Economics of Christianity

Rebuttals: Contention One: "JESUS ON PROPERTY RIGHTS" John 10:11-13 To accept this verse as con has is to believe that we (people) are property. Rather the verse is indicating that “the good shepherd” (Jesus) cares about his sheep (us.) As is obvious when reading this verse, it is about our relationship to Jesus, not about property rights. Matthew 25:14-30 Con seems to be equating stewardship to capitalism, when it actually fits closer to communism. Let me explain. Capitalism is about individual property, in a communist society the people collectively own the means of production. The Government functions as stewards over those resources as opposed to owners. Con says “The saying in communism is "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need", but Jesus would say "To each according to his ability, from each according to his ability". Acts 4:35 actually shows that “distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” Certainly this shows more resemblance to communism than capitalism. Con says “This should probably go without saying but God owns the world. It's his private property.” Along with “Despite the Earth being God's he has decided to give mankind stewardship over the Earth.” Key word, stewardship… not ownership. Contention 2: LAWS CONCERNING PROPERTY RIGHTS Con says “Pay attention to these laws concerning property rights. Nowhere does God advocate for the abolition of property rights and instead gives laws showing massive respect for property rights. If his laws are to protect property rights then by it's very definition the laws are capitalist.” This is ironic as con has just argued that God owns everything, and we are only Stewards…. As such there is no defense of private property as, according to con's arguemnts man owns nothing. Real Estate laws Con says “1.The earth and all realty and things on it belong to God. Gen. 14:199 22; Exod. 19:5; Lev. 25:23; Deut. 10:14; Psa. 24:1; Psa. 50:10-12; Psa. 89:11; 1 Cor. 10:26, 28.” I will allow his first set of verses negate the rest. All things belong to God, not man. We are stewards. I regard to “stealing” another’s property… it would seem con needs to decide which he is arguing. Do people own things, or does God? CONCLUSION Con says “The bible teaches us that God has given us dominion over this land and that each of us should have property rights.” Again, Con has solidly argued that God owns all things and we are merely stewards. That is not private property rights. Most of con’s contention is from the law of Moses, which is in the Bible however, he concludes that “I think at this point it is clear that Christianity advocates for a capitalist system.” the law of Moses is not what Christians follow. As we know this is “God’s Kingdom.” As such he “owns” everything… we, as people, are only stewards and do not really own anything. Again Stewardship is much closer related to communism than capitalism. Con has argued that God owns everything. As such this creates a concept of equality among people, especially in terms of private property as we own nothing. As Con has not yet rebutted my argument I will await his rebuttal before I continue.