The Pope is an Argentinian. Sadly he has very little understanding how real wealth is created. Unless wealth is created, there is no social justice. The most well meaning man in the world cannot redistribute that which is not produced. No capitalism means no social justice.
Put Kenyans down as having no idea how wealth is created.
Unless Obama is not representative of the race as a whole.
>> The most well meaning man in the world cannot redistribute that which is not produced.
Amen. Paul understood this, and wrote about it in his letters to the Christians in Thessaloniki:
“aspire to... mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. “ — 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (ESV)
“Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness... we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat... For we hear that some among you walk in idleness... Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. “ —2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 (ESV)
And in Ephesians 4:28, Paul further writes: (ESV)
“Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.”
He seems to be talking to our politicians — yes? :-)
But this is the crux of it: “Unfettered” capitalism (e.g. given over to greed) IS wrong, and the rich SHOULD share with those in need.
HOWEVER: this self-control and sharing ought to be a NATURAL outworking of Christian love and Christ-imitation.
It should NOT be forced at gunpoint by a secular government. And in a true Christian nation, it does not NEED to be forced.
Forced sharing with others when it’s not love-driven to GOD’s glory is for naught, and encourages idleness.