- The rise of capitalism and of the free market as the mediator of value
- The rise of the nation-state as the mediator of protection and provision
- The rise of science as the mediator of truth and understanding
Hirsch goes on to say:
On could hardly now doubt the almost total hegemonic power fo the economy, the state, and science in our lives. And the upshot is that these are precisely the places where the vast majority of people find their direction and meaning. And as we engage the twenty-first century, the most dominant force of all three --the one that pervades our lives totally--is that of global economy and the market...It has often been noted that in the postmodern condition we can consume new identities like new clothes...In this cultural situation everything, even personal identiy adn religious meaning, becomes a comodity that we can now trade in, depending on the latest fads, and by consuming the latest products--The Forgotten Ways p. 109.
If this is true, how should Christians regard "Capitalism" and "Free Market Economies"? Is there such a thing as "Benevolent Capitalism"? Can we have a "benevolent capitalism" with the belief in total depravity? Can the church begin to influence people for a "benevolent capitalism" or will it always sucomb to the darker-side of free markets and consumerism?
Just a few questions to chew on.
First define and describe “benevolent capitalism.” How would a “benevolent capitalism” operate? Pure capitalism – without the “benevolent” descriptor – operates on a free market philosophy, so that a person receives what others in the community are willing to pay for the goods or services provided. If a person is unable to provide goods or services valued by others in the community, they don’t get paid. A person truly incapable of providing valuable goods or services might choose to beg (or ask for donations), which then allows them to receive “payment” based on what others are willing to give freely with nothing tangible in exchange (although the beggar or donation seeker may exploit the “good feelings” others may get by their giving). Even so, isn’t begging and giving freely simply bypassing the capitalist system altogether; operating on the side, so to speak? What does the “benevolent” do to the “capitalism”? Is it supposed to somehow bring into the system the activities of begging and giving freely, or give them a value they might not otherwise have, so that it becomes impossible to give without getting something of value in return? That sounds more like the “darker side” of consumerism you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteWarnm,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments. My definition of Benevolent Capitalism is most succinctly explained by contrast of the 2 capitalist systems as seen in the movie Its A Wonderful Life. In this movie the capitalism depicticted by the Saving and Loan operated by Jimmy Stewart's Character is portrayed as benevolent while Potter's capitalism portrayed by the institutions he runs is not.
I like your question, "...[is it] impossible to give without getting something in return?"
My question is: Are some things a better return than money or "capital"?
Dave, I think many things are better than money (or capital) as a "return on investment." To borrow from your example of benevolent capitalism, I would say that the loyalty and friendship and compassion from the community, which Jimmy Stewart's character finally recognizes at the end of the story, are worth more than the money he also receives. I just don't see how benevolence can be a descriptor for capitalism or a free market system, because if it is truly "free" than everyone has the choice to be benevolent or not. If the choice is removed (i.e. benevolence is required or given an inflated value), then it is no longer a free market action, it is either obedience to law or just another investment for a desired return. My point is that a capitalist is free to be benevolent whenever he wishes and reaps the rewards of such benevolence, but a capitalistic or free market system cannot be "benevolent" without removing the freedom of the choice. If the freedom is removed, then benevolence is contaminated by the darker side of capitalism, namely consumerism (e.g. what will I get in return for my benevolence?). Can the church influence people to act benevolently within a free market system? Absolutely! And I would say it has tried to do so for centuries. It’s about changing hearts, though, and not the system.
ReplyDeleteI like Hirsch’s point about how consumerism has affected the church (and Western Christians in particular). “The problem for the church in this situation is that it is now forced to compete with all the other ideologies and –isms in the marketplace of religions and products for the allegiance of people, and it must do this in a way that mirrors the dynamics of the marketplace … the church is forced into the role of being little more than a vendor of religious goods and services. And the end-users of the church’s services (namely, us) easily slip into the role of discerning, individualistic consumers, devouring the religious goods and services offered by the latest and best vendor.” (pgs 109-110) Is the church acting as a “vendor of religious goods and services” with the best slick marketing techniques? Or is it teaching about heart change with authority from Scripture and empowered by the Holy Spirit? And are we Christians looking for the best return of our “investment” from a “vendor church” or are we acting benevolently for those we are in community with in our church? -Mark