Capitalism, Christianity, and the Unmaking of the American Dream

Capitalism and Christianity are two of the most influential forces in American society. Capitalism is the economic system based on private ownership of property and the pursuit of profit. Christianity is the religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Both capitalism and Christianity have shaped American society in profound ways, but their relationship has been complex and often contradictory.

The Money Cult: Capitalism, Christianity, and the Unmaking of the American Dream

by Chris Lehmann

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4474 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	406 pages

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On the one hand, capitalism and Christianity have been mutually supportive. Capitalism has provided the economic foundation for the growth of Christianity in the United States, and Christianity has provided a moral framework for the development of capitalism. On the other hand, capitalism and Christianity have also been at odds. Capitalism's emphasis on individualism and materialism has often clashed with Christianity's emphasis on community and compassion.

In recent years, the tension between capitalism and Christianity has intensified. The growing inequality in the United States has led many Christians to question the morality of capitalism. At the same time, the rise of secularism has led many capitalists to question the relevance of Christianity. The result has been a growing divide between capitalism and Christianity, with profound implications for the American Dream.

The American Dream

The American Dream is the belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success in the United States. It is a powerful ideal that has motivated millions of people to come to America and to work hard to improve their lives. The American Dream is based on the principles of liberty, equality, and opportunity.

Capitalism and Christianity have both played a role in shaping the American Dream. Capitalism has provided the economic foundation for the American Dream by creating a system in which anyone can start a business and succeed. Christianity has provided the moral framework for the American Dream by emphasizing the importance of hard work, thrift, and personal responsibility.

The Challenges to the American Dream

In recent years, the American Dream has come under attack from a variety of forces. One of the biggest challenges to the American Dream is the growing inequality in the United States. The gap between the rich and the poor has been growing wider for decades, and it is now at its highest level in history. This inequality is due in part to the rise of global capitalism, which has led to the outsourcing of jobs and the decline of unions.

Another challenge to the American Dream is the rising cost of education. The cost of tuition at colleges and universities has been rising steadily for decades, and it is now out of reach for many families. This is making it more difficult for young people to get the education they need to succeed in the workforce.

Finally, the American Dream is also being challenged by the decline of social mobility. In the past, it was relatively easy for people to move up the economic ladder. However, in recent years, social mobility has become more difficult. This is due to a variety of factors, including the growing inequality of income and wealth, the decline of unions, and the rising cost of education.

The Role of Capitalism

Capitalism has been a major contributor to the growth of inequality in the United States. The rise of global capitalism has led to the outsourcing of jobs and the decline of unions, which has led to a decline in wages for many workers. At the same time, the wealthy have benefited from the rise of global capitalism, as they have been able to invest in offshore businesses and take advantage of tax loopholes.

Capitalism has also played a role in the rising cost of education. The privatization of education has led to a sharp increase in tuition costs, which has made it more difficult for young people to afford college. In addition, the government has reduced its funding for public education, which has further increased the cost of college.

Finally, capitalism has contributed to the decline of social mobility. The growing inequality of income and wealth has made it more difficult for people to move up the economic ladder. The decline of unions has also made it more difficult for workers to negotiate for higher wages and better benefits.

The Role of Christianity

Christianity has also played a role in the challenges facing the American Dream. Christianity's emphasis on individualism and materialism has led many Christians to focus on their own personal success rather than on the needs of the community. This has contributed to the growing inequality in the United States.

Christianity's emphasis on obedience to authority has also led many Christians to support policies that have increased inequality. For example, many Christians have supported tax cuts for the wealthy, even though these cuts have benefited the wealthy at the expense of the poor.

Finally, Christianity's focus on the afterlife has led many Christians to neglect the problems of the present world. This has led to a decline in social activism among Christians, which has made it more difficult to address the challenges facing the American Dream.

The Future of the American Dream

The future of the American Dream is uncertain. The challenges facing the American Dream are significant, and it is unclear whether capitalism and Christianity can be reformed in a way that preserves the American Dream. However, there are some hopeful signs. There is a growing movement of Christians who are working to address the challenges facing the American Dream. These Christians are

The Money Cult: Capitalism, Christianity, and the Unmaking of the American Dream

by Chris Lehmann

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4474 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	406 pages

FREE