Blessed: The Lie That Built America

I've been waiting for the right opportunity to approach this subject for some time. Let's begin with the obvious question; If as Christians, we reject the notion that prosperity, comfort, and even luxury are the hallmarks of God's "blessings"...what should we do about it? Since I'm not a millionaire, let alone a billionaire...I'll speak from my own circumstances. Should I sell my $100,000 home with it's often leaky roof and rotten porch, and move my wife and son into a one-room apartment downtown (where consequently, I'd pay about $300 more a month in rent)? Should I sell both of our used cars (that we've almost paid off) and walk or take public transit (not really existent where we live)? Should I resign from my job and take two that pay minimum wage? Should we sell most of our clothes, tools, etc.? Esoterically speaking, Christ once advised a rich man to do exactly that, when asked what he must do to enter Heaven. Pragmatically, I believe we can all agree that what Christ was trying to emphasize is that our devotion to God should supersede all earthly ambitions and wants...not that we should impose poverty on ourselves merely to emulate a disdain for materialism.

More appropriately, what should those of us who do have millions, let alone billions of dollars in personal assets do? You will find zero argument with me regarding the notion that, "to whom much is given...much is required". Personally, I believe that anyone who has wealth and faith, must see the obligation to use their plenty to help those with less. However, I do not believe that means failing to be a good steward of what they've been allowed to amass...or giving that wealth away to causes that will not effectively combat suffering and privation. For example; if a rich person owns several corporations that collectively, pay the salaries and benefits of five-thousand people; how is that not providing for those employee's needs? Would it be "better" for that business person to sell off their companies (resulting in the lay-off of those thousands), and donate all the proceeds to charity? If done on a grand scale, is it better to have millions of Americans employed, or on subsistence from the Government? This isn't to say that companies shouldn't and cannot do better in terms of profit sharing...or that the constant inflation of pricing for goods and services in the name of increased profits is "moral". What it is to say is that each wealthy and powerful person who builds the means to support others is doing as much...if not more, than those who through taxation, give stipends away.

One final piece; what responsibilities do we, as a society, collectively have towards, or have a right to demand from each other? I believe we ARE connected by obligation. That being said, I don't believe vengeance or reprisal constitute any portion of Christ's teachings. The poor do not have the right to demand a portion of the wealth of the prosperous...any more than those with wealth have any right to refuse to help the poor. The social contract that should be sought is one in which conscience, rather than regulation, determines our course of action. I believe we would see more "social justice" if we perpetuated this notion...as opposed to the idea that being a "good member of society" could be imposed upon us by law.

Thank you for sharing the Beatitudes brother Chip