Was Jesus A Capitalist?

Was Jesus a capitalist? Let me give some background. One weekend back in 2009, there was a taxpayer march on Washington. The only thing that people had in common, is that they all see that this country (USA) is going in the wrong direction. A fair amount of them were protesting the socialist direction the Obama Administration is taking this country at warp speed. All of them were protesting the runaway spending in Washington.

Many of them claimed to be Christians. They touted the virtues of free-market capitalism. I came away from watching the event on C-SPAN, impressed with the idea that those who said they were Christians, thought that Jesus was a capitalist.

If Jesus was a capitalist, would he tell the rich ruler to sell everything he had and give to the poor. What Jesus said seems to be more a mandate for the re-distribution of wealth. And Jesus thought that we should pay taxes. "Give to Ceasar the things that are Ceasar's." He said that after being showed a coin and asking who's likeness was on the coin. Then Jesus chased those engaged in capitalistic endeavors out of the temple claiming, "You have turned My Father's house into a den of thieves." And, finally, Jesus said, "the love of money is the root of all evil." When you consider these facts, how can anyone conclude that Jesus was a capitalist?

What principles can we establish for today from what Jesus said and did?

1) Rich people should help poor people.

2) We should pay our taxes.

3) Buying and selling for profit must not happen in the church.

4) We must not be greedy (lover of money).

These principles suggests that Jesus would not be a capitalist today. I have no doubt that if Jesus was a politician He would be condemned by the political right of being a liberal. But then, I don't believe that Jesus would ever stoop so low as to be a politician. He might be a community organizer, or a liberal activist. No way Jesus would fit into the conservative crowd of today.

So if Jesus is not a capitalist, or a conservative, what was he? Jesus believed in people helping people, at the very least. How far can we go with Jesus commands of love? How far should we love one another? By example, the teachings of Jesus are to love one another all the way, even to the point of death, as He died for the people He loved

If it were not so dangerous to say "I am a socialist" I would be screaming it to the top of my lungs. We are to be helpers one of another in whatever way we can. Hording money to ensure one's own future "in this world" is only serving oneself. Did not Jesus tell us to treasure up for ourselves treasures in heaven, not on earth, where moth and rust corrupt? Nice article Tom!

NanHancock wrote:

If it were not so dangerous to say "I am a socialist" I would be screaming it to the top of my lungs. We are to be helpers one of another in whatever way we can. Hording money to ensure one's own future "in this world" is only serving oneself. Did not Jesus tell us to treasure up for ourselves treasures in heaven, not on earth, where moth and rust corrupt? Nice article Tom!

Thanks Nan. And I agree. The problem in America is that those that have don't help, those that don't have can't help. We have two groups in America. Capitalists, and those who are or will be poor.

Thank you Tom, I shared it.