We hear a lot today about whether Capitalism or Socialism is more in line with Christian thought. Most of us, as American Christians, have grown up in a Capitalist society and are comfortable with the working relationship we have established between Christianity and Capitalism. However, many of those in power today (political, academic, labor, media, etc.) are challenging that comfortable blend. They assert that Capitalism and Christianity are not compatible and that a Socialist agenda is more in line with Biblical thought. Which is true?
In a sense, neither. There are aspects of Capitalism as it plays out that run afoul of Biblical thought - the materialism, the greed, the elevation of money to a place of primacy - all of that is abhorrent to our God. On the other hand, Socialism sees human government as the supreme authority, restricts human freedom, redistributes wealth, encourages sloth and sets the stage for tyranny and oppression. All of those things are also disgusting in the sight of God. No human economic system is perfect. They are all flawed. The Christian who wishes to honor God should be a champion of industry, service, liberty coupled with personal responsibility, justice and compassion. His government should be a servant of the people, not the other way around. That's why our forefathers set up a system of economics and government based on the understanding that man is depraved and human government needs to be kept strictly in check, and that man is also free and should be allowed to pursue his path in life according to the dictates of his conscience. The American system of economics and government, for all of it's flaws and imperfections, has allowed believers over the years to champion those ideals better than any other system devised by man. May God give us as a nation the wisdom to chart a Godly course in the midst of the murky waters we face today.