The Redemption Of Capitalism Through Christian Principles

Abstract

Capitalism and Christianity have been at odds in the application of this system of economics that has been deemed exploitative, manipulative and destructive of people who are not beneficiaries. In essence, the divide between the haves and the have nots in American society makes capitalism the scapegoat for the ills that society finds problematic without immediate remedy. Adam Smith, the father of modern capitalism, is often quoted in support of the capitalism that is currently deployed without an understanding that Smith’s capitalism is not the same as the contemporary capitalism with the negative effects. In fact, Smith wrote of God and deity which bring Christianity and the Church overtly into the conversation. Discussions surrounding capitalism typically present one of two options – accept things as they are with the understanding that things will likely get worse rather than better or change the system of economics to something more palatable. Into this discussion, I introduce a more thoughtful and nuanced alternative, redeem capitalism. Redemption is based on the belief that if individuals can be redeemed then the systems that they participate in, as redeemed individuals can be redeemed as well.