Capitalism: A Love Story

October 28, 2009 by Beth Davies-Stofka

Continued from Page 1

Has capitalism run amok? Is it salvageable? What do faith and religious traditions tell us to do about our economic quandary? Read more articles about faith and money here.

But this prophetic critique is only a stop on the way to the heart and soul of Moore's film. The inspiration of this movie comes from all the ordinary people Moore finds who take matters into their own hands. There is the profitable, employee-owned bread company where all workers are equally invested and profit equally from their labors. You can do this too! Moore seems to say. There is the neighborhood movement in Florida that assists people evicted from their homes to take those homes back from the banks. And there is the case of the striking workers at Republic Windows and Doors in Chicago who refused to accept an abrupt layoff that came with no notice, no severance, and no benefits.

All of these are examples of people's movements that lead to genuine benefits for those involved. Here come the people, Moore says. He suggests we all get up and do something, and take our democracy back from the plutocrats. He has some criticisms of President Obama, but clearly he believes in the power of poor people's movements. What would Jesus do? It's not entirely clear. But when it comes to the rest of us, the message is loud and clear: Yes, we can.

Beth Davies-Stofka teaches courses on comparative religion and the philosophy of religion. She has also been an online columnist and critic and contributes regularly to the Patheos site.

Page: 2 of 2

10/28/2009 4:00:00 AM

Media

Movies

Christianity

more at patheos

Where Should God Draw the Line on Allowing Suffering?

Dennis Knapp

What the WNBA's Transgender Athlete Fight Reveals About Us

Eric Scot English

How Does ‘Âlam Connect Lindsey Graham & The Iran War?

Martin Thomas Johnson

'Hamnet' vs 'Shakespeare in Love': Are They About the Bard?

Kate O'Hare

About Beth Davies-Stofka

Beth Davies-Stofka teaches courses on comparative religion and the philosophy of religion. Her teaching and research focus in two areas: the challenges that violence and human suffering present to theological ethics, and explorations of philosophy and...

Patheos Logo Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Subscription Support Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In

Follow Patheos