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From: rjb@akgua.UUCP (R.J. Brown [Bob])
Newsgroups: net.religion.christian
Subject: Re: Jimmy Swaggart & Capitalism - reply to Gary B.
Message-ID: <1586@akgua.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 17-Jul-85 17:41:21 EDT
Article-I.D.: akgua.1586
Posted: Wed Jul 17 17:41:21 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 18-Jul-85 06:29:13 EDT
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In a recent article, Gary Bucholz took a shot at
Jimmy Swaggart on his position that the Bible supports
Capitalism.  While I have my differences with Brother
Swaggart, this is not one of them - if you allow the
following commonly held view of Capitalism.

Capitalism as understood by many Americans is the system
where you basically are allowed to economically prosper by 
your own initiative and investment.  This may not be the correct
understanding of the full ramifications of Corporate
Capitalism but I think that Individual Capitalism 
is what is understood.

If you allow this definition, then Jimmy Swaggart is basically
correct.  The Bible praises the prosperous, diligent worker
or investor who brings back a gain on their own or their
master's "capital".

The Book of Proverbs is "eat up"  with examples so numerous that
I just recommend the whole book as evidence.  Note especially
the examples used in describing the Capable Wife in Chapter 31.

The New Testament's most striking Stewardship Capitalism Statement is
probably the Parable of the Talents.  I don't think you can completely
spiritualize this teaching into spiritual talents.  Jesus just talked
too much about money and material things to dismiss the connection.

However, there is definitely no support in the Book that I can see
for the Land Raping, Robber Baron stereotype of capitalism and
certainly the Book of Acts shows  us the early church as
communal living at its best.

Finally, I think that capitalism with a conscience is the best way
to help the poor.  People who prosper according to God's principles
willingly sharing with those in need AND teaching them the skills
they need for self-support + prosperity so THEY can help others -
that's the ideal I think we should shoot for !!



"I've got so much honey, the bees envy me"
David Ruffin and the Temptations - My Girl



Bob Brown {...ihnp4!akgua!rjb}