Mensch1351
Cherished Member
Not really, I am a christian, a firm believer in capitalism and western culture. I just need to be firm when the only one with my beliefs, be it in a classroom or on a forum. Sorry if dissenting views (in your case "the system") bother you.
Then Sorry to burst your bubble --- but Christianity per se does not SUPPORT a capitalist viewpoint. Early Christianity followed the principle of Jesus that his followers were NOT to loan money at interest to fellow believers. It was therefore the Christians of Europe who ended up making the Jews the bankers of Europe. You couldn't go to a Christian to borrow money, but you COULD go to a Jew for a loan! Of course, (in a twist of irony) the Christians ended up becoming extremely jealous of the Jews for their great wealth!! If you read the first chapters of the Book of Acts, the early Christian church seemed more in tune with Socialism in bringing their goods to the feet of the disciples for re-distribution in order to have "all things in common."
While as a modern day Christian I am not OPPOSED to Capitalism. I think AMERICAN Capitalism has gotten very far away from a fundamental principle: The AMOUNT of profit should reflect an "honest" gain. It shouldn't gauge or take advantage of. When Capitalism cannot be separated from "profiteering" -- the system has gone awry. Those who have been blessed are not supposed to "tear down their barns to build 'bigger' barns." They are blessed to BE a blessing to those who for a multitude of circumstances have found themselves in dire straits. Christian CONSCIENCE should dictate that when I have MORE than I could ever hope to spend to meet my needs, my eye is to turn to my neighbor -- and especially "the LEAST of these," to offer my help and service.
There is a fine line between those who spend their energies trying to "protect" their wealth at the expense of those who have little and those hoarding and scheming in order to make sure that those at the bottom NEVER have the opportunity to reach higher! I think the scene of the Last Judgment speaks volumes to our American "twist" on the capitalist mindset/system. To whom much is given --- much IS expected!!