A Case for Christian Ethics and Capitalism
What is capitalism? Capitalism is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as, "an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a free market." The big question can be is capitalism compatible with Christianity? I would say that doing business was already ordained by God in Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. The Bible talks about fair business practices. I do believe that my private property isn't truly mine but God's. I also believe that it's thievery to get anything God didn't entrust to you or me.
Having a government that allows capitalism to flourish gets good economic growth. That means the government will have the money needed to operate the state properly. The more businesses there are then the more the supply and demand gap fills in because choices will be abundant. Jesus' parables also involved businessmen such as the parable of the prodigal son, the parable of the talents, the parable of the unjust tenants, and the parable of the unjust steward. You can consider that in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-20) has a businessman there. Capitalism is a wonderful thing. However, too much of a good thing becomes a bad thing. It's like salt is good but too much salt kills the nutrients in the food. That's why junk food is considered junk food - it contains too much salt and too little nutrients.
Some heretics say God condemns wealth while they hypocritically enjoy the fruits of capitalism. Some even want to use the story of the rich man and Lazarus found in Luke 16:16-31. However, the story wasn't about riches condemning people to Hell. Rather, it was about the spiritual state that got them into their respective places. While I don't subscribe to the prosperity gospel - God has nothing against riches. Did Jesus condemn the rich young ruler for being rich? He didn't. The real problem of the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:21-26, Mark 10:17-27, and Luke 18:18-23) was self-righteousness. The rich young ruler thought he had kept the whole law. Jesus said that it was hard but not impossible for the rich to enter Heaven. Well, it's very difficult to see the need for God if you have plenty of money or you achieved a lot in this world. I think the rich man was so proud of his wealth that he probably achieved on his own. The problem hasn't been much on the wealth but the fact that he was too focused on wealth.
Acts 2:44-45 doesn't condemn capitalism and endorse Communism. Capitalism involves selling and that's what they did with their possessions. They probably sold any excess and they distributed it among themselves. I would think that would be profit sharing. Acts 4:32-35 had people selling their properties and towards distribution. However, we must consider that 2 Thessalonians 3:10 says that those who don't work will not eat. When there was re-distribution of wealth - it was probably because they needed much money for the missions. Where money is involved then it's still a business. A church or a charity is still a business because it gets involved with fundraising, accepting donations, and getting all forms of monetary support in its business of evangelism and helping those in need. Also, charity means helping others in need. Need we mention that a rich man named Joseph of Arimathea was a follower of Jesus? This Joseph of Arimathea took a great risk by purchasing the tomb in which the Lord Jesus' body was kept for three days. Crucified criminals were not entitled to be buried properly but to be disposed of dishonorably.
What the Bible condemns is not capitalism but its crooked use. One sermon by the late D. James Kennedy also warned of Karl Marx's desires. Marx desired to dethrone God and destroy capitalism. Ironically, many Communists today have plenty of private property - something that they want to abolish from the hands of the citizens. Getting rid of God-given morality from capitalism leads to the warning of 1 Timothy 6:10. Capitalism which is supposedly a tool to help others can be misused and abused. Satan always finds something God meant for good and use it as an instrument of destruction. God gave fresh wine from the grapes yet Satan uses hard liquor to drive men wild. God made music while Satan introduces worldly music to people. Capitalism is not exempted from Satan's perversion either. God Himself gave business as part of everyday life but also gave rules to protect businessmen. One of them has God forbidding dishonest scales (Proverbs 11:1) and exploiting others for one's own benefit (Proverbs 22:16).
Businesses are also commanded to practice the golden rule. Before, we have the golden rule (often accredited to Confucius for a reason) not to do unto others what you don't want others to do unto you. Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31 has Jesus saying, "Do unto others what you want others to do unto you." The simple practice of business is treating others fairly. The principle can be applied that governments should practice free-market capitalism. It shouldn't be a practice where it's all about you. Unfortunately, Communist authority figures themselves ignore the golden rule. They treat people under them unfairly then they complain when people do the same. Communism has always rewarded lazy authority figures by enslaving the diligent. It's just like Nero who engaged in hedonism (most often using Christians for bloody entertainment) at the expense of other people. It was even said Nero played the lyre while Rome burned. It was no great mistake for the Roman Senate to declare the madman Nero's death sentence. Righteous rulers, in contrast, are diligent people that reward the diligent while punishing the lazy. The result of trying to get rid of God-given ethics from capitalism is exploitation done by people who only care about enriching themselves at the expense of others. I'd also dare say dictatorial or fascist systems were also born out of the human desire to acquire more wealth at the expense of others.
God's advice for Christian and wealth is this. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 doesn't tell the rich to be poor. Rather, it's an instruction that if God blesses you with much wealth then use it to help others in need such as doing charity work and giving them decent work conditions. Sharing your blessings is one way to stay content and not to crave too much wealth for one's self. I was just reminded that there are even some unbelieving businessmen who keep a spirit of charity in their businesses. If some of the heathen can operate with business ethics then how much more the Christian. The Christian businessman is commanded to be generous in good works and to share. A good example is the Presbyterian Christian known as William Colgate. Colgate was one who was active in charity while still able to run his companies. Businesses who practice Christian ethics make it clear that they cherish people below them. The Bible commands masters to be kind to their servants (Colossians 4:1, Ephesians 6:9) and the Old Testament even had rules concerning treating one's slaves right. Wealth was not meant to be hoarded but to be distributed. Obviously, businessmen will need most of it because they have the highest expenses. Those who need less wealth will get less wealth but they must be paid according to performance. It's all about giving according to one's needs.
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