Essay 1 for Christian Writing
Capitalism vs. Socialism
by Hans Mast
It seems that one of the few certainties in life is that people will never learn from history. People dislike facts and reality getting in the way of their beliefs. Nearly nowhere is this illustrated better than in the age-old debate of Capitalism vs. Socialism. History, logic, facts, and I would daresay even God are all supporting a single side. Yet, there is a false nobility found in the opposite viewpoint that attracts people. The opposing side, Socialism, is a psychologically attractive counterfeit. In a battle of ideas, the idea that is right and the idea that wins do not always correspond. Thus, the old battle between socialism and capitalism rages on with no end in sight, despite having a logical victor.
History has shown that capitalism is the better economic system. The most glaring example of this is the defeat of the Soviet Union through the utter failure and collapse of its economy. One example is the kolektiv farms; the 90% of USSR farms that were socialized produced 10% of the country’s food output while the 10% of the farms that remained capitalist produced 90% of the food. History and current events are rife with other incidents. The economies of Old Europe have been languishing in stagnancy and unemployment for years as irresponsible mob rule has instituted socialist ideals on a “buy now, pay later” basis. The economy and standard of living of China, which for years was stuck in the third world at the dirt poor level, have begun to explode with the introduction of even faint whiffs of implementation of free market reform (which is the same as capitalism). The countries with the ten highest GDPs per capita are all capitalistic countries.
Common sense and logic dictate that capitalism be chosen above socialism. Capitalism allows natural consequences to occur while socialism tries to artificially modify and mitigate the consequences of bad actions. With capitalism, personal responsibility is required. There are consequences for foolish behavior and rewards for good behavior. With socialism, there aren’t penalties for foolish behavior, while good, efficient behavior is punished through a higher tax rate. If the natural consequences of actions are mitigated through socialist government policy, there is obviously no incentive for people to work hard and efficiently and the economy fails.
From a Christian’s point of view, capitalism is superior to socialism. The Bible is replete with verses that contradict the core of socialism and espouse capitalism. The most damning indictment of the fundamental tenet of socialism is found in II Thessalonians 3:10: “If any would not work, neither should he eat.” You also have the verse that says, “There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.” Throughout history, socialism and atheism have been closely linked as have capitalism and Christianity. Many would argue that, from a technical point of view, the two sets of philosophies are not bound, but some intrinsic principles contained in all four philosophies have made that historical linkage in every case. Socialism is based on the atheistic and humanist philosophy that man is inherently good and left to himself will do good; capitalism is based on the Christian premise that humans are born sinful and naturally evil.
We see the preponderance of evidence. It is baffling to us that the battle keeps raging. Why? It seems to come down to a confusion over government and individual roles. The Socialists have nice ideals that would be great if done by private individuals. However, when the government tries to mandate that something happens (wage fairness, helping people that can’t provide for themselves, dictating the economic makeup of industry, redistributing wealth) it doesn’t work; those things are best handled by voluntary charity and market forces. That is the confusion and some people continue to cling to it out of unthinking idealism or a lust for the power that they will gain. The logic, history, and the Bible are clear that capitalism is the route that is better for everyone.
