TEN WAYS THE FREE ENTERPRISE ECONOMIC MODEL ALIGNS WITH SCRIPTURE
By B . Nathaniel Sullivan
Lies about capitalism and socialism abound today . In addition to being fed the lines that capitalism breeds envy and that socialism is fair and compassionate , young people are hearing that the Bible affirms socialism . Even church kids are buying it , but young believers who espouse a biblical worldview are less likely to be sucked in . 1 Both a fair reading of Scripture and a clear understanding of the free enterprise economic model will equip us to refute these lies .
For starters , all believers need to understand that “ not a single reference [ exists ] in either the Old or New Testament in which God denies economic freedom to people , as in fascism , socialism , and communism .” 2 Against the backdrop of this reality , let ’ s explore ten ways capitalism aligns with Scripture . The late Dr . Ronald Nash , who for many years was Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Western Kentucky University , succinctly highlights numerous components of the free enterprise economic model that align with the Bible . He writes , “ Capitalism is not economic anarchy . It recognizes several necessary conditions for the kinds of voluntary relationships it recommends . One of these presuppositions is the existence of inherent human rights , such as the right to make decisions , the right to be free , the right to hold property , and the right to exchange what one owns for something else . Capitalism also presupposes a system of morality . Capitalism should be thought of as a system of voluntary relationships within a framework of laws which protect peoples ’ rights against force , fraud , theft , and violations of contracts . ‘ Thou shalt not steal ’ and ‘ Thou shalt not lie ’ are part of the underlying moral constraints of the system . Economic exchanges can hardly be voluntary if one participant is coerced , deceived , defrauded , or robbed .” 3
First , Nash notes , “ Capitalism is not . . . anarchy .” The freedom of free enterprise is purposeful and ordered . People can pursue their interests , develop their skills , use their talents , find satisfaction , and yes , even change their minds . When government fulfills its divinely ordained job to punish wrongdoers and commend those who do well , 4 the societal order that results is fertile ground for economic freedom and prosperity .
Second , Nash observes that capitalism “ recognizes several necessary conditions for the kinds of voluntary relationships it recommends .” We can celebrate that capitalism ’ s relationships are voluntary . People participate as they wish , not as they are coerced .
20 THE RENEWANATION REVIEW