nostr:npub1cqm6dztalp4l6n04f9k20c333xftgangjla337736dr6faz9na0qf2hjec You asked a really good question on hodl hang about reconciling wealth acquisition with new testament theology that didn't get answered directly.

I've contemplated that same issue a lot as I have gone down the bitcoin rabbit hole and read the Bible.

Looking at it from a Buddhist standpoint was helpful for me. Buddha discovered the vacuous nature of material posessions... he then went on to become an ascetic.

Ultimately he realized that was not the answer either and found 'the middle way'.

It's an endless balancing act. 'Being in the world, but not of it.' From a Christian perspective.

I certainly don't have a definitive answer... I don't think there is one. Just wanted to throw in my two sats 🤙

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IMO the gospels teach that the divide between good & evil is the pursuit of truth vs the pursuit of status. Wealth acquired for some meaningful & creative purpose is always good. Wealth acquired for power or vanity or social status will not satisfy a person & will only increase the speed they are able to build their own personal hell around themselves.

Yes. I can't say I have heard that before, but it certainly fits with my experience.

I have spent a decent amount of time on the subject & I think a lot of the common interpretations are completely upside down for a number of reasons. I have talked about a lot of it on nostr, and I have halfway been working on a book. Idk if it will ever actually be a book, but maybe.

"widespread peaceful disobedience ends the organized predation" this summarizes my hope for the bitcoin network and open source tech in general.

Have you ever read Ishmael?

what is Ishmael?

I read it years ago after seeing "Read Ishmael" painted on an overpass in the middle of Arkansas.

It's a good book

As I was reflecting on what you said I reached the same conclusion. The definitions each individual assigns to truth, freedom, power, and status can have a wide range of results.

I'm glad you're taking the time to explore these concepts. I think it can only lead to good outcomes.

May I suggest the ~500 yo statement of what we believe? This is the [Westminster Larger Catechism](https://opc.org/lc.html) on the eighth commandment (which all bitcoiners, I think, would appreciate):

Q. 140. Which is the eighth commandment?

A. The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal.

Q. 141. What are the duties required in the eighth commandment?

A. The duties required in the eighth commandment are, truth, faithfulness, and justice in contracts and commerce between man and man; rendering to every one his due; restitution of goods unlawfully detained from the right owners thereof; giving and lending freely, according to our abilities, and the necessities of others; moderation of our judgments, wills, and affections concerning worldly goods; a provident care and study to get, keep, use, and dispose these things which are necessary and convenient for the sustentation of our nature, and suitable to our condition; a lawful calling, and diligence in it; frugality; avoiding unnecessary lawsuits, and suretiship, or other like engagements; and an endeavor, by all just and lawful means, to procure, preserve, and further the wealth and outward estate of others, as well as our own.

Q. 142. What are the sins forbidden in the eighth commandment?

A. The sins forbidden in the eighth commandment, besides the neglect of the duties required, are, theft, robbery, man-stealing, and receiving anything that is stolen; fraudulent dealing, false weights and measures, removing landmarks, injustice and unfaithfulness in contracts between man and man, or in matters of trust; oppression, extortion, usury, bribery, vexatious lawsuits, unjust enclosures and depredation; engrossing commodities to enhance the price; unlawful callings, and all other unjust or sinful ways of taking or withholding from our neighbor what belongs to him, or of enriching ourselves; covetousness; inordinate prizing and affecting worldly goods; distrustful and distracting cares and studies in getting, keeping, and using them; envying at the prosperity of others; as likewise idleness, prodigality, wasteful gaming; and all other ways whereby we do unduly prejudice our own outward estate, and defrauding ourselves of the due use and comfort of that estate which God hath given us.

...I would only add that I don't believe all interest rises to the level of "usury."

ok it's just 378yo I didn't #maths good

"Engrossing commodities to enhance price."

Engrossing - Occupying one's complete attention; wholly absorbing.

Bitcoiners are doing this to a very high degree.

It means means artificially restricting supply --think DeBeers. But to your point, definitely some things in there for bitcoiners to think about (since bitcoin is money/savings).