Is Capitalism Based on Greed?
Ever since Gordon Gekko’s character in the movie Wall Street uttered the phrase, “Greed is good,” there has been a wide-spread and oft-repeated myth that capitalism is based on greed. And, so the argument goes, if capitalism is driven by a sinful desire (greed), then it must be rejected as an immoral system.
Such issues have come up again in recent months as a number of new members of congress (and old members) are pushing the country away from capitalism and towards socialism, mostly on moral grounds. Even some well-meaning evangelicals, who have a genuine care for the poor, find themselves drawn to this new movement and its disdain … Continue reading...
Is Capitalism Based on Greed?
Ever since Gordon Gekko’s character in Wall Street uttered the phrase, “Greed is good,” there has been a wide-spread and oft-repeated myth that capitalism is based on greed. And, so the argument goes, if capitalism is driven by a sinful desire (greed), then it must be rejected as an immoral system.
Such misconceptions are even prevalent in the evangelical world, as preachers like Tony Campolo insist that the greed principle underlies the modern capitalistic system of America. Many well-meaning evangelicals, who have a genuine care for the poor, find themselves drawn to the rhetoric of people like Campolo and their disdain for capitalism.
In light of this anti-capitalistic climate, I … Continue reading...
Obamacare, N.T. Wright, and the “Via Media”
One thing I have noticed about N.T. Wright over the years is that he likes to position himself as the healthy middle ground in almost any debate. After portraying both the “right” and the “left” of any debate as extreme, he shows how his way, the via media, is one that makes the most sense.
An example of this method can be found in Wright’s book, The Last Word: Beyond the Bible Wars to a New Understanding of the Authority of Scripture. The subtitle offers a clear indication of where he is headed. He is going to move us beyond the tired old liberal-conservative impasse onto a fresh … Continue reading...