I think Jesus supports capitalism

[FriendofJonathan]

On 3/5/2025 at 3:33 PM, Marston said:

Based on the parable of the talents it appears that Jesus wants people to "capitalize" on their wealth and talent and to be productive. 

Matthew 25:14-30

English Standard Version

The Parable of the Talents

14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants[a] and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.[c] You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Jesus is using the illustration of increasing the masters wealth metaphorically, describing the way in which His kingdom will grow: by the work of faithful servants winning souls to Christ.  As Jesus says in Luke 19:13, "Occupy till I come."

[Marston]

22 hours ago, missmuffet said:

The Bible doesn't endorse Capitalism.

It certainly does. I just shared the word of Jesus.

[Marston]

18 hours ago, Deborah_ said:

The parable of the talents isn't about wealth creation. In your Bible quote you missed out the preceding verse, which gives vital context: it's about the Kingdom of God. We are to be proactive and productive in furthering the interests of our King Jesus.

That's true, but I believe Jesus wants us to use our talents to be fruitful in all things good. 

The Bible also says not to share food with those that don't want to work. 

[Marston]

18 hours ago, Who me said:

In a society with no government welfare families and communities survived based on there ability to produce what they needed to survive.

Because of different  abilities, resources etc some did far worse than others and the mosaic  laws incorporated  several communal responses to the poor.

The book of Ruth illustrates the two main responses.

 

 

Well, capitalism means to "capitalize" or, in other words, to take advantage of and pursue opportunities to be productive. I believe that Jesus wants that from us. 

[Marston]

8 hours ago, Vine Abider said:

I wanted to say that I think God supports Republicans, but I thought better of it, so I won't . . .

Our Father certainly doesn't support the abortionists. 

[Marston]

5 hours ago, The_Patriot21 said:

It addresses capitalism, because it is necessary for any economy to succeed (even communist countries make use of it to a degree)

But there's a difference between talking about capitalism and endorsing it. 

Because realistically for capitalism to work, you need greedy people. People who want to make money.

And the Bible says the love of money is the root of all evil.

Kind of a conflict there, isn't it?

The term "capitalism" is disliked by many but I believe that is because they mistake what is capitalism. It's a good thing for people to be ambitious and productive, provided their work isn't immoral, such as being a drug dealer. Those qualities are necessary for one to take care of their families and, as well, to have the means to be generous with the less fortunate. 

Being a capitalist isn't contrary to God's teachings, but being selfish and indifferent to the needs of others is.

[Marston]

5 hours ago, FriendofJonathan said:

Jesus is using the illustration of increasing the masters wealth metaphorically, describing the way in which His kingdom will grow: by the work of faithful servants winning souls to Christ.  As Jesus says in Luke 19:13, "Occupy till I come."

Amen brother! I believe the parable also applies to the concept of believers striving to be productive in order to take care of their families and so that they can help others. Capitalism has done more to improve the lives of people than any other economic system. 

[The_Patriot21]

21 minutes ago, Marston said:

The term "capitalism" is disliked by many but I believe that is because they mistake what is capitalism. It's a good thing for people to be ambitious and productive, provided their work isn't immoral, such as being a drug dealer. Those qualities are necessary for one to take care of their families and, as well, to have the means to be generous with the less fortunate. 

Being a capitalist isn't contrary to God's teachings, but being selfish and indifferent to the needs of others is.

The concept itself isn't contrary persay, it is how a economy works, but it's also not endorsed. In fact, NT Jesus didn't really endorse any economic thing.

The OT Jesus endorsed a monarchy. 

So I'd say if anything He was neutral.

But like I said for capitalism to succeed it involves greed, at least at some level. It's a made system. Yes, it's the most effective way of a free and growing economy, and yes we should indeed work and move forward, but where is the line between just working hard and improving and wise management of our resources and gifts that God gave us, and chasing the Almighty dollar and forsaking God?

[enoob57]

1 hour ago, The_Patriot21 said:

The concept itself isn't contrary persay, it is how a economy works, but it's also not endorsed. In fact, NT Jesus didn't really endorse any economic thing.

The OT Jesus endorsed a monarchy. 

So I'd say if anything He was neutral.

But like I said for capitalism to succeed it involves greed, at least at some level. It's a made system. Yes, it's the most effective way of a free and growing economy, and yes we should indeed work and move forward, but where is the line between just working hard and improving and wise management of our resources and gifts that God gave us, and chasing the Almighty dollar and forsaking God?

Pat God did say this which is pertinent to this thread

Matthew 22:21 (KJV)

[21] They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

I think it significant that He divided out like He did...

[Marston]

1 hour ago, The_Patriot21 said:

The concept itself isn't contrary persay, it is how a economy works, but it's also not endorsed. In fact, NT Jesus didn't really endorse any economic thing.

The OT Jesus endorsed a monarchy. 

So I'd say if anything He was neutral.

But like I said for capitalism to succeed it involves greed, at least at some level. It's a made system. Yes, it's the most effective way of a free and growing economy, and yes we should indeed work and move forward, but where is the line between just working hard and improving and wise management of our resources and gifts that God gave us, and chasing the Almighty dollar and forsaking God?

Yes, there must be balance. Be productive in work AND be productive at helping others.