Which is the more Biblically accurate? Capitalism or Socialism?

[JurassicTerrorist]

Which one is the more Biblically accurate? Some say it's capitalism and some say it's socialism.
Lately i've been interested in the socialist model, but i don't think capitalism is this giant, greedy and evil coporate empire, like many far-left liberals would like to believe.
Btw, does it matter which one you pick? (from a biblical perspective).

I hope this topic doesn't sound too much like Seraph's "Socialism" topic.

[RickD]

Which one is the more Biblically accurate? Some say it's capitalism and some say it's socialism.
Lately i've been interested in the socialist model, but i don't think capitalism is this giant, greedy and evil coporate empire, like many far-left liberals would like to believe.
Btw, does it matter which one you pick? (from a biblical perspective).

I hope this topic doesn't sound too much like Seraph's "Socialism" topic.

Neither. More specifically, NO Govt. model is advocated by scripture.


But clearly, although not perfect(no man made system is), Capitalism as we have in America for example, is the best system for sinful man. Socialism just plays into the sinful nature of man. In Socialism, there's no real incentive to work any harder than anyone else. Not to mention that Socialism gives govt the power to do what individuals should be doing. Like helping our fellow man.

[HappyFlappyTheist]

A better topic is which is counter-Biblical. I think unfettered, free-market capitalism would be the prime target in that scenario.

I think some anabaptist tried a biblical form of -what would be later called- communism shortly after the Reformation. It didn't work so well (mainly due to angry lutheran princes); so maybe anabaptist-communsim would work if we could contain the angry lutheran princes.

The gospels and the book of acts taken as a economic model would resemble a form of communism IMO. It's feasible that it could work, as has been demonstrated multiple times - secularly- , if you had a devoted, biblically devout (schism free), relatively healthy group of Christians. Feasible in any actual society? Not so much.

I'd say to more precisely answer the question, socialism is more biblical. In theory socialism would support those unhealthy and disabled, while at the same time theoretically eliminating the majority of class warfare. Could it work in a multi-cultural society with social divides cutting deep? No.

Biblical economics may work, if you had 100% of the followers completely devoted to its cause; thus why it cannot work in a secular society and is, again in my opinion, ridiculous to use as a reference when discussing secular economics. I do however believe some bits and pieces of socialism could be inched into our society successfully ( you know, like regulations on BANKS) and would have a positive 'biblical' effect, like eliminating un-just poverty due to insane loans and interest.

Going off topic; I think it's been throughly proven trickle down economics does not work. We have the largest wealth gap of any 1st world country. Lack of tariffs on imports, (past) lack of regulation on banks -Biggest one for me- , lack of regulation on industry, lack of funding for impoverished area schools, and lack of any free college (even 2 year) are all issues directly related to attempting a true unregulated, free market capitalistic society. Socialist'ish' regulations are not inherently bad because they contain the word "socialism."

[PaulSacramento]

Which one is the more Biblically accurate? Some say it's capitalism and some say it's socialism.
Lately i've been interested in the socialist model, but i don't think capitalism is this giant, greedy and evil coporate empire, like many far-left liberals would like to believe.
Btw, does it matter which one you pick? (from a biblical perspective).

I hope this topic doesn't sound too much like Seraph's "Socialism" topic.

Any system in which there is a provision for taking care of those that can't take care of themselves, is a "good" one.
In the bible, the only accurate one is a Theocratic system ruled by Christ and that is YET to come BUT the kingdom of God is here, it is a work in progress ( here, yet not yet here).

[RickD]

The thing about socialism, is it doesn't discriminate against those, who through no fault of their own, have come upon bad times financially, AND those who are just lazy, and have no desire to work.

Socialism just says, you have no money, so you get govt help. Regardless of if they just want to milk the system.

In capitalism like in the US, anyone who has the desire to put in an effort, can be successful. And since, in general, the harder one works, the more money one can make, these people tend to be more giving to those who are truly in need.

Americans are the most generous people in the world. Just look who donates money to natural disaster victims around the world.

We, as individuals, are the ones who should be helping those in need. It's not the govt's job to take from the people who work, and give to those who only want handouts.

[abelcainsbrother]

We don't have capitalism and have'nt for along time in the US,we have too much socialism to call America a capitalistic society. REAL capitalism would be great for America but we have not had real capitalism in America for a long time.Socialism has weakened America and is leading us to a one world government,the destruction of morality,abortion,no God,the redefining of marriage, a political correct society where everything that is wrong is right and everything that is wrong is right. America has moved so far away from real Capitalism that we will never go back.America's best days are behind us and we will never get back what we've lost. The west is vulnerable right now while Russia and China are gaining strength.America is no longer Superman to help protect the west and has been weakened by kryptonite.Russia or China could do anything they chose to and no country in the west could stop them. Russia can take over Ukraine and Taiwan is a goner to China and anything else they choose to do.