The Problem with Capitalism

I recently read an article titled “What is Wrong with Capitalism? The Problem with the Problem with Capitalism” from the website The Other Journal. The Other Journal is an online magazine that focuses on discussions surrounding faith, culture, and social justice. I actually helped at an event that they sponsored in Seattle called Film, Faith and Justice.

I enjoyed reading the article, although it is a little wordy. Basically the author makes the argument that capitalism is wrong based on the way it corrupts human desire and relations. He says, “Not only does capitalism deform the desire of those who prosper or at least survive under its tutelage, it also distorts human relations, even of those who are excluded from its fruits. This is to say, even if capitalism elevated the poor, it would still be wrong on account of the way it corrupts human relations, rendering them antagonistic, competitive.”

Is Capitalism Evil?

Does capitalism make us overly competitive? Does it truly corrupt our desires? I would tend to agree with the author. Winning in our culture is triumphed above all else. Our success is determined by the amount of power we have, which is usually tied to how much money we have. Our career choices, our educational choices and even our relationship choices are often influenced by the desire to gain money and influence. As a high school student, the monetary benefits of going to college were drilled into me, as if those were the best (and only) benefits of getting a degree.

As Christians, should we support a system that promotes these desires? The author discusses an alternative, but not necessarily another economic system. The author says, “if the options are Marx or Smith, then I fear that capitalism’s proponents are right, capital may be the best we can do. Stubborn idealism notwithstanding, we humans have certainly not shown ourselves capable of the pelagian task of fulfilling the promise of (Marxist) socialism.”

Breaking free from the logic of Capitalism

However, while living within this system, we still have options. The church has been given gifts from God that we can use to circumvent the system and promote the Kingdom of God. The author identifies these gifts as the Works of Mercy and says that they “…are the ecclesial instantiation of the divine economy and this economy is already taking shape in our midst in countless ways and communities – in various alternative markets and co-op’s, houses of hospitality, sanctuary and jubilee movements, and gleaning projects, all of which engage in and encourage economic production and exchange according to a logic other than capitalist.”

We can live in a capitalist society, but that does not mean we have to live according to capitalist logic. I find that idea very freeing. It’s also comforting to realize that we don’t have to do this on our own. Our most powerful tools to combat poverty are not human ideas or inventions, but are our gifts from God. These are gifts of charity and hospitality, gifts that should inspire not only personal but systemic changes.

“Using” Capitalism

I can’t help but think about the idea of “using” capitalism. For me this is the idea of using the capitalist system to acquire wealth, but then use that wealth to help people. Something about it doesn’t sit right with me, although it is definitely tempting. Maybe it’s the fear that during one’s quest for that wealth the initial selfless desires succumb to the competitive and selfish desires that capitalism encourages. Do you have any thoughts?

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