Latu 10 Moi Latu Professor Cosmin Ritivoiu English 102 27 April 2015 Biblical Culture and Capitalism The American Dream has long been an idea which people everywhere have pursued. Immigrants from every corner of the earth, driven by the desire for more opportunities and a better standard of living, have left home and country in hope of securing a better future. Some have endured trial and persecution, journeyed through storm and tribulation, and struggled through poverty and injustice to get a glimpse of that dream. But just as essential to the American Dream as democracy and the freedom it entails, is the economic system of capitalism upon which it is built. Thus the thought is pondered, is this dream reachable to all who so choose, or is it reserved for the elite capitalist few. Furthermore, alternative forms of economic systems must be considered as to whether they are more ideal. The economic culture of the Bible is one that must be examined and compared to the culture of capitalism. When examined thoroughly it can be concluded as to what economic system is best. Although there is no perfect form of earthly government or economic system, the culture given in the Bible is the most practical for the Christian, and compatible with Biblical principles. Definitions Before one can decide whether capitalism or the economic principles of Bible are more ideal, the definition of capitalism must be clearly established. Capitalism entails more than the buying and selling of goods. The Encyclopedia Britannica defines capitalism as: ...a term used to denote the economic system that has been dominant in the western world since the breakup of feudalism. Fundamental to any system called capitalist are the relations between private owners of non-personal means of production and free but capital-less workers, who sell their labor services to employers (âCapitalismâ). Capitalism is the economic system which began in the western world and now exists in almost all countries of the world. Under this system, a small minority, known as the capitalist class, own the means to produce and distribute goods. The majority, known as the working class, then labor in return for a wage or salary. The very essence of capitalism is not just to possess the necessities to survive, but to produce goods and services for profit. On the other hand, the economic system and culture taught in the Bible is not based upon profit, but upon having enough to provide for oneâs needs and that of others. The system taught in Scripture and used by the Jewish nation in Biblical times contains some characteristics of capitalism, but it also contains aspects of another secular economic system that stands in stark contrast to the capitalist ideas widely held today. This secular system is socialism, and some of the fundamental principles upon which many of its teachings are built on, can be seen in the system appointed to Godâs people. The Encyclopedia Britannica states, Socialism [is a] social and economic doctrine that calls for public rather than private ownership or control of property and natural resources. According to the socialist view, individuals do not live or work in isolation but live in cooperation with one another. Furthermore, everything that people produce is in some sense a social product, and everyone who contributes to the production of a good is entitled to a share in it (âSocialismâ). Unlike capitalism with its theme of a largely privately owned market, socialism teaches that property and goods should be owned by the public (Nove 5). Socialists believe that one does not work for the sole purpose of personal benefit, but that all goods belong to everyone and should be consolidated and then apportioned fairly amongst the people that contributed (6). This idea of consolidating all the goods of a group of people, ranging from a small group to the population of an entire country, can be found all throughout the Bible. Some examples can be seen in the giving of goods to the poor and needy outlined in the old Levitical Law and in the New Testament Christian Church. In Leviticus God tells His people, âAnd when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the LORD your Godâ (23:22). The Israelites were not to reap their entire harvest, but were to save a portion of what they grew to feed the poor. Similarly many members in the New Testament Church: â¦were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common⦠There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need (Acts 4:34, 35). The Apostles and other members of the early Christian Church did not feel that what they owned was only for their individual benefit. Instead, they either offered all of their possessions or sold them, and the funds were then consolidated and distributed as needed. The fundamental quality of the economic system and culture taught in the Bible is that one should have the means to care for oneâs basic needs and assist others; not live solely for gain and profit. Comparisons The question arises as to whether the idea of living solely for profit, which is contrary to the teachings of Scripture, condemns the capitalistic economic system as a whole. It must first be understood that not every idea of capitalism contradicts the Bible. In fact, what some would consider capitalistic principles can also be found in Scripture (Farmer 10) . One such example can be seen when Paul states, âIf any would not work, neither should he eatâ (1 Thessalonians 3:10). In this verse Paul is urging the people of Thessalonica to work hard and earn their basic needs, specifically the necessity of food. If one does not work, than they should not eat. This example shows