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CommentsDr. Lyles,I can agree that capitalism is completely biblical while socialism most certainly is not. But I caution you that Ayn Rand's capitalism isn't biblical either. It's every bit as materialist, and godless, as socialism is. As such, Rand's capitalism is not the same as our American one. Ours is formed under God; hers isn't. For example, it's false for her to refer to selfishness as a virtue. It is not a virtue now and it never has been. Rather it is a character defect which becomes avarice in its worst form. We can all be selfish, but we must counter it with selflessness. Christians try to follow the Golden Rule. It is a duty to provide for our families, not selfishness. A further critique of Rand would be very long, so I'll end here. Best regards. Posted by Carlos on 12/16 at 04:27 AM | # Consider the Parables of the Talents, Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-28. those who put the MONEY entrusted to them to work were praised and honored! That’s about the clearest statement of “Capitalism” as one can find! Those who were honored INVESTED their allotment personally or in a bank. Consider even the “monstrous” “Robber Barons” of the 19th century. Even they could not “manufacture” the money they had. Despite the despicable means that they used to acquire their wealth – it is a fact that today’s modern, efficient civilization might not exist but for their actions! Thus, the honor bestowed on the “wise servants”, modern Capitalists and the Robber Barons would need to be moderated with the admonitions “the LOVE of money is the root of all evil”, ‘ “moderation in all things” and the statement “Give unto Caesar the thing that are Caesar’s …”. Posted by Winston Smith on 12/15 at 04:19 PM | # Simon, I, too, love the Chinese curse - it applies more than ever to our current predicament. I believe in the "glass half full" outlook, however. I believe you are correct in pointing out that the Left view capitalism as exclusively crony-capitalism (and secretly embrace it as such). On the contrary, I believe that although many crony-capitalists intend only their own gain, and manipulation of world events as a means to that gain, they will forever be in the minority. They will relentlessly cause evil but they will not be able to make evil prevail. Thanks for the comment! Brad Posted by Brad Lyles, M.D. on 12/15 at 01:52 PM | # Dr. Lyles, you have given a good explanation of the benefits of capitalism. Ethical free enterprise, rule of law and the rights of the individual are what's best for society. Conspiracy theorists have a more cynical view in that I think they regard crony-capitalism to be the norm these days. With a continually increasing world population which outstrips the ability of science to keep up with new food technologies, migration from the Third World to the West can only increase. Chaos will be an inevitable consequence. Some say that the crony-capitalists have no particular affinity for capitalism per se, but regard it purely as a vehicle to gain power through wealth. I have read theories that these power wielders are waiting their chance to seize control of the world using the chaos from economic collapse, food shortages and cultural friction as the excuse to abrogate individual rights. What we are seeing at the moment with the E.U's controls on member countries appears to be a stepping stone in that process. I think with a "One World Government" we will see forced abortions, involuntary euthanasia and totalitarian control over everyone. The Chinese curse of "living in interesting times" is coming true. Posted by Simon on 12/15 at 12:28 PM | # Christ and CapitalismPosted by Dr. Brad Lyles M.D on Dec 14, 2011 at 10:58 PM
Capitalism is, in this, the most loving economic system and, accordingly, the most "Christian." If Christ were to endorse any worldly economic system, He would endorse Capitalism. “Blasphemy!” More...Post a Comment on: Christ and CapitalismCommenting is not available in this channel entry. Next entries comments: The Silent Majority Previous entries comments: Attorney General Pruitt to Appeal EPA Decision on Regional Haze Rule Note from the Editor: This section is for comments from readers of canadafreepress.com. Please don't assume that Canada Free Press agrees with or endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose his or her posting privilege. |
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