Christianity and capitalism

[heavenslight]

Is the economic egalitarianism of the second through the fifth chapters of Acts a rejection of capitalism ? Was it merely a temporary arrangement or does it suggest an ideal economic arrangement or an ethic that Christians should adhere to?

 

[tango]

Is the economic egalitarianism of the second through the fifth chapters of Acts a rejection of capitalism ? Was it a temporary arrangement or does it suggest an ideal economic arrangement or an ethic that Christians should adhere to?

How is it a rejection of capitalism?

If you look at the case of Ananias and Sapphira the text is very clear - the land was theirs to do with as they chose, and the proceeds from selling it were theirs to do with as they chose. It wouldn't have been a problem if they had withheld some or all of the money for themselves - the problem was that they kept some back and claimed they gave all of it.

There's nothing in capitalism that says one person isn't allowed to share with another. Capitalism gives the choice to do exactly that. Other systems take the choice away, which seems less in keeping with Scripture than capitalism.

 

[heavenslight]

However this involved more then Ananias and Sapphira lying to the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:45 states "They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need" The implication was that this was something done en masse following Pentecost, presumably inspired by the Holy Ghost, although it was done of free choice.

 

[tango]

However this involved more then Ananias and Sapphira lying to the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:45 states "They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need" The implication was that this was something done en masse following Pentecost, presumably inspired by the Holy Ghost, although it was done of free choice.

The crucial matter there is the free choice. Capitalism gives that free choice in ways that many other systems do not.

It's my field. When I sell it the money is mine. I may choose to share some or all of that money with others.

 

[Albion]

Exactly. 'Capitalism' means it's a system driven by free choice and private property rights. The producers giving some or all of their profits to charity like people from other walks of life are encouraged to do as well doesn't compromise or conflict with the economic system that's in operation.