What Would Jesus Say? The Question of Capitalism

As America is in the midst of a devastating economic crisis that has swept away jobs and has left the country struggling with an uncertain future. As people lose their jobs and are struggling to find a way to maintain hope in the midst of a seemingly hopeless situation, I ask the question, "What Would Jesus Say?" Would he sanction an economic system that has caused such destruction in the world? A system that preaches rugged individualism and ignores the suffering of others? This cannot be what Jesus would stand for could it? This is a critical question for a supposed religious country. How can we profess to follow the teachings of Christ and yet embrace an economic system that is seemingly soulless? A system that preaches individualism for the masses but adopts a policy of welfare for big businesses. The blatant hypocrisy is disheartening. To bear witness to such injustice and to try to come to grips with so much suffering is difficult. So I ask the question, " is this a system that Jesus would sanction?" Would he accept capitalism as a righteous economic vehicle for America? Or would he say that it caters to the worst in people and allows for selfishness and disregard for others to be rewarded and cherished. I pose this question to America as we often times cloak ourselves in religious arrogance. The reality of our choices may not reflect the righteousness of our ideas. As opposed to bringing Christ to others, maybe we should discover if we know him for ourselves.