Religious Economics: What position would you take?

[The USOT]

I thought this would be interesting. We often discuss religion and various topics such as "liberty" or "rights" associated with them, and yet I have never seen a thread devoted to religion based economics.
Note that to be a proponent of religious based economics, you don’t have to actually be of that religion. A good example of this in common conversation is the number of non Muslims who are fans of Islamic Banking or the United Nations Development Programs promotion of the Thailand Sufficiency Economy program (which has much of its reasoning in Buddhist philosophy).
Whilst I encourage you to discuss any hybrid of religion and economics, for secular reasons (as well as the fact that there are so many possible schools of thought I could cover) I personally will be limiting the poll to economic ideas which are based FROM religion rather than the hybridisation of religion with economic principles (e.g. Catholic Distributism is based on centuries of Catholic Philosophy developing an economic stance, whilst Christian Communism is essentially justifying Marxist ideas through Bible passages).

If anyone knows any ideas which fit that general description, please let me know and if there is room I will add them to the poll.

So a basic description of a few just to give an idea of general principles surrounding them.

Distributism

Distributism is a set of economic principles and values that was set up by the Catholic Church, and has been very flexible in its history of thought and application (being used to inspire Tories, Anarchists, Christian Democracy and popular "socialist" exemplars of the modern day such as the Mondragon Corporation). It is too diverse for me to summarise too effectively, but in short it advocates Private Property as a fundamental right and core for sound economics, but is opposed to private property being in control of the state or a few individuals and instead promotes the maximisation of private property to as many people as possible (generally being against both laissez-faire and State Capitalism). For more information, read the Wikipedia article http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distributism#Big_Society

Islamic Economics: Islamic Banking.

Before I begin, I am not as familiar with the history of Islamic Economics as I am East Asian or Western economic theory, so I am by no means the best person to write this and am going entirely off of the Wikipedia article on Islamic Banking. If one of the many Muslims on this forum would be inclined to show a specific economic trend or ideology beyond banking policy then I will happily add it to the OP.
On the Wikipedia page I recommend looking at the principles section and the Islamic Financial Transaction Terminology which show some of the legal theory Islamic Banking and some of its universal principles.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_banking

Self Sufficiency Economy

The Self Sufficiency Economy was theorised by Thailands king Bhumibol Adulyadej and bases itself strongly off of Buddhist economics. Whilst designed for developing countries (and as said earlier promoted by the UNDP), some of its principles are discussed in certain circles as having applications in more developed countries and has been used as a flagship for theories of green economics independent of the traditional "left/right" spectrum. Its primary ethics are the promotion of individual autonomy (in a Buddhist understanding of the term) and sustainability as greater economic success than profit. Its principles direct local communities (both urban and rural) to meet requirements that should minimize economic issues caused by environmental and market disasters, such as renewable production (energy, resource usage etc) with government spending aimed at renewing and maintaining economic autonomy which is then carried out on the local level. Its principle of autonomy is a tad confusing to many based on the Buddhist perspective on identity (emptiness often being misunderstood for "nothing" rather than in relation to the philosophy of dependent origination) but it can be summed up best as a concept of the individual which recognizes its individuality as dependent on other beings rather than an atomized sense of self. Normally I would link the Wikipedia article on it, but it is not very good at describing it, so here is the UNDP study from 2007 discussing it as well as a page from the journal of Buddhist Ethics for those who are interested. http://www.unesco.org/new/fileadmin/MULTIMEDIA/HQ/Rio20/images/Sufficiency%20Economy%20and%20Human%20Development.pdf
http://blogs.dickinson.edu/buddhistethics/files/2010/06/Essen.pdf

Prosperity Theology

Prosperity Theology is a pro laissez-faire theological doctrine which believes that financial blessing is a gift from God
The underlying idea here is that God rewards the faithful with wealth in this life. Thus those who are rich must have won God's favor (or are being elevated to wealth as part of God's plan), while those who are poor must have offended God (or are being tested as part of God's plan). Either way, it is up to each individual (and God) to help the poor, not the state or society. Indeed, the Bible specifically asserts that "the poor will be with us always"; thus, to use the resources of the state or society to alleviate poverty is a blasphemous rejection of God's will made manifest.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosperity_theology

So NSG. If you had to pick one Religious school of economics, what would it be? (remember, it doesnt have to be anything in the poll, feel free to insert or suggest other ideas )

Of the three thus far, I would probably pick the Self Sufficiency Economy. If nothing more out of an interesting exercise in applying its values to more developed countries.

[Baader-Meinhof Gruppe]

I would go with Islamic banking. This would weaken monetary policy greatly, as if I recall right there is no interest allowed, but would otherwise allow for any sort of economic system as long as the banks stayed in line and didn't get corrupt.

