Was Jesus a capitalist? Let me give some background. One weekend back in 2009, there was a taxpayer march on Washington. The only thing that people had in common, is that they all see that this country (USA) is going in the wrong direction. A fair amount of them were protesting the socialist direction the Obama Administration is taking this country at warp speed. All of them were protesting the runaway spending in Washington.
Many of them claimed to be Christians. They touted the virtues of free-market capitalism. I came away from watching the event on C-SPAN, impressed with the idea that those who said they were Christians, thought that Jesus was a capitalist.
If Jesus was a capitalist, would he tell the rich ruler to sell everything he had and give to the poor. What Jesus said seems to be more a mandate for the re-distribution of wealth. And Jesus thought that we should pay taxes. "Give to Ceasar the things that are Ceasar's." He said that after being showed a coin and asking who's likeness was on the coin. Then Jesus chased those engaged in capitalistic endeavors out of the temple claiming, "You have turned My Father's house into a den of thieves." And, finally, Jesus said, "the love of money is the root of all evil." When you consider these facts, how can anyone conclude that Jesus was a capitalist?
What principles can we establish for today from what Jesus said and did?
1) Rich people should help poor people.
2) We should pay our taxes.
3) Buying and selling for profit must not happen in the church.
4) We must not be greedy (lover of money).
These principles suggests that Jesus would not be a capitalist today. I have no doubt that if Jesus was a politician He would be condemned by the political right of being a liberal. But then, I don't believe that Jesus would ever stoop so low as to be a politician. He might be a community organizer, or a liberal activist. No way Jesus would fit into the conservative crowd of today.
So if Jesus is not a capitalist, or a conservative, what was he? Jesus believed in people helping people, at the very least. How far can we go with Jesus commands of love? How far should we love one another? By example, the teachings of Jesus are to love one another all the way, even to the point of death, as He died for the people He loved
The problem in America is that those that have don't help, those that don't have can't help. We have two groups in America. Capitalists, and those who are or will be poor.
These are some of the most idiotic statements that I have ever seen.
"But then, I don't believe that Jesus would ever stoop so low as to be a politician."
Really? So, KING of kings is NOT a political position? :laugh: Jesus does not and will not RULE the Earth? Ever read a Bible?
"He might be a community organizer, or a liberal activist."
Jesus might be a "community organizer". :laugh: Very nice comparison to Barack Obama b/c you know Jesus and Obama think pretty much the same way, right? Brothers for the revolutionary cause and all that jazz........:party:
Jesus might be a "liberal activist". Very nice comparison here, too. I could just see Jesus out marching in a "gay pride" parade or giving a speech before Congress supporting a woman's "right to choose". Couldn't you? :toomuch:
Maybe your counterfeit Jesus would "Occupy Wallstreet". :laugh:
Does your Jesus wear tie-dye clothing and flip flops, drive a van with flowers on it, smoke pot, eat a vegan diet, and carry an ACLU membership card in his pocket, too? :dunce:
In that case, both you and Tom show virtually no understanding of the Scriptures, Biblical economics, government, taxation, the teachings of Jesus, the person of Jesus, and so on.
Tom is a Marxist in Christian garb. You both are advocating a social gospel and not a Biblical gospel.
I'm coping and pasting this... I originally posted this on my facebook page....
------------
Vocabulary seems to be a big issue from both sides. So here are a few definitions... let�s see what people say.
Regulated Capitalism
(late 20th century US Economy - intent rather than opinion of how well it worked)
Each receives equal opportunity but the rewards go to those who put in effort and succeed.
CHARITY
Those who succeed VOLUNTEER their resources, time and effort to help others who want to succeed.
Communism
The efforts of all go to all. Rewards are evenly distributed to the group for the groups successes regardless of individual effort.
Socialism
FORCED CHARITY imposed on successful to be given to less successful regardless of the recipients desire to actually put in effort to succeed.
------
It seems to me the far right equates Socialism with Communism and the far left says socialism is just charity. Both sides are wrong. Its not charity if its required and Socialism doesn't disregard individual success like communism. It does however feel like being punished if you succeed as you are now required to support those who don't care to.
Socialism if managed correctly can be a good thing. There does however need to be limits and expectations on those receiving the benefits.
Examples of good socialists programs....Government Education Grants... Yep, those are socialist programs. That's my tax money that I am required to pay going to help somebody else succeed... but like I said, its a good thing as it promotes education and economic growth for the nation as a whole. I also expect the recipient of that grant to contribute back once they finish school.
Bad socialist program - any program that grants the luxuries of successful life to those who don't earn it... Obama phone anyone? -- sorry, nobody "deserves" a cell phone. Nobody is entitled to a $250,000 home.
--- I can't get into health care, it was messed up before Obama got to it... so lets try to leave that one off. ( Child immunizations with no ins... $50 with Ins... $725... say what? - true story- now everybody is required to have ins? and that helps this problem somehow? totally different topic though)
Our current president has passed a bunch of bad socialist programs giving people luxuries I had to earn and still have to pay for... There seems to be disconnect in people knowing the difference between necessities and luxuries.
--------------
Biblical concepts..
The words of Jesus regarding him telling people that they need to sell their possessions and give to the poor. Here, Jesus is talking about charity. Both the old and new testaments talk about not profiting from our brethren. Again, its talking about charity. For example, both of us being Christians, I should not loan you money and charge interest to help you pay your electric bill. Its better to just pay it for you with the expectation that you will try harder to not need that same help again and again.
The Bible also talks about business relationships in such that capitalism is the way to go. To buy and sell for profit is a good thing and a way to make a living. In these relationships, the bible tells us not to defraud each other to make a profit but to be honest in our dealings.
The real point. Stuff/Wealth is not where your heart should be. Make an honest living and help those in need when you can.
"Socialism if managed correctly can be a good thing."
NOT true. Socialism breaks the 8th commandment. "Thou shalt not steal" It "legalizes" theft from one person to give to another by using coercion.
Further, charity is NOT the civil government's jurisdiction. It exceeds the authority that is granted to civil government according to Scripture.
Charity belongs in the spheres of the individuals, the families, and the churches, NOT the civil government.
If you would like to discuss this at greater length, please start a new thread so that Versavia does not feel obligated to needlessly ramble on with her ignorant garbage. Or, contact me privately.
Acts 2:44,45: All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. {Not through the government}
Acts 4:32: All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.
Ephesians 4:28: He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. {Not through the government}
Jesus did not say to the rich man to sell all his possessions!
Luke 19:8,9: Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor..Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house."
Luke 6:29,30: Jesus says,"If someone strikes you on one cheek turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back."
"Examples of good socialists programs....Government Education Grants... Yep, those are socialist programs. That's my tax money that I am required to pay going to help somebody else succeed... but like I said, its a good thing as it promotes education and economic growth for the nation as a whole. I also expect the recipient of that grant to contribute back once they finish school."
I am from a former Soviet republic. What was good in socialism in Russia and here: We had FREE education and we could study in schools and universities and colleagues FREE of charge without any grants to contribute back! And we could get FREE medical services! And our clothes were not beautiful unlike in the USA but they were almost "eternal".
But what was bad: all communists here and socialists were unbelievers. Their ideology denied God.
