Economics and Christianity

[DailyBlessings]

Does Christianity, as described either in Scripture or through historic tradition, support any of the prevailing modern economic theories? This can mean in the the general sense of capitalism versus socialism, or a more specific philosophy like libertarianism- I'm just curious to see what people's opinions are. I've heard a number of arguments concerning this issue, and I wondered whether the majority of people believe their economic model to be "backed by Jesus", as it were.

To get things going, I've heard the following verses quoted in favor of a socialist model:

"Let everyone who possesses two shirts share with him who has none, and let him who has food do likewise." (Luke: 3; 11)

"Give to every man that asketh of thee." (Luke: 6; 30)

"Woe unto you that are rich, for ye have received your consolation."(Luke: 6; 24).

Deuteronomy 15:11 "I command you to open your hand to your countrymen who are poor and needy."

Clement of Alexandria wrote: "All possessions are by nature unrighteous; when one possesses them for personal advantage and does not bring them into the common stock for those in need."
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And these to argue for Capitalism:

"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (II Corinthians 9: 7)

"He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the Lord will not answer you in that day." (I Samuel 8: 11-18)

“There is desirable treasure, and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it” (Proverbs 21:20).

"If any one will not work, let him not eat. For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work in quietness and to earn their own living." (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12)

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Discuss!

 

[LadyGarnetRose]

I believe in hand ups not hand outs.

Give a man a fish he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime.

 

[fuzzyh]

It seems like the Bible promotes a capitalism, with the wealthy looking towards the needs of the poor in society. Most of the time, I look to the Old Testament as a model for economics. In the Old Testament there was no social program to take from the rich and give to the poor. Instead, the poor had opportunities to work for their food, money, shelter. The rich pay a fair amount for the work that is done and the poor receive a fair wage for the work they do. That said, that Old Testament seems to promote a mild hands off capitalism.

 

[intricatic]

No. That's my answer an' I'm stickin' to it.

 

[GratiaCorpusChristi]

The economics of Scripture are not necessarily political economy, and those of Christ certainly are not. We are commanded to be charitable, and to aide the poor, sick, windowed, orphan, and hungry, but not necessarily with government programs, market forces, or community innitiatives. The effectiveness of those should be left to reason.