Kevin Allen, host of The Illumined Heart podcast on Ancient Faith Radio, interviews writer, attorney, and college professor Chris Banescu, an Orthodox Christian, about the economic, moral and spiritual issues surrounding the market economy. Kevin asks: Does the capitalist system serve “the best interests of Christians living the life of the Beatitudes?”
Listen to Chris Banescu on Orthodox Christianity and Capitalism:
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Read “A Primer on Capitalism” on Chris’ personal Web site.
He is also the author of two articles on home schooling (here and here) for Acton Commentary.
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Ancient Faith Radio, capitalism, Chris Banescu, Kevin Allen, market economy, Orthodox Christian, The Illumined Heart
John and Chris
I enjoyed listening to your discussion. You raised many points that helped me understand free enterprise and my Catholic faith. Keep up the discussion we need it both from a faith perspective and economic perspective. When the curent systems fail we need to know where to go.
John Barry
St. John’s, NL, Canada
John Barry
April 20, 2009
4:06 pm
Great Primer on Capitalism, but I would quibble with this: “Capitalism, is value and morally neutral.”
Capitalism is not morally neutral. In fact, it is the only moral organization of society that exists because the foundation of capitalism is the Biblical sanction of private property and the Biblical injunctions against its violations, such as “Thou shalt not steal” and “Thou shalt not covet.” Capitalism protects the property of individuals from theft and fraud by the state and criminals through the rule of law.
Socialism is not value neutral, either. According to the Bible, socialism is immoral.
Roger
April 21, 2009
9:35 am
I think a strong case can be made for the compatibility of Christianity and capitalism– if capitalism is properly understood/defined. That said, there are difficulties with things correlated with capitalism. And making the case requires some sophistication.
By contrast, it is far easier to make a negative defense of markets through a critique of much political activity. (This is what I try to do in my book.)
eric schansberg
April 22, 2009
8:31 am