?
Disclaimer: I am not a communist, because I do not believe that we could establish a government with enough truly godly people to make that system work. I merely question the fear of anything remotely anti-capitalist. Also, I love my country, and I only wish to see every one in it come to know the Lord and live a happy and fulfilling life.
6 comments:
I too struggle between being a "good american" and wondering if some "mild socialism" would be good for our country. I also feel the bailout is a direct step toward mild socialism (and again feel torn about it). This was a very thought provoking entry and I really enjoyed it!
you say "is unregulated capitalism a good thing...?" I ask "Is unregulated anything good?"
If you read your 5th paragraph, you could use those arguments against capitalism, socialism, communism and any other -ism out there (except a view of Theism with a loving, all caring God).
I have to agree that the apostles were not practicing communism. Communism defined is actual ownership being ascribed to the community as a whole or to the state and not individuals. I believe the apostles would not say that they "owned" these donations and so it wasn't community owned. In essence, they were distributing what was God's. (And since they weren't a state, it still wouldn't be classified as communism.) And finally, we also see that the giving was voluntary, b/c the people owned the goods and were able to sell them in the first place (we would not see this in communism).
In my opinion what we actually see is a huge outpouring of servant-like hearts where people knew that everything they had was given of God and that it would honor God if they gave it all back to Him so that He could distribute it to those in need. The apostles were simply the vehicle that God chose to use for distribution.
Now I know your point was not to promote communism so don’t think that I am “blog bashing.” I am merely pointing out your points in the 5th paragraph would make a great argument for man’s inability to self govern. God made it very clear before Saul was appointed king that having a king would not benefit the people and that it would instead draw them away from God. I take that to mean that ANY government other than a Theocracy would be harmful.
So in summary, I agree with your points that we cannot trust men to govern us no matter what governing type we choose. We don’t need to fear communism any more than we need fear capitalism. Really, what it boils down to is that currently Satan can tempt man with greed, lust, jealousy etc, and as long as he is allowed to continue tempting man, every government type we try to form is bound to fail because the men behind them will fail.
As you said, I love America, may God bless it and I look forward to voting in a few weeks!
-Michael
Love your comments, Michael.
thanks. I like the fact that your post actually made me think :)
I have to admit, though, I took the easier topic and answered off the cuff. If I was in a deep mood, we could have a great discussion on 3 more points
1. "what is regulation" and why do we need government or "big business" to take care of the little guy?
1a. and if man creates regulation, is that regulation goign to be any better than what he regulates?
2. Where does this notion of the "rich redistributing their wealth" come from?
3. Why should any business have to have the "good of the nation" in mind? Isn't the point of business to make money? Why have a business if you don't make money?
:) it would be fun to get a group of guys around a coffee table for an evening where we could discuss such issues, wouldn't it?
Alternative title: 'How to love your neighbor in an atomized society'. A poignant view of the situation, Andy! Another way to approach the question of society is not from a governmental or even nation structure view, but simply the philosophical struggle between 'what's good for the goose is good for the gander' or this....short-term altruistic behavior (sacrificing possessions or even a career) in a reciprocating and mindful society will generate greater reward to the individual and her or his progeny. In reversed terms, one will pursue selfish ends (detrimental in the long term to most) if any sacrifice by the individual is met with fiscal punishment by the society. My suggestion....sacrifice and be punished (with sustainable moderation). I am sure readers of this blog are regular violators of the capitalistic requirement of selfish behavior. Finally, I will not say I love country, at least not explicitly. My fidelity is to god and family with this caveat: family is defined as those beings whom my actions affect. In fulfilling my service to god and family, I am glad for the country I work within.....capitalist, socialist, or broke.
Dustin H.
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