I mean it’s worked for us for over 200 years right? Why change anything? Capitalism and democracy go hand in hand don’t they?

No.

Let me begin by saying, I have no problem with the free market. I have no problem with making money. And I certainly do not have a problem with work. I have a problem with Capitalism. Why? Because of what Capitalism and its proponents stand for and are driven by.

Why is it that capitalists believe any system other than their own is socialism or “bad”?

It is probably due to the fact that they have been indoctrinated to believe that the Americanized system of morality and ethics fit in line with there spiritual beliefs. This particularly plagues the Christian community. To a Christian Capitalist, America’s ideology is to be held at the same level as the word of God. To them, getting rich is just as important to their spiritual well being as a relationship with their savior. How do I know this? Here are some common things you’ll here Christian capitalists say:

“Capitalism is supported by the bible.”

No. The free market is supported by the bible. Capitalism is not. Anyone who reads the bible will see a plethora of verses condemning the rich and bringing forth the case of helping the needy, the poor, and those unable to work. The number one defining characteristic of capitalism is the claim to private property, aka the two year old syndrome. What is the two year old syndrome? Any one who examines a two year old will notice the incredible need to have what other’s have to the extent where they feel cheated if they do not. The incredible sense of entitlement found in two year olds is also found in capitalists. A two year old, when in possession of an object, will never in a million years share it with another, even if that person has nothing. It’s mine, all mine, not yours. This is a capitalists private property system.

“Private property is supported by the bible.”

Nope! Again, anyone who reads the bible will understand that the idea of private ownership of ANYTHING is discouraged. Let me be clear though, there is a difference between private and personal property. Here’s some scripture:

“Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:” Exodus 19:5

“For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.” Psalm 50:10-12

“For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.” 1 Corinthians 10:26

God demands obedience from His people because they live in the midst of His creation. We, as His creation, are required to be good Stewards.

“And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?” Luke 12:42

Stewardship is literally defines as one employed in a large household or estate to manage domestic concerns (as the supervision of servants, collection of rents, and keeping of accounts). A steward does not own, nor does he make claim, to anything the master puts his over. In this case, it is the entire earth.

“Capitalism is the only system that works.”

Sure. I guess that’s why 6 of the 10 richest countries in terms of GDP have socialist or mixed economies. For the record, they are Luxembourg (1st), Norway (3rd), Switzerland (4th), Denmark (7th), Sweden (8th), and disputably Singapore (10th). The USA is not even in the top 10. Also, Qatar (2nd) and the UAE (5th) are not democratic counties and Canada (9th) is a monarchy and has universal aka socialist healthcare. So no, capitalism is not the only system that works.

“Capitalism only promotes good. The bad stuff is a result of corruption.”

Again, no. The principle of American Capitalism in the business world is maximizing profits, while minimizing costs. As an economics major I can testify that ALL BUSINESSES abide by this principle and do anything in their legal ramification to maximize profit. If capitalism had its way we’d have slave labor, child labor, poor working conditions, and low wages. That’s what maximizes profit. Anything else is not capitalism.

In the end, there is no way to justify equating capitalism to biblical morality. It doesn’t work. Maximization of profit is not, and has never been a principle of this bible. So next time a capitalist tries to tell you that they are right because God is on their side, remember, “As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man.”