It has all of the characteristics of a religion. Strict adherence to unprovable dogma, intense sloganeering and proselytizing, high priests, human sacrifice, the necessity to spread the 'word', and it incorporates certain aspects of voodoo. Is capitalism an economic system or a religion?

HELL YES it is a Religion!

I am glad that you pointed it out.

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FREE THE SHEEPLE!

No. It may be a lifestyle, maybe even a belief system. For me though religion implies the supernatural. Capitalism does not.

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Remember that you are an Englishman, and have consequently won first prize in the lottery of life.
- Cecil Rhodes

http://www.thechap.net/

A magazine for the dsicerning gentleman.

I see your point concerning the supernatural Kuranes.

Of course with the incorporation of fiat money that the federal reserve creates out of nothing- that is somewhat supernatural! Although I meant that last part as a joke, I may be onto something now that I think about it. Worshiping money as if it were a god may not make it a god, but it does make it have abilities and powers that are not natural. Tough call.

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FREE THE SHEEPLE!

And CEO's are the Clergy and policy makers.

"For me though religion implies the supernatural. Capitalism does not."

>>>Adam Smith is not God???

Ummm . . . no. Enough said on this topic.

You don't have to say anymore, but I was hoping to get a debate started on this topic. I want to drag out some of the "God loves me or he wouldn't have made me rich" folks.

Actually nationalism is the largest religion in the world - which in the case of the U.S. is almost equivelant to the capitalist system. And yes, capitalism does take on supernatural powers, 1) it CREATES wealth 2) it CREATES jobs 3) it RAISES the standard of living and you can go on, but it does sound almost Biblical. Capitalism is the HIGHEST FORM of something - I not sure what. It "frees" people. Doesn't the Bible say the truth shall set you free?

Did you really want debate?

Capitalism is not a religion, primarily because of reasons that King gave.

I would think that people who believe that people actually do respond to incentives would think that capitalism is the right economic system. We even have within our system secondary socialistic systems for those who don't really participate in the capitalistic system.

Those who strive towards mediocrity would probably prefer some socialistic system. Those who shun competition would probably prefer this. There are not enough incentives in the system.

As far as God making someone rich . . . doubt it. I think it is usually the person who betters their own economic status through decisions that they make. Personal accountability is key. Some don't like that, but it doesn't make it less true.