Thanks Sonny and Mike for their comments on the previous post (Is God a Capitalist?).  My response was a bit lengthy, so I’ve made it into another post.  May the conversation continue…

I too think that many are blinded by the inwardly focused, “us vs. them” mentality which finds ample sustenance in capitalism.  Granted, there are benefits and detriments to various forms of governance.  And, without a doubt, not all forms of (this worldly) governance are equal (with some seemingly maintaining particular values or principles akin to the Kingdom of God).  Yet, even though a system of governance bears similitude to the Kingdom of God by sharing a particular value or perspective regarding a certain issue/area, the goals of each are held in tact, as well as the overall nature of things.  The Kingdom of God is more than just a set of values or principles.  The Kingdom finds life in the inseparable person and work of Jesus Christ.  As Mike mentioned, “the very nature of capitalism brings it into conflict with the Kingdom of God simply because its goals are the attainment of wealth for the benefit of self.”  There remains a distinction between the worldly system and the people of God.  How else will the world know that it’s the world, apart from the Church truly being the Church?¹

Furthermore, it’s amazing how some folks will defend a particular political party in the name of “morality” or “godly values,” whilst many components of the same party which stand over against the ways of Jesus are rather “hush hush.”  Interestingly enough, some church folks raise the banner of conservatism in the name of “life,” yet have no problem with war whatsoever (no matter the justification).  Further, I have read numerous, cutting articles concerning our government “taking from those who work and giving to those who do not,” particularly in addressing the current health care crisis.  Yet, how might the Kingdom of God envisage caring for our neighbor?  This doesn’t mean that the Church disavows political opinion.  And we must remember, the Church is more than just a bunch of  people who are supposed to be “nice” and passive.  The issue should push us to reflection, conversation and prayer.  Are there ways of community life in which the Church (unwittingly) looks more like a people with a fragmented story than the people who live according to the narrative of the compassionate, hospitable, loving God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (& Jesus)?

Admittedly, some folks (of every people group) abuse, neglect and swindle systems for the benefit of self.  Yet, does this justify the Church turning a deaf ear and blind eye toward the call for loving the neighbor (even/especially our enemies), which is part and parcel to being the people of God?  Oftentimes, if we aren’t careful, the primary impetus for our positions will stand contra the very call of the Spirit to form Christ in us – those who bear his name and live in accordance to his dream, his vision, his character – while the world continues to wage war, deceive, and, ultimately, deteriorate into the abyss of heartless “freedom.”

Peace

¹ See Stanley Hauerwas, A Community of Character: Toward a Constructive Christian Social Ethic (Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1981).