“Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things?”
This is a prime of example of how the owner asserts control over his property a key tenet of capitalism. Also, capitalism values individual ownership and the freedom to dispose of property and wealth as one sees fit.
How about “freedom of contract?”
“Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius?” The landowner and laborers entered a voluntary agreement, which is a core element of free-market economics.
No coercion occurred the contracts were honored. Free market capitalism 101.
Lastly, unequal outcomes, equal agreements though the outcomes (wages vs. hours worked) are unequal in effort, the terms were fair by agreement. This mirrors capitalism where equal opportunity does not mean equal outcomes.
Case closed? My friend, you just quoted Jesus warning against serving money, not using it. Capitalism isn’t about worshipping wealth it’s about freedom. And freedom, like grace, doesn’t cease to be good just because some people abuse it.
Jesus flipping tables wasn’t a protest of trade it was a protest of corruption. You want to put Mammon on trial? Fine. But don’t drag free enterprise into the defendant’s chair without understanding the difference.
Jesus didn’t preach capitalism but He also didn’t command central planning. The problem isn’t making money; it’s the LOVE of money.
If you’re a Christian you should
re-read Ecclesiastes and if you’re not maybe start with John?