Christ's teachings or ours?
I was reading through Moby’s blog, as you do, and came across the following quote…
Would it ever be asking too much for a Christian place of worship to actually be centered on the teachings of Christ and not on the seemingly arbitrary(and, let's point out, secular) positions of the clergy and the religious hierarchy/beaurocracy?-moby
Tough stuff, but not untrue. Lately I’ve been wondering how in the world capitalism ever became a Christian value?
Would it ever be asking too much for a Christian place of worship to actually be centered on the teachings of Christ and not on the seemingly arbitrary(and, let's point out, secular) positions of the clergy and the religious hierarchy/beaurocracy?-moby
Tough stuff, but not untrue. Lately I’ve been wondering how in the world capitalism ever became a Christian value?
posted by Tim at 12:42 AM
Comments on "Christ's teachings or ours?"
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Mhairi said ... (3:15 AM) :
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Carl said ... (11:33 AM) :
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Ben said ... (2:40 PM) :
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Phil said ... (4:46 PM) :
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Larry said ... (9:21 PM) :
post a comment...when we decided that the God who created the heavens was not "socially acceptable" and that we had to jazz Him up with some more "contemporary" - a.k.a. compromising - mediums. I mean, if He made man, made plant life, animals and all the rest of it, how could He manage a simple thing such as relevance...
I take this as my own sin, but I don't know how we will ever get rid of it...I think it will always be here...the world's eyes will always be reflected from the bright and morning star, to something less impressive; it just won't involve the same pain to focus on whatever it may be.
Lately I’ve been wondering how in the world capitalism ever became a Christian value?
Or democracy, for that matter?
I know what you mean. To me, it's just another indicator that church the institution is a long way away from being church the bride of christ.
Just some random thoughts on this...
I don't think capitalism is necessarily a Christian value, and I know that, as Christians, we would love to see an "equitable society", where everyone is treated the same way, has the same rights as everyone else. If our aim is for the kingdom of God to come and for His will to be done, we must see that everyone is on a level playing field before God, all loved the same through Jesus, all judged the same apart from Him.
Having said that, I don't think any man-established system of government can bring about the peace and equality we all long for as Christians. We could argue about which systems of government are best for the majority of people - and each have valid strengths - but I think if we take history as a whole and weigh the good and the bad of each system, democracy and capitalism have no more negative consequences on society than communism and socialism have had.
My personal view - and it is just that and I am open to enlightenment - is that capitalism and democracy and socialism and communism aren't evil systems in themselves. Man's heart, however, is bent on personal 'gain' at the expense of others' wellbeing. I wouldn't trust any form of government to put every human on the same playing field, but especially not one in which, ultimately, I don't own anything. I choose capitalism and democracy, not because they're the most honorable, but because within them I still feel I have reserved the power to affect change without violent revolution.
Did you know that John Adams, one of the US's 'founding fathers' said, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." Most people think of the US when they think of democracy. Could it be that democracy looks bad because, as Christians in America, we've failed to properly utilize the freedoms afforded to us by our own constitution, to the benefit of the whole world?
Like I said, just some random thoughts...
i looked at your question after reading phil's blog...
i agree with neater_natr....consumerism is the issue here. the issue of with socialism and communism is the need for control of everything...which is just as ungodly as wanting everything.
i am glad for grace. aren't you glad it isn't driven by supply and demand? it is just a never ending supply