Part 1 of A Discussion of Thomas D. Simpson’s Capitalism versus Socialism Chapter 2 “Market-Based Systems” If we are going to compare the four economic systems, we need to first define and understand each one of them. This is the chapter that focuses on market-based systems. While the title of the book…
Tag: Capitalism
Capitalism versus Socialism
Next We See What the Bible Says about the Four Pillars
Part 2 of A Discussion of Thomas D. Simpson’s Capitalism versus Socialism Chapter 1 “Pillars of Economic Systems” Last blog, I introduced the four pillars and the four economic systems they define. Now, Simpson is looking to the Bible for any direction for answering the four pillars. Pillar 1: Who Owns Property It…
Capitalism versus Socialism
First We Examine the Four Pillars to Define Four Economic Systems
Part 1 of A Discussion of Thomas D. Simpson’s Capitalism versus Socialism Chapter 1 “Pillars of Economic Systems” It seems like a bold statement to say the Bible can tell us what economic system we should have. In fact, Simpson does not think it can directly, but if we define each economic system…
Capitalism versus Socialism
Does the Bible Have Anything to Say About Our Economy?
A Discussion of Thomas D. Simpson’s Capitalism versus Socialism “Preface” Some years ago the author of the next book I am going to discuss, Thomas D. Simpson, was asked to give a talk about the different economic systems and which were most compatible with biblical teaching. Out of the research for that talk,…
Why We Bite the Invisible Hand
If You Bite the Invisible Hand, It Will Bite Back
A Discussion of Peter Foster’s Why We Bite the Invisible Hand Chapter 18 “Conclusion: Still Spinning After All These Years” I have really enjoyed this book because Foster is asking the questions I have had. Why do we bite the Invisible Hand? Why are people not more aware or concerned that…
Why We Bite the Invisible Hand
Philanthrocapitalism Pleases the Donors; Policies are Pushed onto the Recipients
Part 2 of a Discussion of Peter Foster’s Why We Bite the Invisible Hand Chapter 17 “Bill Gates and the Pitfalls of Philanthrocapitalism” Foster next turns to Bill Gates’ call for a “creative capitalism” that he saw as a new form that would merge the ideas of caring for others…
Why We Bite the Invisible Hand
No Need for Philanthrocapitalism, Serving Others’ Needs Is Already Built into Capitalism
A Discussion of Peter Foster’s Why We Bite the Invisible Hand Chapter 17 “Bill Gates and the Pitfalls of Philanthrocapitalism” In this chapter, Foster turns his attention to philanthrocapitalism. It is some combination of charity somehow wrapped up in capitalist behavior. The most well-known current example is likely the Bill &…
Why We Bite the Invisible Hand
Corporate Social Responsibility Is Irresponsible
Part 2 of a Discussion of Peter Foster’s Why We Bite the Invisible Hand Chapter 15 “Global Salvationism” Foster is flipping a popular narrative about the problem of big business on its head in this part of the chapter. Such fears have led to calls for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), but it…
Why We Bite the Invisible Hand
The Deep, Dark Roots of Politics: Using Others to Help Ourselves
A Discussion of Peter Foster’s Why We Bite the Invisible Hand Chapter 13 “The Chimpanzee in the Room: Darwinian Politics” In an earlier chapter, Foster has discussed the origins of the instinct to trade. While trading seems natural to people, the disconnected and abstract modern economic system today challenges our…
Why We Bite the Invisible Hand
Economic Statistics Boost the Illusion of Control
Part 3 of a Discussion of Peter Foster’s Why We Bite the Invisible Hand Chapter 12 “Homer Economicus” Foster asserts that anti-capitalists have long feared that people’s desire to raise their standard of living would devolve into envy-driven conspicuous consumption that would trump virtue. (p. 264) Related to this criticism…