Supply Side Economics vs Christianity

[Sava]

Sure Floyd... but I judge people by their actions. Capitalism is irrelevant to Christianity as it didn't exist until over 1500 years after Christ allegedly existed. I guess it's a matter of the culture of a denomination. It's ignorant to think only true Christians are the ones that follow your denomination's interpretation the Bible.

[David Floyd]

Sure Floyd... but I judge people by their actions. Capitalism is irrelevant to Christianity as it didn't exist until over 1500 years after Christ allegedly existed.

All economic systems are irrelevant to Christianity, as Jesus never supported ANY economic system - he wasn't interested. However, you CAN say that the Bible's overall message supports freedom.

[Sava]

All economic systems are irrelevant to Christianity, as Jesus never supported ANY economic system - he wasn't interested. However, you CAN say that the Bible's overall message supports freedom.

a little... but it also supports treating women as objects... adultery is considered a crime against property, and in Genesis, woman is "created" from a piece of man. The bible also supports genocidal wars.

Because I come from the Orthodox teachings, I tend to think we should focus on the good and what's fair. Let me ask you, do you think Jesus would support a system that is based upon inequality and Social darwinism like Capitalism? Personally, I don't think he would. But then again, my opinion of the mythical Jesus comes from the good parts of the Bible... love thy neighbor, treat everyone fair, etc...

I think the general language and the sheer diversity of interpretation of Christianity discredits it as "truth". I don't put much stock into the Bible. It was written by people. And if you believe in God as your creator, you must accept that he created us with free will and the ability to reason morality for ourselves. It's quite obvious that the imperfections in Christianity suggest it is a man-made religion and not the will of any God.

But having said that, Capitalism, with its history of inequality, abuse, social darwinism, and being based upon a sin (greed) makes me think Jesus wouldn't be so supportive of it. But hey that's my opinion. You obviously have your own ideas.

[David Floyd]

a little... but it also supports treating women as objects... adultery is considered a crime against property, and in Genesis, woman is "created" from a piece of man. The bible also supports genocidal wars.

Remember that there is a huge difference between the OT and NT. The OT is largely irrelevant.

[Sava]

Originally posted by David Floyd


Remember that there is a huge difference between the OT and NT. The OT is largely irrelevant.

All of it is relevant if you believe it to be God's word. I don't recall God saying, "oh yeah, I wasn't serious, don't pay attention to that older stuff."

[David Floyd]

No, the OT was basically Judaic law, and doesn't apply to Christians living in the aftermath of the Crucifixion/Resurrection, etc.

Although you are correct in that the OT supports some major atrocities, stuff that I wouldn't do even if God specifically and "in person" told me to do.

[Sava]

If the OT doesn't apply, then why not delete it? Either accept it as truth or not... you can't selectively believe what you want. Well you can I guess, but I personally don't think it's okay to do so.

[David Floyd]

If the OT doesn't apply, then why not delete it?

There are elements in the OT, such as prophecy, proverbs, things of that nature, that ARE valuable. Much of it also provides historicaly background. However, it is incontestable that the law laid down in the OT is JUDAIC law, not applicable to the Gentiles of the time, and certainly not to modern Christians (by which I mean Christians living after Christ).

It's also not a matter of "selective beliefs". I believe that the events in the OT happened. Wow. That doesn't mean a whole lot, though, if the law in the OT doesn't apply to me.

[Zulu Elephant]

Just thouht I'd post this as a reply to all those screaming nonsense about the bible nowhere telling us to give away our money

Matthew 19: 16-21

16Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"

17"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."

18"Which ones?" the man inquired.

19Jesus replied, " 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,'[4] and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'[5] "

20"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"

21Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

[Sava]

21Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

It sounds like anyone who doesn't do so isn't following the teachings of Christ.

[TCO]

The OT is the heart of Apolyton.

[Sava]

Originally posted by TCO
The OT is the heart of Apolyton.

[David Floyd]

It sounds like anyone who doesn't do so isn't following the teachings of Christ.

No, that verse is simply an illustration of why many people are not able to pick God over money. The Bible says that man cannot serve two masters (God and money), and that verse is an illustration of that point.

In any case, the Bible also acknowledges that no one is perfect.

[Solly]

Really? It's just the *** end innit.

[Solly]

In any case, the Bible also acknowledges that no one is perfect.

WHAT?

It's obviously flawed then.