If free markets were assisted by a belief in atheistic principles, why
isn't there a country without a spiritual center taking over worldwide
commerce?
Though they aren't "taking over worldwide commerce" (no one is), Germany and Japan have performed quite well economically over the last half century despite being largely secular, unreligious countries.
And why has America, with its deeply religios roots, performed
so well economically?
There are many factors involved in economic success, but I think a nations legal/regulatory system regarding commerce, contracts, and property is most important.
All of commerce and consequently much of human freedom depends on honest
transactions conducted in good faith. Without the belief in honesty and
reliability, free markets will soon collapse, and be replaced by
socialistic dictators. With no faith there is no commerce.
The ethical values of Judeo-Christian principles allowed America to
flourish because faith was high. We believed in the ethical nature of
our government currency, in eachother, and in our future.
Faith or confidence in the integrity of others, where it is deserved, is a good thing in economic affairs, but such faith in one's fellow citizens isn't at all enough. What's needed is a legal system in which contracts and laws governing business affairs can be enforced.
Bruce |
