Christians in the Economic System
The economic historian, Karl Polanyi, in his book The Great Transformation, looked at the world’s economy from the days of agriculture to the market based system that we have today. His book provides great insight into the impact that the market based economy has had and could have on nations. “It is indispensable for understanding the dilemmas facing global society at the beginning of the twenty-first century.”[1]
Polanyi asserts that “control of the economic system by the market is of overwhelming consequence to the whole organization of society: it means no less than the running of society as an adjunct to the market. Instead of economy being embedded in social relations, social relations are embedded in the economic system.” This statement caused me to ponder how much the market and economy have impacted my own life and the life of the church. “Polanyi argues that creating a fully self-regulating market economy requires that human beings and the natural environment be turned into pure commodities, which assures the destruction of both society and the natural environment.”[2] It is unfortunate that human life and creation could be treated as a commodity. Yet, we are living in a world today that is very much the result of a market system. In fact, we often think of members in our church in terms of being a market commodity. Success is measured on financial growth and membership numbers, instead of measuring against fulfillment of the calling that the Lord has given to each specific church. Our mindset and way of operating is market driven, so we must be mindful that we stay rooted in Biblical principles despite the direction of the economy in which we live.
We can read dozens of articles in the news each day declaring economic gloom and doom. Scripture tells us that the poor will never cease from the land (Deuteronomy 15:11). It can be overwhelming to think about solutions to the inequalities that we see every day. The world continues to become more globally dependent on each other for goods, services, and economic stability. We are all susceptible to unrest and volatility. Yet, despite all of the warnings and indications that our economy cannot continue at this pace, we do not learn. We continue to consume goods in an unhealthy manner, to damage creation, and to make buying decisions that impact others negatively. So, how do we reconcile our responsibility as Christians within the economic structure in which we live? The answer is in making day-to-day choices that reflect Christ, and by being obedient to Him in all circumstances. We must guard ourselves from financial greed and ask ourselves if our actions exploit one another. Scripture teaches us “to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16, ESV).
[1] Polanyi, Karl (2001-03-28). The Great Transformation: The Political and Economic Origins of Our Time . Beacon Press. Kindle Edition.
[2] Polanyi, Karl (2001-03-28). The Great Transformation: The Political and Economic Origins of Our Time . Beacon Press. Kindle Edition.
About the Author
Dawnel Volzke
Christ follower, wife, mom, teacher, student, professional...my passion is to serve Christ and my calling is to help organizations become great at fulfilling their mission.11 responses to “Christians in the Economic System”
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Dawnel, Wow! Good insight and calling out of “the church” . . . “It is unfortunate that human life and creation could be treated as a commodity. Yet, we are living in a world today that is very much the result of a market system. In fact, we often think of members in our church in terms of being a market commodity. Success is measured on financial growth and membership numbers, instead of measuring against fulfillment of the calling that the Lord has given to each specific church.” I definitely see tons of capitalism and self-regulated market behaviors in the church. Even the land, labor, and money grid exposes the “factiousness” of much what we focus on in the church vs. a pure seek, serve, and surrender chase after God and what he would have us consumed and concerned with.
Phil and Dawnel. You are swerving into a conversation about consumer-driven Christianity. Has consumerism, fueled by a capitalist ideal, become so entrenched in the US (Western) Church that it is beyond repair? Is it time for another Reformation?
J
John,
Indeed it does seem anti-Christian. It is such a high price that we pay in pursuit of economic and financial stability – where we are driven by the might dollar versus relationships.
Dawnel
Nice work Dawnel..I pulled out the same quote Phil did from your post. “It is unfortunate that human life and creation could be treated as a commodity….we often think of members in our church in terms of being a market commodity.” So true…The church down the road from ours is “bigger” and I have often heard people say we need to make some changes so we can stay competitive to the other churches in town. What? The capitalistic mentality is very alive in our churches and that’s not a good thing. As pastors/leaders we need to not just guard ourselves but teach those around us as well. Thanks Dawnel.
Nick I wonder (I have been reflecting on this as well) how we can teach those in our congregations about moving away from a consumer-driven church culture when we continue to foster it in our people-centric programs? “We have the best children’s ministry. Just drop your kids off and go enjoy the service!” “Come see ouR new worship team! Equipped with lights and media extravaganza!” “Relevant” “Elevate” “It’s all about you…”
sigh
j
John and Nick,
The more that I dive more deeply into this DMin program and think on the things of God, the more that my eyes are opened to the many fallacies at play in the day-to-day operations of churches. No wonder that the number of “unchurched” is growing.
OK, here’s my soapbox…
If we are honest, then we will admit that many Christian organizations treat their pastors and workers as a commodity. When finances get rough, they just cut pay, jobs, and benefits and stop supporting missions. How about using bi-vocationalism to justify getting a free pastor? How about the exploitation of faith funded missionaries? I’m tired of seeing that churches have money for new and fancy buildings, yet can’t afford to pay their ministry teams. Too many churches are so focused on finances that they loose sight of their true calling and mission. They haven’t yet figured out that people want creature comforts, but they are also hungry for relationships. Although our church members often behave like consumers, it is our responsibility to recognize their needs and to respond appropriately. There is a healthy balance that must be achieved. We can’t look at people as nothing more than resources to be used. Church leaders often tout that pastors need to have paid jobs and to be able to support their families, yet I don’t see too many of them standing up and doing anything about the injustice they see. After all, it is a free market, and those pastors would be able to raise support and make decent money if they were any good at what they did…SMH…
Dawnel
Dawnel, I appreciate your reminder to keep an eye on our own greed. We’re not to fit in perfectly with the culture around us but we’re to make decisions based on our identity as Christ followers. Today I went walking with two guys from my church as we migrated through a few neighborhoods I was taken back by the vast differences in homes. Within our 3 mile stretch we saw broken down homes, that looked like they were ready to be bulldozed to multi million dollar estates. And knowing the neighborhood I’d say over half would claim to be followers of JEsus. So I appreciate your caution on greed, and I’m pondering just how much is too much? When is it enough and I should be invested in help others less fortunate?
Dave, and the broader question is, who gets to decide when enough is enough? Is that a purely individual decision or does the community inform that? Government? Church? Family? Community? Who determines that line?
J
It is sad that people treat others in the church too as a commodity but that is the nature of the beast. I talked about some of the same things you did because the economic system in the world has crept into the church and people treat people like furniture rather than humans born in the image of God. I understand the capitalist nature of the world, but not in the church! God bless you Dawnel!!!
Dawnel, your quote: “Polanyi argues that creating a fully self-regulating market economy requires that human beings and the natural environment be turned into pure commodities, which assures the destruction of both society and the natural environment.” was one that I had highlighted as important as well. It articulates the soberness of the trade off that we all live with as we press toward a true “free” market. It raises the question in my mind, are we willing to make that trade? Is it ok, in the pursuit of an ultimate laissez faire economy, to sacrifice humanity, the weak, those who can’t “cut it” etc… It seems very anti-Christian doesn’t it?
J
Dawnell,
Knowing your background in business, I was looking forward to hearing your response to Polanyi. I think your indictment of the church was very accurate. What amazes me is that, even though churches and leaders can see how people are treated as commodities, many christians seem to be ok with it. They may not say it is ok, but their actions reveal the nature of the heart. I loved your admonition, “The answer is in making day-to-day choices that reflect Christ, and by being obedient to Him in all circumstances. We must guard ourselves from financial greed and ask ourselves if our actions exploit one another.”