Let me begin by stating that I am not an economist. I haven’t studied economics much at all, and am therefore coming at this from a philosophical, theological angle.

It is also important to note that I am not a Marxist. I’m not a fan of socialism. I’m not concerned with larger economic theories and markets. I’m more interested with the way in which the Church identifies itself, and works within, larger economic systems. In other words, these critiques should largely be limited to the context of the Christian community; they aren’t intended to be a critique of free-market economies in general.

Having said that, I want to suggest that in addition to the “power” of consumerism, discipleship in America is hindered by the “power” of capitalism.

Part of the way in which capitalism undermines our discipleship is the contradictory motives behind Christianity (the worship-motive and the charity-motive) and capitalism (the profit-motive). Let me give a specific, concrete, example of when these motives come into conflict.

Throughout urban America, gentrification is on the rise. As young, upwardly mobile folk move into the city, they rise up property values–this makes it more difficult for the poor to afford rent and property taxes. After a few years, the upwardly mobile couple is able to sell their houses at a huge profit. They move on to a larger house, happy that they’ve made a profit. This scenario is played out all across America. And while it isn’t bad to make a profit, one must ask: would it be more Christlike of me NOT to make a profit? What of the poor who used to live in this area? Why do I assume that it is not only right, but good, for me to make a profit? The profit-motive undermines the charity-impulse. While the two aren’t mutually exclusive, they often come into conflict. I confess that this is a situation I have to seriously ponder, since my wife and I are that upwardly moblie couple. In the end, I believe that I shouldn’t treat the equity as though it were mine to do with as I please. My appreciating home value is directly tied to the increased rent and taxes of others.

Captalism also fosters self-interest. We believe that if everyone persues their own self interests in the free market, then the common good is served. Unfortunately, folks always fall through the cracks. And we develop a bad habit of seeking our own best interests, assuming that the needs and desires of others will be taken care of by the market. We make choices that serve us the best, often without knowing–or caring–about how those choices affect others.

Capitalism also shapes our interactions and choices. Capitalism exists on the idea of exchange (my dear friend Chris, who is worth reading regularly) has blogged about this here and here). When we give something, we expect something in exchange (and we often try to secure more than we give–profit). Exchange is at the heart of a capitalist system.

Unfortunately, this way of think filters into our way of relating. We do a cost-benefit analysis in our relationships with folks and our relationships with God. Often, we don’t give, even to charity, unless there is something that we receive in exchange.

This challenges the disciple, since we are called to take up our cross, to serve Christ, and to lay down our lives for our friends. We are to be motivated by love, not by profit. We are to serve the interests of others in our decision-making, not just our own. We are to give, not exchange.

About Mark Van Steenwyk

Mark Van Steenwyk is a member of Missio Dei. He is a speaker, writer, educator, and grassroots organizer. With the support of the Central Plains Mennonite Conference, he travels to radical and intentional communities around the country to help network and offer support.