The anti-capitalist ‘Occupy Wall Street’ protest which began in September 2011 gained such momentum that it quickly spread global. Protestors all over the world, including London, demanded change. As Christians, if we are to ‘love our neighbour,’ does capitalism help us do so? (Matt 22.39).

There are aspects of capitalism that can cause us to neglect our neighbour; yet other aspects promote the importance of loving others. Do some outweigh the others, or is it a question of evaluating our motives behind every economic decision?

In terms of its negative aspects, capitalism generates wealth unequally, meaning that the poorest of the poor don’t benefit. An example might be those who suffer low wages and long hours in cotton factories due to competition in the clothing market. The rich get richer, but there is no mechanism for equal distribution of the wealth. As Finn writes in Just Trading, ‘Economic egalitarianism is not called for in the bible,’ yet the needs of the poor must be met if we are to love our neighbour.

It can also exacerbate unemployment and hinder community. Unemployment might occur when a local farmer becomes unable to cope with the competition of the nearby supermarket. Community is hindered by capitalism’s encouragement to put ourselves first. Our desire to love our neighbour is constantly threatened by consumerism: the latest mobile phone, designer sweatshirt or exotic food is temptingly offered. Whilst there is nothing necessarily wrong in buying these things, excessive consumption can mean we forget to give to our neighbour.

However, wealth is intrinsically good in the bible, as the author of Ecclesiastes clarifies when he says that to enjoy it is a ‘gift of God’ (Ecclesiastes 5:19). Since capitalism generates wealth, that suggests it is a good system. It also has the potential to improve developing nations through their selling goods abroad. Countries such as China have hugely benefited from doing so, whilst others such as North Korea are notably under-developed since they refuse to trade as far as possible.

Jesus makes clear that we cannot serve both money and God, which suggests that the problem lies not in the system itself but in one’s personal motive (Matt 6:24). The practice of the Eucharist might be a good framework for us in working out how to have good motives for our use of money – it holds that each person is equally valuable, has intrinsic worth, and stresses the importance of community.

As we come before God and focus on the cross, do we forget ourselves and identify with Jesus? Does this help us to reject consumerism and to see others as part of the same whole? – The celebrity and the homeless are equal before the cross. In sharing the bread and wine, do we become aware of others’ needs? Fairtrade is a brilliant example of this: One person needs fresh coffee, and the other person needs a good wage. Often a photo is shown of the farmer, further enhancing a sense of relationship. It is an interdependent practice in which both parties benefit. Could we love our neighbour, and receive their love - simply by putting fair-trade bananas in the shopping trolley?

- What's your opinion? - Does economic capitalism help us to love others or does it hinder us in doing so?

A few further ideas as to how to ‘love your neighbour’ in our capitalist culture can be found in the following links:

Traidcraft

Community Supported Agriculture

Five Talents International