On the surface this would seem to be a true argument but I'm having a problem finding one instance of finacial risk not ultimately being motivated by greed. Can you think of one? Why lock in a low rate when you think it's going to go higher? Ultimately isn't it because you want to keep more of the money you have?
And Jesus would never have had to taken a financial risk, he knew that the father would provide what he needed. Suppose the disciples took some money and decided to gamble some of it away in the hopes that they could gain more? Would Jesus have condoned that? Suppose they had invested their money in an attempt to make a good return...would Jesus have accepted that?
[1] Have you ever owned stock? If financial risk is sinful, owning stock (or any other asset that potentially increases or decreases) is sin.
My one stock buying experience was about 3 years ago when in a fit of I'm-going-to-strike-it-rich-on-penny-stocks I spent 2 grand on some cheap stock. The company has since gone out of business. This was more than a year before I even considered the reality of Christ.
[2] Have you ever had a mortgage? If interest is sinful having a mortgage would be supporting sin. Why settle, as a Christian, for something you believe God merely "tolerates?"
I think that's one of the situations Paul was talking about here:
1Co 5:9 I wrote to you in the letter not to associate intimately with fornicators;
1Co 5:10 yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then you must go out of the world.
Paul recognized that it was impossible for us not to associate with sinners.
This is certainly a thought provoking issue huh? :-)
Reading this exchange, I can't help but think of the parable of the talents. I certainly don't see Jesus condemning the making of a profit (which can only come through risking capital).
Are you now, or have you ever been, a member of the Communist Party? ;-)
Not all economic growth is a result of "greed." Unless you define "greed" as trying to maximize the benefit to yourself and those you love.
People start businesses and employ those in the community. While there is always a "profit motive" in capitalism, I can not as easily as you, characterize this as "greed."
Employees work to maximize their take-home pay. Sometimes people even switch jobs for a higher salary. Is that all evidence of "greed?"
And Jesus would never have had to taken a financial risk, he knew that the father would provide what he needed. Suppose the disciples took some money and decided to gamble some of it away in the hopes that they could gain more? Would Jesus have condoned that? Suppose they had invested their money in an attempt to make a good return...would Jesus have accepted that?
Malachi hit it on the head. The servant who, out of fear, buried his talent got reprimanded. One is expected to grow his talents.
(Furthermore, one might note, that gambling plays a part in the New Testament, in selecting the replacement apostle for Judas. )
SD