Reference no: EM133713668
Assignment:
Collaboration: Devotional
Please read the following scriptures.
Genesis 1:26-29
Mark 7:21-23
Capitalism (and by default, globalization) has a lot of baggage associated with it and creates much debate. Either it is a wonderful agent of change for lifting millions out of poverty, or it is the agent by which indigenous people groups, the working poor, and nature itself are all exploited and used up.
As early as Genesis 1, we see an emphasis on private property and having the freedom to use that property for God's glory. The protection of private property is also affirmed in the Ten Commandments ("you shall not steal"). This would speak against government regulation that emphasizes forced redistribution of wealth, at least to some extent, and therefore excessive regulation of business.
But then we have the words of Christ in Mark 7 which talks about the real propensity and source of evil-the human heart. We may have a hard time imagining how greedy conglomerates, often in conjunction with corrupt politicians, could so effectively exploit people through business dealings, until we understand that the true nature of sin exists in each one of us. So on the one hand, we are made in God's image and on the other hand, each one of us has the potential for great evil. Likewise, on the one hand capitalism has the potential to lift millions of people out of poverty (and it has) and on the other it has the ability to serve as the mechanism of exploitation. In short, we need a Savior!
What are some ways God can use capitalism for good? How have you seen man use capitalism for evil?