The Danger of Christian Capitalism

Last updated on: May 30, 2018 at 10:41 am by Jim Erwin

The Danger of Christian Capitalism 2018-05-30T10:41:50-05:00 Jim Erwin

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The Danger of Christian Capitalism

Yes, your wisdom has made you very rich, and your riches have made you very proud.
(Ezekiel 28:5 NLT)

Capitalism is defined as a system of economics in which individuals and groups can have privately-held interests, can sell goods with little government intervention, and make a profit. The benefits of free trade lead to the opportunity of making more profits. Ultimately, making money becomes the primary motive. While there are many benefits to capitalism, to the Christian it can be a dangerous temptation.

Is there anything wrong with making a profit? No. But profits can lead to riches, and unchecked riches can lead to pride. Pride can keep you away from God’s interests – even if your profits come from other Christians.

The Danger of Christian Prosperity

In Ezekiel’s time, there was a nation that was very prosperous – Tyre. As you read chapters 26-27, you discover how powerful the nation became because of capitalism. Free trade did wonders to the Tyrien economy. However, profits turned the nation, and especially its leaders, away from seeking God.

Today, we live in a world in which Christians in Western society can easily become very rich. There is even a market designed to reach Christians. So in a sense, Christians can make profits from other Christians. Is this good for the Christian faith? Is it good for Christians who represent the idea that the poor are just as important as the rich to start acting like becoming rich is the important value? Could our money be better spent sharing the message of Jesus Christ with those who have never heard? Or do we think that lining our pockets with profits is more important being prophets to those who need to hear about Jesus Christ? Maybe Christianity in the West could use a New Reformation – a new economic reformation.

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

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