Definition of Capitalism

"An economic system in which the means of production and distribution are privately or corporately owned and development is proportionate to the accumulation and reinvestment of profits gained in a free market."

Profits. We often hear the word profit used as if it were a curse word. It is important to understand that it is profit that provides the sole incentive to take risk. See below.

Let's Talk About Freedom

Capitalism and freedom. God has given man the gift of life. He created the earth for man to reign on the earth... not in heaven. God also gave man the freedom and creative thinking to figure out the best way to do it. Yes... man messed up, but Jesus Christ redeemed us.

We do our best when we are empowered to be fruitful, not coerced by others. Let's face it. Nobody likes to be told what they have to do. We flourish when we have the freedom to voluntarily find ways to better ourselves and others.

Do we need some help, some inspiration, some guidance and even some blessing from above along the way? Absolutely. When we ask for it of our own free will... that's what makes our heavenly Father smile.

Capitalism is simply what happens when we are free to prosper with the wisdom of God and free from government (even well intentioned) trying to impose its collective human wisdom upon society and individuals.

Let's Talk About Profit

Many people are convinced we have limited resources... that somehow we are going to run out of this or that and the world will come to an end.

Do you really think a loving God would put us in a position to over populate the planet when He is the One who said that children are a blessing? What kind of cruel joke would that be?

There is an abundance of everything man needs to sustain life. Yes, we are to be good stewards of what we have. Capitalism is the best way to conserve our resources.

As Patrick Sean O'Sullivan points out,

"Where profits are denied, entrepreneurship and innovation are stifled and all our lives are the worse for it. Beneath the definition of capitalism is the realization that we are never so efficient and effective as when we pursue our own reward."

Of course greed, lust, selfish ambition and other ungodly traits exploit this freedom and abundance. Yet time and time again they are exposed and never last for more than the short term.