On the so-called “free market” and the economic idolatry of the “invisible hand”:
“The alcoholic with plenty of money and access to an open liquor store may, in a purely negative sense, be free from anything interfering with getting what he wants; but in reality he is profoundly unfree and cannot free himself.”
William T. Cavanaugh, Being Consumed, p. 8.
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June 17, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Joseph
economic idolatry? What’s your suggestion for an alternative system?
June 18, 2009 at 5:50 am
Casey Bessette
I’m not trying to suggest anything is wrong with the “free market” as such, I’m just pointing out the necessary connection between religion and economics. Even in the secular thinking of Adam Smith there must be an “invisible hand,” presumably some sort of god, who tells men everywhere that all there desires are legitimate because economically feasible. The alternative system is the one that will be consummated at Christ’s second coming (in other words, no perfect system exists this side of the eschaton).
July 11, 2010 at 10:51 am
protoprotestant
Hey, I’m glad to hear someone actually say it.
All governmental, economic, and social theories in the end fail, because men are fallen.
There is a latent Pelagianism in Triumphalist thought. It always amazes me that they think they can come up with something that will solve all the problems….
We’re Christians, in the end it doesn’t matter what system we live under. Praise God if we live in one that creates a stable, peaceful society where the gospel can function.
Praise God if we live in one that’s chaotic, corrupt, and persecuting.
Thanks for your post. It was encouraging.
John A.