that there are similar concepts taught in the Bible that many would consider capitalistic. Not all ideas, however, in the Bible agree with the teachings of capitalism. For instance, the Bible teaches, âLook not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of othersâ (Philippians 2:4). The Apostle Paul is telling the members of the Church not to worry only about their own problems and take care of themselves, but to always care for the needs of others. This directly contradicts the basic idea of capitalism which is to make profit. If one will do whatever it takes to make profit, the natural result is to focus solely on maintaining and increasing oneâs own possessions rather than helping others. Another example of disagreements between the ideals of capitalism and the teachings of the Bible can be found in 1 Timothy where Paul states, âFor the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrowsâ (6:10). Here the apostle counsels Godâs people to be careful with handling money and not to let it become the focus of their lives. Once again, this contradicts the capitalistic idea that the purpose of producing and distributing goods is to make as much profit as possible (Armstrong 8). Capitalism is centered on making money by whatever necessary means (9). These are just a few examples of similarities and differences between the fundamental teachings of capitalism and the ideals of Biblical teaching. In order to reach a verdict as to which economic system is preferable, we must first examine the pros and cons of both systems to better understand what the best option is. Pros and Cons of Capitalism There are many pros in the argument for capitalism, which contains many positive attributes that might convince one of its superiority. One positive aspect of capitalism is its effectiveness in encouraging people to be more industrious (5). The idea of working hard in order to provide for oneâs needs is one of the key values that facilitates Capitalism (Dorius 4). Another beneficial facet of capitalism is that it leads to economic growth. With the competitive nature of capitalism causing individuals to be more industrious, an environment of innovation and economic growth is fostered. This climate of economic expansion leads to improved living standards and increased wealth. In theory, those who obtain that higher standard of living can help everyone else benefit from this increased wealth (Jameson 16). However, parsimony among the wealthy and unwillingness to help the poor arises. Nevertheless, these are a few positive aspects of capitalism that strengthen the argument for capitalism and support why many believe it is the ideal economic system. However, though there are positive attributes of capitalism, there are many negative aspects of the system. One such aspect is the tendency of capitalism to lead to greed and the hording of wealth. The private ownership of capital allows people to gain a monopoly over a product or the labor required to produce it (Seven Cardinal Sins 1). Then, the capitalist class, which owns the monopoly power, often charge unreasonably high prices for goods. This capitalist class can also take advantage of their workers and pay them lower wages (1). In most capitalist societies, there is great inequality between the capitalist class and the working class. Another issue with capitalism is that it can cause social benefit to be ignored (Sklair 34). For example, a private owner of a factory, solely focused on profit, may not feel the need to take care of the environment even though the factory may have a negative effect on the rest of the social community. That is why even adamant supporters of capitalism admit that certain public goods and public services need to be provided by or regulated by the government (13). Another problem with capitalism is that it leads to inequality of wealth and income. It is argued that this is what provides an incentive for hard work and economic expansion, and that it is still fair because an individual gains the rewards of their own labor. However, often people are rich only because they inherit wealth or are born into a more privileged class. Therefore, capitalist society creates inequality of outcome, and inequality of opportunity. These are just some of the negative consequences of the capitalist economic system that might lead one to consider an alternative. Pros and Cons of Biblical Culture One such alternative is the economic system and culture shown in the Bible. This system has many positive attributes which result in profitable economic consequences, and the first of which is a spirit of giving. The Israelites were commanded, âEvery man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which he has given you (Deuteronomy 16:17). The children of Israel were to realize that what they owned was a blessing from the Lord to be utilized to bless others. Though it may seem as if they were forced to give, the reality is that giving to meet the needs of others was for their own benefit. All throughout the Bible we are given evidence of the blessing of giving. The wise-man Solomon stated, âHe that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curseâ (Proverbs 28:27). Here Solomon shares that the one who gives to the poor will have all he needs, but the one that covers his eyes or ignores the needs of others will be cursed. Again, in the New Testament weâre told, ââ¦it is more blessed to give than to receiveâ (Acts 20:35). These examples all show the important role that giving played in the society and culture of the Bible. Another positive attribute that stems from Biblical culture is that it leads people to have more faith in God to