Following Judah's Lion

Christian Capitalism?

Capitalism inevitably leads to hedonism, self centeredness disguised as individualism, hoarding, competitive materialism, and a pervasive practice of living significantly above what is necessary combined with different levels of debt. Expressions of charity are comparatively minimal, and are motive compromised by tax breaks. The goal of capitalism is to benefit the individual rather than the collective group. The theory is that a rising tide elevates all boats, however there are two flaws with this scenario, especially as it pertains to the principles that all believers should follow.
First, capitalism almost always creates a wide schism between the wealthy and the poor. The promise of all boats rising is not true since the fallen nature of man, and environmental upbringing issues, create all sorts of differing types of people. And that fallen nature finds capitalism an easy grazing ground for corruption, manipulation, different forms of bribery, and a rather large cache of unethical leverages for financial gain.
Second, we as believers should not be consumed with elevating our own earthly boats financially. Although God’s will does include a wide range of financial status among His people, that must never be our goal. But within the western church lurks a monstrous sin that goes almost unnoticed and even welcomed. The visible church is filled with people who exhibit lifestyles outside their means, to say nothing of outside their necessity, and who spend enormous amounts of time, thought, and energy to achieve and maintain their lifestyles.
But within a culture of capitalism and self centeredness, the community of believers had an incredible opportunity to live in a remarkably different way, one that might ultimately draw attention to the source of their contented lifestyle…Jesus. But alas, we have been assimilated, even to the point that most evangelicals embrace capitalism and all its accoutrements, and some even suggest a divine approval. And the number one reason for divorce? Money issues.

Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Either we are right, or God is.