Some principles apply in either Capitalism or Socialism.
1.“render unto Caesar” Mark 12:17
2. Romans 17:1 (obey authorities because they have been instituted by God)
3. All work should be done “unto the Lord.” Ephesians 6:7 ESV Rendering service … as to the Lord and not to man,
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The following principles, commands, comments seem to be applicable in a Capitalistic system but not in a Socialist system. One must be able to buy and sell, make money beyond what he needs, make choices about his vocation, investments, charitable giving and his motivation toward his work – how hard and how long.
1. A person should be able to have assets beyond his own need in order to help others. Proverbs 28:8; Ephesians 4:28 Proverbs 28:8, “Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.” Ephesians 4:28 ESV “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 1 Timothy 5:4-8 ESV . But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
2. One’s attitude toward riches is what get him in trouble, not the fact that he has riches. Luke 12:15-22 (rich man who planned to build more storehouses); Mark 10:17-22 (Jesus told him to sell his possessions)
3. Some have more ability to earn money than others because of their God given talents and skills. But God rewards according to a person’s ability. Matthew 25:15+ the Parable of the Talents. I Corinthians 3:8 ESV “He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.
4. I don’t like the parable in which everybody received the same wages for the day no matter about the number of hours they worked. Matthew 20:1-34 But it does show that workers could choose to take the job or not. 😀
5. Property rights to own and sell. Matthew 13:44 (treasure in the field)
I gave reasons “Why I am not a Socialist” in the following link. It could also be seen as “Why I am a Capitalist” I’m not going to repeat, but here is the link /https://onetahayes.com/2018/09/13/socialism-is-not-charity-part-1/
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You have given me some new points to consider. I’m glad for them and happy to know you, Oneta.
Thanks, Roo. We are a couple members of Bloggers Happyland. 😀
Yes, thank you Oneta for often giving us a real Bloggers Happyland focus.
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All capitalists are not CEO’s. Love that line Oneta because it is so true…as is the whole post.
Not much realism taught in big colleges anymore, not via book learning nor experience. Just roll in the student loans; when government and daddy quit paying real living begins. My daddy paid for mine for two years; then my husband and I paid for about twenty years for ourselves and two sons. We didn’t live high on the hog. 😀 But we did get to choose our own path and found lots of joy on the way.
Thank you for the insights. The LOVE and PURSUIT of money and making of it an idol is what is the deception in this world. Love of God FIRST makes all hard work and income for the furtherance of His Kingdom the purpose of a devout follower. Working hard but worshipping God with the proceeds in ‘whatever way He dictates is a Kingdom principle). Money, SPORT and all the pursuit of money in that, and Self-focus money, money, money for glamour and fame…..These are all idols and part of humanistic capitalism. Look forward to any further insights. Cheers!
This is all true I will add one other thing. A poor man can be just as greedy and have money (riches) for an idol. Having success in wealth does not equate with love of money. Some times our criticism of the rich is simply envy and covetousness, pride, and a tendency to blame others for our lack.