[Alien Space Bats]

You've forgotten about one of the most influential religious economic philosophies in the world (influential because it dominates politics in America, the richest and most powerful nation in the world): Prosperity Theology.

It would be tempting to pass Prosperity Theology off as an after-the-fact religious justification of laissez-faire; but it would also be wrong. Here's an excerpt from the Wikipedia Article on the subject that helps clarify the idea's origins:

It was during the Healing Revivals of the 1950s that prosperity theology first came to prominence in the United States, although commentators have linked the origins of its theology to the New Thought movement which began in the 1800s. The prosperity teaching later figured prominently in the Word of Faith movement and 1980s televangelism. In the 1990s and 2000s, it was adopted by influential leaders in the Charismatic Movement and promoted by Christian missionaries throughout the world, sometimes leading to the establishment of mega-churches. Prominent leaders in the development of prosperity theology include E. W. Kenyon, Oral Roberts, A. A. Allen, Robert Tilton, T. L. Osborn, Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar, and Kenneth Hagin.

— Wikipedia Article on "Prosperity Theology"

The underlying idea here is that God rewards the faithful with wealth in this life. Thus those who are rich must have won God's favor (or are being elevated to wealth as part of God's plan), while those who are poor must have offended God (or are being tested as part of God's plan). Either way, it is up to each individual (and God) to help the poor, not the state or society. Indeed, the Bible specifically asserts that "the poor will be with us always"; thus, to use the resources of the state or society to alleviate poverty is a blasphemous rejection of God's will made manifest.

I don't offer this idea because I support it; indeed, I find it asinine. But it IS an idea that is popular here in America, especially on the political right.

[The USOT]

You've forgotten about one of the most influential religious economic philosophies in the world (influential because it dominates politics in America, the richest and most powerful nation in the world): Prosperity Theology.

It would be tempting to pass Prosperity Theology off as an after-the-fact religious justification of laissez-faire; but it would also be wrong. Here's an excerpt from the Wikipedia Article on the subject that helps clarify the idea's origins:

It was during the Healing Revivals of the 1950s that prosperity theology first came to prominence in the United States, although commentators have linked the origins of its theology to the New Thought movement which began in the 1800s. The prosperity teaching later figured prominently in the Word of Faith movement and 1980s televangelism. In the 1990s and 2000s, it was adopted by influential leaders in the Charismatic Movement and promoted by Christian missionaries throughout the world, sometimes leading to the establishment of mega-churches. Prominent leaders in the development of prosperity theology include E. W. Kenyon, Oral Roberts, A. A. Allen, Robert Tilton, T. L. Osborn, Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar, and Kenneth Hagin.

— Wikipedia Article on "Prosperity Theology"

The underlying idea here is that God rewards the faithful with wealth in this life. Thus those who are rich must have won God's favor (or are being elevated to wealth as part of God's plan), while those who are poor must have offended God (or are being tested as part of God's plan). Either way, it is up to each individual (and God) to help the poor, not the state or society. Indeed, the Bible specifically asserts that "the poor will be with us always"; thus, to use the resources of the state or society to alleviate poverty is a blasphemous rejection of God's will made manifest.

I don't offer this idea because I support it; indeed, I find it asinine. But it IS an idea that is popular here in America, especially on the political right.

Ok, I will add it to the op. Thank you

[Aboras]

Without a doubt, a Self Sufficiency Economy. It's the best way to go, IMHO.

[Libertarian California]

Since I'm a spiritual descendant of the Puritans, I'm going with prosperity theology

[Cetacea]

Mormon egalitarianism, the United Order is based on the notion that members give their wealth to the collective (church) and then have it returned according to the need of their families. This is best seen in the tithing scheme, Church organisation, voluntarism and welfare programs. Mormons are taught to strive for excellence being meticulous, hard working, self sufficient, honest and equal before Heavenly Father. They must give of their wealth and work to support the church programs and for charitable welfare. Mormons are also encouraged to use the businesses of other mormons including finance and transport/distribution businesses which essentially creates a closed economy but also brings success within wider capitalist society...

I like it and possibly Distributism too, dont know ther models so well but will look now...

[Buevallon]

Distributism all the way!!!

[Mushet]

Christian Socialism/Communism seems pretty legit to me, I read the gospel and found out Jesus was a commune loving hippie left libertarianism seems right in line with his beliefs, I must admit I also read Tolstoy

[The USOT]

Christian Socialism/Communism seems pretty legit to me, I read the gospel and found out Jesus was a commune loving hippie left libertarianism seems right in line with his beliefs, I must admit I also read Tolstoy

I was tempted to put Tolstoyism in the OP. The main reason I didnt (but will if I am asked to) was that I felt from what I know of Tolstoy that economically he merely continued Anarchist trends rather than influenced a new economic platform from biblical justification.

