Capitalist Jesus.

I figure I'd share a rather interesting piece of scripture. Mainly, because it revealed unto me the fact that God is, in fact, a capitalist. Mind you, I am not bringing this argument to its extremes, or saying something like "there should be no social programs at all." I am on several of them currently. But the point should not be lost on you that the motive of self-interest serves a vital part of a vibrant, healthy economy, and that this cycle leads to economic growth and prosperity.

Ask China how incorporating these elements has been working for them. I am going to discuss The Parable of the Talents, found in Matthew 25:14-30.

It should make for great water-cooler chit-chat. In the parable, a wealthy man has entrusted various sums of money to three of his servants while he goes away on a journey. To one, five talents. To another, two. To the last, one talent. The first servant returned with five more talents. The second servant returned with two additional talents. The third servant dug a hole in the ground and buried what he had been entrusted with. Why was this? The third servant accused his master of greed; taking what was not rightfully his. Not wanting to be on the hook for any theoretical blowback that might arise from his master's supposedly shady dealings, he became afraid and buried it in the ground, much to his master's dismay. His master rebuked him, and gave his share to the first servant. He couldn't even be trusted with a little. The point being? Jews love lending money. I'm kidding.

This isn't a message lacking empathy.

Proverbs 19:17 says "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." 2 Corinthians 9:7 reads "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." It's a timely message for today's world. In summation? More Freedom + More Generosity > Lack of Freedom + Lack of Generosity (Inordinate degrees of compulsion)