supply their needs and to depend more upon each other. Concerning faith and trusting in God to provide, Jesus said this, Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap⦠yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin⦠wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field⦠shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, what shall we eat or, what shall we drink or, wherewithal shall we be clothed? For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these thingsâ (Matthew 6:26-32). Here Christ promises that the Father will take care of the needs of His children if they trust in Him. If His eye is on the sparrow and He clothes the lily in the field, He will surely take care of those who trust in His mighty hand. Christ is telling His disciples not to worry about the details of their futures, but to place their faith and trust in Him. Furthermore, concerning faith, Paul tells us this, âBut my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesusâ (Philippians 4:19). Again, Paul reaffirms that those who have faith in God will have all of their needs supplied. It is key that Christians learn to have faith and trust in God, and the economic culture presented in the Bible fosters that growth. The examples of learning to give and have faith are just a few of the beneficial aspects of the Biblical economic culture. However, there are a few dangers in the economic system of Biblical times if taken to an extreme. One danger is that it can cause one to fall into idleness. Though the Biblical idea of taking care of the poor and the needy is a noble one, there will always be those who seek to take advantage of the system. It can be easy for one to become unproductive and lazy if they know their needs will be met regardless of what they do. In the example of the Israelites, there was the possibility of those who would abuse the system meant to take care of those who were circumstantially in need, by choosing to live off of the resources of others even if they could work for themselves. However, the Bible does not promote this type of behavior; on the contrary, it adamantly opposes it. In the book of Proverbs it reads, âThe soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothingâ (13:4). Solomon tells us here that a lazy person may desire after something, but because they are not willing to work, they will have nothing. The economic culture of the Bible does not support idle behavior, but it can be a dangerous consequence if people try to take advantage of the system. These negative consequences stem from a misunderstanding and misapplication of the principles communicated in the Bible. This is why many members of the Church feel that Capitalism is the most ideal economic system. Capitalism in the Church Capitalism has grown to become the prominent economic system in the world and has thus become prominent in the Church. Many members of the Church, especially in North America, feel that the pros of capitalism outweigh the cons, and that it is the best form of economy for the Christian. However, the principles outlined in the Bible and the example set forth in the life of Christ show otherwise. The main goal of capitalism is to gain and store up oneâs wealth in order to reach a higher standard of living or more luxurious life. The Christian is to live a life of service to others and to use what means given them to bless others. Capitalists in the Church believe in giving to help others, but usually only once their needs are met. This directly contradicts the words of Christ to His disciples, âAnd whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for manyâ (Mark 10:44, 45). Here Christ is telling His followers, then and now, to live a lifestyle of service and ministry to others just as He lived a life of service to others. Another problem with capitalism that challenges Christian principles is the idea of only giving out of oneâs abundance. There was an experience in the life of Christ that shows the spirit of giving that God desires us to obtain. Luke tells us, And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said⦠this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had (21:1-4). In this story Christ sees the capitalist class of His time casting large sums of money and gifts into the treasury. But He also observes a poor widow cast in the equivalent of two pennies. His disciples also observed this scene, and probably thought nothing of it. However, Christ told them that she had given more than the rich men because she gave everything to the Lord. Today, as Christians in a capitalist society, many are inclined to do the same as the rich men of Christâs day, and give only their excess to the work of God. But Christ desires to instill in His followers a spirit of giving that transcends desire for profit and wealth and calls for a people who are willing to give of their time, money, and resources to help others as He has. Conclusion If Christians desire to pattern the life of Christ, His way of handling money and resources must also be examined and duplicated. The prevalent economic system in society today is capitalism, and its main goal is to gain profit and wealth. There are both positive and negative aspects of capitalism, but its core beliefs contradict the principles of the economic teachings set forth in the Bible. This system, given to the Israelites, teaches that wealth and resources are given as a tool to bless others. There are similarities and differences between both economic ideas, but they are fundamentally polar as Christ has called His followers to live to serve others rather than themselves. 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