[The USOT]

Mormon egalitarianism, the United Order is based on the notion that members give their wealth to the collective (church) and then have it returned according to the need of their families. This is best seen in the tithing scheme, Church organisation, voluntarism and welfare programs. Mormons are taught to strive for excellence being meticulous, hard working, self sufficient, honest and equal before Heavenly Father. They must give of their wealth and work to support the church programs and for charitable welfare. Mormons are also encouraged to use the businesses of other mormons including finance and transport/distribution businesses which essentially creates a closed economy but also brings success within wider capitalist society...

I like it and possibly Distributism too, dont know ther models so well but will look now...

Im very aware of this. I visited a mormon church once and when people were aware I was a non believer, everyone and their mothers was trying to sell the church to me on the tithing system

[The USOT]

Without a doubt, a Self Sufficiency Economy. It's the best way to go, IMHO.

I am a bit worried that of the answers in the OP, the SSE and Distributism are unfairly over represented. Im really hoping someone will come in who has a better understanding of Islamic Banking at the very least to give it more fair representation.

[Aboras]

Without a doubt, a Self Sufficiency Economy. It's the best way to go, IMHO.

I am a bit worried that of the answers in the OP, the SSE and Distributism are unfairly over represented. Im really hoping someone will come in who has a better understanding of Islamic Banking at the very least to give it more fair representation.

Yeah, to be honest, I'm not familiar with Islamic Banking.

[Magna Libero]

I'm not sure.

Prosperity theology sounds like the closest one to me, although I think it sounds a little bit too harsh, e.g." people must not take part in the public sector or the collective, even God forbids that".

I might adhere to Islamic economics or Christian finance as well. Not entirely sure what they are.

[Wolfmanne]

Distributism would be my choice if I had to pick one of these.

[4years]

You dismissed Christian communism and communalism as an attempt to justify Marxist ideas via biblical passages, but that just isn't true:

If anything communalism is older than Catholic Distributism as the early church adopted a primitive communist mode of life and Essenes made several isolated stabs at communism. Further, Christian communism, a la Thomas Münzer, was quite powerful during the reformation (see Kautsky's Communism in Central Europe at the Time of the Reformation). You also seem to have forgotten Sir Thomas More's Utopia which was well before Marx. The we have the Shakers and the Jansenist movement which exposed communalism.

[Wamitoria]

You dismissed Christian communism and communalism as an attempt to justify Marxist ideas via biblical passages, but that just isn't true:

If anything communalism is older than Catholic Distributism as the early church adopted a primitive communist mode of life and Essenes made several isolated stabs at communism. Further, Christian communism, a la Thomas Münzer, was quite powerful during the reformation (see Kautsky's Communism in Central Europe at the Time of the Reformation). You also seem to have forgotten Sir Thomas More's Utopia which was well before Marx. The we have the Shakers and the Jansenist movement which exposed communalism.

Hell, there's even Liberation Theology. Which is the antithesis of Prosperity Theology.

[The USOT]

You dismissed Christian communism and communalism as an attempt to justify Marxist ideas via biblical passages, but that just isn't true:

If anything communalism is older than Catholic Distributism as the early church adopted a primitive communist mode of life and Essenes made several isolated stabs at communism. Further, Christian communism, a la Thomas Münzer, was quite powerful during the reformation (see Kautsky's Communism in Central Europe at the Time of the Reformation). You also seem to have forgotten Sir Thomas More's Utopia which was well before Marx. The we have the Shakers and the Jansenist movement which exposed communalism.

I didnt mention communalism at all... Specifically I reffered to Christian Communism as discussed here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_communism in its modern form. I would be here all day if I listed EVERY economic doctrine from history, but if you want to write a segment explaining a specific economic platform from a religious tradition I will happily add it to the OP.

[Zaldakki]

As a catholic myself, I'mma say distributism.

[Buevallon]

As a catholic myself, I'mma say distributism.

#represent

[Zaldakki]

As a catholic myself, I'mma say distributism.

#represent

Lol, I'm confused what are you saying with your hashtag?

[Buevallon]

#represent

Lol, I'm confused what are you saying with your hashtag?

Lol I'm saying we're like the exact same

[Zaldakki]

Lol, I'm confused what are you saying with your hashtag?

Lol I'm saying we're like the exact same

Yay!

[Nervium]

Jesuist economics; throwing bankers, money lenders and merchantmen around since 34 AD.

[Aeken]

Distributism looks good.