Anthony Horvath is the Executive Director of Athanatos Christian Ministries, a pro-life speaker, and the author of the Birth Pangs series of books describing the final fall of America.

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That I know of, I have been de-friended on Facebook four times. Curiously, all four have been Christians who have objected to my view that Christians shouldn't use the government to carry out the Church's charitable duties. Interestingly, the four have been an even mix of liberal and (morally) conservative Christians. The charge seems to be that economic systems are just economic systems and Christians are free to choose from them however they please. Moral issues are different- but economic systems (so I gather) are morally neutral. Worse is that (apparently) I equate Christianity with capitalism.

In this essay, I'd like discuss what I really believe the relationship between capitalism and Christianity is, and if anyone likes what I have to say, you can make up for my loss of friends on Facebook by becoming my new friends.  :)

In truth, I am not interested at all in 'capitalism.' I am interested in freedom. I know that economists and dictionaries describe capitalism as an 'economic system' that can be set against socialism, communism, fascism, etc, but I don't think of it in that way at all. In these latter examples, the common thread of the 'isms' is that the government itself is DOING something whereas in capitalism the basic notion is that the government is NOT DOING anything. In its purest, laissez-faire form, capitalism is just business without restrictions or interference of any kind from the government. (I doubt we've ever seen anything of the sort ever actually implemented, by the way).

To me, as a Christian, my first thought is simply this: on what basis do I have to restrict my fellow man in any way?

Now, I am quite certain that the Christian Scriptures do not hold up any economic or political 'system' as ideal. I'm equally certain that Christians are given no expectation that we could ever reach that ideal- or even that it is worth our time and effort to even try. Christians are called to serve each other and do good as they have opportunity no matter what situation that they find themselves in. There is no warrant in the Scriptures for Christians to try to erect or tinker with 'systems.'  We are not on a quest for Utopia.

As an illustration of the principle that I believe is in play, consider the issue of slavery in the New Testament. Skeptics have foolishly tried to assert that the NT supports slavery. Not even close. The NT's basic position is that there are more urgent things afoot- the salvation of souls- and yet, "although if you can gain your freedom, do so." (1 Cor 7:21)

Paul goes on and says, "You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men."

The basic principle seems to be this: Christianity is about freedom. Some freedoms are more important than others. Freedom from sin and eternal damnation is higher on the list than bondage to men, and yet even here after the one is accomplished if the other becomes available one ought to take hold of it.

In Galatians, Paul goes on a tear against those who put burdens on people and in Acts 15 Peter says, "why do you test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear?" Jesus, not to be outdone by his followers, cries out against the Pharisees: "They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them." (Matt 23)

In this context, it should be clear then that I am not for capitalism. Rather, if it is in my power, I am generally against putting burdens of any kind on people. What we refer to as an 'economic system' called 'capitalism' is merely the 'default' position of leaving people the heck alone.

However, it doesn't follow from what I've just said that even a laissez-faire capitalism ought to have absolutely no restrictions. The point is that I need to have a good basis for advocating for those restrictions. For example, restrictions against theft and fraud resonate with natural law and common sense morality.

It is here, at the point of 'common sense morality,' that many Christians have thought to themselves that perhaps it is morally proper to use the Government to 'help' people. Who can be against helping people? Well, I'm for helping people, so let's just be clear about that. However, I think that Christians are not permitted to mindlessly 'help' people without thinking through the ramifications. As George MacDonald says in his book, Lilith, "the man who would do his neighbour good must first study how not to do him evil."

If an atheistic dictator decides he wants to help people and he's going to do it by taking 60% of every dollar that his citizens make, my basic view is that, well, "submit to authorities." (But I don't have to like it, or agree that it is good policy.) In America, though, we have the right- nay, the duty- to participate in our government by electing representatives and shaping policies. As such, as a Christian concerned about preserving freedom and keeping burdens off of people, I will also have to consider whether or not a 60% tax burden is something I can in good conscience impose on my fellow man.

What right do I have to take his money? Simply because I can? 'Might makes right'? Because I can get a bunch of my fellow citizens together who agree that maybe we can do some good for one group of people by taxing the heck out of another group of people, that's right? That kind of 'brute force' logic is the sort of thing we could expect out of the 'survival of the fittest' crowd. Whatever it is, it ain't Christian.

But aren't 'economic systems' merely morally neutral mechanisms for people to interact with each other?

If so, how is it that wherever communism has gone tyranny, oppression, and lakes of blood has followed? We are assured that 'communism' is nothing more than an economic system. It is just one possible way of transacting and structuring our society 'just as prone as capitalism' (or whatever 'ism' you like) at being abused. Right?

I would contend that communism is not just an economic system. It is a system of controls and interferences and restrictions established by some group of men who, acting 'for the common good,' believe they are smart enough, well intentioned enough, and savvy enough to distribute wealth fairly and equitably. The only way such a 'system' can 'work' is if these central planners have power and authority to enforce their will. At the center of this 'economic' system we have centralized power built right into it. Whatever we may think about the wisdom of such an arrangement, how can we honestly consider it mere economics?

There are only two kinds of systems: one kind which leaves people alone and the other kind which finds various ways to interfere with society in different ways and to different extents. Insofar as it is in our power, Christians have to ask themselves how these interferences will be justified. If there is no Scriptural mandate for using the government to carry out charitable aims, it seems like that will be a difficult enterprise. There are, however, mandates against fraud, deceit, theft, and other similar abuses. Likewise, there are mandates against murder, rape, etc. In short, there are certain areas where we can stand with confidence when we 'interfere' with our fellow man.

Soaking the rich, requiring health insurance, etc, are not such areas. And opposing the 'soaking of the rich' is not supporting 'capitalism.' I oppose 'soaking the rich' because I believe the Scriptures are clear that stealing is wrong and that stealing is not justified merely because we plan on doing good things with the loot.

If the rich turn around and soak the poor, I am opposed on the same grounds.

The prevailing principle is freedom, and it just so happens that freedom is the core characteristic of 'capitalism.' Christianity is not about rich people getting richer, but it is about freedom. For this reason, a Christian must be cautious in advocating any position that has as its effect the enslavement of another person. And certain 'systems' enslave more than other 'systems,' and Christians are not permitted to be indifferent to this reality.

And if saying this means you can't be my friend on Facebook, I can totally live with that. I can get new friends who hopefully will be more open to considering the consequences of our actions, no matter how well intentioned they are.