The article "Jesus Supported And Sanctioned Pro-capitalist Economics" argues that Jesus endorsed capitalist principles through his teachings and parables. Here's a summary of the key points:
Jesus' Omniscience and Economic Insights:
Jesus, being omniscient, understood the best economic system for humanity. He explicitly supported a pro-capitalist economic framework and rejected anti-capitalist ideologies like Marxism, socialism, communism, and fascism [1].
Biblical References Supporting Capitalism:
Jesus' teachings, as depicted in various parables and sermons, align with capitalist principles. For example:
Not Hoarding: Jesus taught against hoarding, which is non-productive and counter to capitalist values (Matthew 6:19-24) [1].
Not Worrying About Consumption: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus advised not to worry about consumption, emphasizing spiritual over material pursuits (Matthew 6:25-34) [1].
Opposition to Taxes: Jesus demonstrated opposition to oppressive taxation, recognizing it as detrimental to productivity and economic growth (Matthew 17:24-27) [1].
Parables on Stewardship and Investment: Parables like that of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) highlight the positive aspects of investment and productive use of resources, which are core tenets of capitalism [1].
Productionism vs. Consumptionism:
The article contrasts productionism, which emphasizes increasing wealth through production (a capitalist view), with consumptionism, which prioritizes consumption and can deplete wealth. Capitalism, by focusing on production, ensures a continuous increase in wealth, leading to a higher quality of life and more leisure time for spiritual pursuits [1].
Rejection of Anti-Capitalist Ideologies:
Socialism: Jesus did not endorse government ownership of property or centralized economic planning, recognizing the inefficiencies and economic chaos these cause [1].
Marxism: Jesus rejected the Marxist view of class struggle and the overthrow of the bourgeoisie, as well as the concept of a classless utopia [1].
Communism: Jesus understood that a utopian society without scarcity was unattainable due to human fallibility [1].
Fascism: Jesus opposed the collectivist and authoritarian nature of fascism, supporting individualism instead [1].
Capitalism and Natural Rights:
Capitalism is portrayed as the system that best preserves and protects God-given natural rights by prohibiting the initiation of force, thus providing a safe and secure environment where individuals can focus on spiritual growth [1].
In essence, the article posits that Jesus' teachings and parables align closely with the principles of capitalism and stand in opposition to socialist, communist, fascist, and Marxist ideologies [1].
Sources:
1 Capitalism by George Reisman
2 Man, Economy, and State with Power and Market, Scholar's Edition, by Murray Rothbard
3 Human Action, Third Revised Edition by Ludwig Von Mises
4 Economic Thought Before Adam Smith by Murry Rothbard
5 The Birth of Plenty by William J. Bernstein
6 A Theory of Socialism and Capitalism by Hans-Hermann Hoppe
In addition:
Support for Productive Use of Resources:
Jesus' parables often emphasize the importance of using resources wisely and productively, which is a core principle of capitalism. For example, the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates the virtue of investing and multiplying resources rather than hoarding or wasting them. This parable highlights the value of individual initiative and responsibility in creating wealth, which aligns with capitalist ideals [1].
Opposition to Hoarding and Unproductive Behavior:
Jesus taught against hoarding wealth in a non-productive manner. In Matthew 6:19-24, He advises against storing up treasures on earth, which can be interpreted as a critique of non-productive wealth accumulation. This aligns with the capitalist emphasis on reinvestment and the productive use of capital to generate economic growth [1].
Critique of Excessive Taxation:
Jesus' actions in Matthew 17:24-27, where He miraculously provides for the temple tax, can be seen as a subtle critique of excessive taxation. High taxes can stifle economic productivity and innovation, which are essential for a thriving capitalist economy. By opposing oppressive taxation, Jesus' teachings align with the capitalist preference for lower taxes and minimal government intervention in economic affairs [1].
Promotion of Individual Responsibility:
Many of Jesus' teachings focus on personal responsibility and ethical behavior. Capitalism, as an economic system, relies on the idea that individuals are responsible for their own economic decisions and bear the consequences of their actions. This principle is evident in Jesus' teachings, where He encourages individuals to take responsibility for their moral and economic choices [1].
Rejection of Collectivist Ideologies:
Jesus did not endorse collectivist economic systems like socialism, communism, or fascism. These systems often involve centralized control and the redistribution of wealth, which can undermine individual initiative and economic freedom. Jesus' teachings emphasize the importance of individual morality and personal relationship with God, rather than state-imposed economic equality [1].
Critique of Utopian Ideals:
Jesus understood the limitations of human nature and the impracticality of utopian ideals. Marxist and communist ideologies often promote the idea of a classless society without scarcity, but Jesus recognized that such a utopia is unattainable due to human fallibility. His teachings focus on spiritual growth and ethical behavior within the realities of the human condition, rather than striving for an unrealistic economic utopia [1].
In summary, Jesus' teachings support the principles of capitalism by promoting productive use of resources, individual responsibility, and opposition to oppressive taxation. At the same time, His teachings reject the collectivist and utopian ideals of socialist, communist, fascist, and Marxist ideologies [1].
Sources:
1 Capitalism by George Reisman
2 Economic Thought Before Adam Smith by Murry Rothbard
3 Man, Economy, and State with Power and Market, Scholar's Edition, by Murray Rothbard
4 Classical Economics by Murry Rothbard
5 The Birth of Plenty by William J. Bernstein
6 A Theory of Socialism and Capitalism by Hans-Hermann Hoppe
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