Level of Education
Master's Graduate
Abstract
There has been a growing trend in some expressions of Christianity to view Capitalism as fundamentally incompatible with the Christian faith. This article looked to a variety of sources to argue that Christianity and Capitalism are not fundamentally incompatible. Rather, Capitalism developed alongside developments in Christian theology during the Middle Ages. This traditional form of Capitalism is defined and argued for in this article. The article attempts to demonstrate that the elements that allow Capitalism to thrive are compatible with Christian ethics. The case is made by first examining the historical development of Capitalism and its relationship to Christianity. From there, the paper differentiates traditional Capitalism from other secular versions advanced in the ninetieth and twentieth century. Finally, the paper responds to various ethical issues relating to Capitalism: the role of work, the issue of materialism, the biblical view of the rich, and moral choice in a Capitalist economy. Through an examination of historical, philosophical, and theological sources, it argues that Capitalism relies on the moral decision-making of its participants; and therefore, it is not incompatible with Christianity as long as its participants are guided by Christian morals.
Recommended Citation
Stewart, Sarah D.
(2020)
"Capitalism and Biblical Ethics,"
Liberty University Journal of Statesmanship & Public Policy: Vol. 1:
Iss.
1, Article 14.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/jspp/vol1/iss1/14
Included in
Biblical Studies Commons, Christianity Commons, Ethics and Political Philosophy Commons, Ethics in Religion Commons, European History Commons, History of Christianity Commons, History of Religion Commons, Medieval History Commons, Political History Commons, Practical Theology Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons