Monday, August 30, 2004

capitalism and christ...

i remember writing a paper in my years at christian college entitled 'can chrisianity and capitalism coexist?'... it was a bit young and naive in some of its presuppositions and interpretations, but it definitely was proof that something was beginning in me that would continue to unfold... and continues to unfold...

i was reading in the gospel of mark today... as i came to chapter 4, verses 24-25, a feeling surged inside me... let me show you what jesus says here:

"...be wary of the shrewd advice that tells you how to get ahead in the world on your own. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes."

it's interesting how many people when faced with some of these sayings of jesus reply with the notions of saving and 'being good stewards' and things of this nature... not that i feel like its a right/wrong thing (that is, perhaps they are not mutually exclusive), but i think i have heard way more 'shrewd advice' in the ways of working hard, saving your money, buying a house, and making your way in the world... what did a friend of mine say this morning?... 'couples that are just trying to get ahead'...

what does that mean?... getting ahead?...

in reading the gospel of matthew a couple weeks ago, i remember this being a theme of jesus' teachings: 'be generous'... with your lives, possessions, resources...

how can we be more generous... on a personal level, on a family level, on a community level, and perhaps on a political level?... thoughts?...

1 comment:

jenabanena said...

that's good.