Why Capitalism Needs Christianity

A few weeks ago I wrote an article entitled “Why Socialism Is Not Christian.” However, capitalism also has its flaws. The present world health crisis reveals this in startling detail with things like the hoarding of needed medical supplies.  What drives some to seek profit in a crisis while others reach out in sacrificial generosity? I am all for capitalism as an economic system but without the tempering influence of a Christian ethic, it can be quite cruel.

There is a perspective on capitalism that is uniquely Christian. The Bible has a lot to say about money, possessions, personal wealth, spending, and our relationship with God. Christianity does not expect everyone to behave like Christians, but it does expect Christians to behave like Christians. Here are some ways in which our Christian world-view impacts our own personal economic choices.

Personal property is God’s property.

The idea of personal property is a biblical concept. When the children of Israel entered the Promised Land each family was granted an inheritance among their fellow tribesmen. This was their personal property and it remained theirs from generation to generation. Two of the commandments—prohibitions against stealing and coveting–affirm personal property rights. Some things belong to me, some belong to my neighbor. Even the concept of uneven wealth is demonstrated. God chooses to allow some to prosper and some to suffer.

The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein (Psalm 24:1).

But this idea of personal property and uneven wealth is tempered by the truth that God owns everything. I do not even own myself. I am His by His creative initiative and His again by means of redemption.

Stewardship replaces selfishness.

The Stewardship parables, like the one in Luke 16:1-11, commend wisdom, initiative, forgiveness, generosity, and more. The one great theme of these parables is the importance of pleasing the master. There are greater areas of personal stewardship than personal wealth, but wealth is clearly one of the areas.

Self-gratification is replaced by self-control.

Self-control has to be at the root of national self-government. After all, how can one rule a nation if he cannot rule himself? A totally selfish form of capitalism destroys the resources of future generations for the sake of present pleasure or safety. Christianity should force us to think beyond ourselves (Psalm 78:6). A biblical ethic even has compassion for animals (Proverbs 12:10)

Love for others factors in the bottom line.

Love God and love others. Jesus said that this is the foundation for all the law and the prophets. That means that we, at times, consider the welfare of others above business. The idea that “business is business” is unbiblical. Tucker Carlson’s criticism of Paul Singer might actually provide some insight into ruthless capitalism vs. capitalism that is rooted in some sort of Christian ethic. As a nation swirls into the abyss of paganism, capitalism becomes increasingly cruel.

Abusing the poor (or sick and suffering) is wrong.

He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy (Proverbs 14:31).

This is why price gouging in a crisis flies against a Christian ethic. There is a “survival of the fittest” about godless capitalism that flies in the face of God’s fierce protection of the poor.

Generosity is crucial.

There are collective needs that cannot be met by capitalistic means.

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed (Proverbs 19:10).

This principle carries over into many New Testament passages. Socialism forces care of the poor upon all, Christianity freely gives to the poor. Capitalism without generosity will produce misery.

Capitalism has the capacity to produce great wealth for many people, but economic prosperity will still produce empty souls. No economic system will solve the misery of mankind brought on by sin. Only Jesus can solve that problem.