Stones Cry Out

As an architect, I think this is pure genius! You are beginning to see seeds of it in Los Angeles where certain areas have allowances for mixed use buildings in urban areas near public transportation, and some smaller cities (like Pasadena) are being reborn through mixed-use development- so it works, we just need more of it.

True Douglas! The movement has made inroads. But it has a long way to go. The more quality pilot projects to point to, the easier it will be to loosen up regs elsewhere.

I certainly agree with the concept of Smart Growth and I further agree that it should be heartily embraced by fiscal conservatives.

Where I may part ways with you is that I don't have any great faith in The Market. It has always struck me as near-idolatrous the faith that some have in human greed to lead to ideal outcomes.

Dan, I don't think the market is perfect. However, in many cases, the market isn't even allowed to try. That's the point of my post. I agree though that many Christians tend to treat the market as an object of worship.

Fine, then we may agree. But I would like to offer this question on the topic:

One definition of the free market is:

An economic market in which supply and demand are not regulated or are regulated with only minor restrictions.

Is the free market (from a Christian point of view) the notion that it is the nature of humanity to be imperfect and greedy, and we ought to take that in to account and not interfere with it?

And is it the further position that good results will come from a laissez faire approach, in letting human greed dictate our economy?

Dan, the beauty of the free market isn't that the seller is free to charge whatever he wishes, it's that the buyer has to agree to the price. Good citizenship is good marketing. Those who try to abuse the system will eventually be corrected by market forces, so long as there is some regulation to prevent collusion and monopolies. It is indeed a rather imperfect system, but then what isn't?

In heaven, we will share and love freely. In heaven, there will be no poverty or wealth, but plenty for all.

Given that, why would I live my life now by one set of rules (the Market), and then think that I would enjoy another way of life in Heaven?

Further, where do we get any biblical justification for doing so? As Jesus said, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done ON EARTH, as it is in heaven."

Another thought, those who abuse the system are indeed NOT always "corrected" by the Market. The Market rewards greed and ruthlessness. Concern for the common good is useful only insofar as it helps increase profit. I see nothing Christian in it.

If it is helpful, I'll provide an example:

The market very successfully wooed folk to buy into the concept of the personal auto, which I think of as the ultimate Unholy Market Creation. The only things the personal auto has recommending it (for the most part) are convenience, comfort and speed. Not our highest ideals, those.

What it has created is a polluted city that is more dangerous and less healthy than it was before. There is nothing in the Market to reward people for weening themselves from this less than ideal technology. Indeed, the Market rewards folk for buying in to the personal auto concept ever more.

The personal auto does not pay its own way. It pollutes air, ground and water. It kills (and kills disproportionately the poor, elderly and young). It causes sprawl and decreases community. And so far as I can imagine, there is not a thing the Market can do to correct these without some outside guidance/regulation.

I don't know, I hope that was that a good example. Are you following what I'm saying?

Yes, it is a rather imperfect system and yes, I agree that nothing will be perfect. But were I designing a community/nation (and we all are, aren't we?), I would tend to try to build something closer to the New Testament church or the OT Jubilee models, where care is taken of the needy and to disallow accumulation of wealth in a few hands.

You are clearly a utopian. Try this first: http://www.spectator.org/dsp_article.asp?art_id=8790
It's a great arguement for free market economics.
You also seem to want to punish the righteous- Inequality is necessary if you believe in justice. Why should some bum get things as well as someone who works their ass off?
I also dispute your notion that "your WILL be done, on earth as it is in heaven" means there should be a heaven on earth, as you imply.

I didn't say there will be heaven on earth, but clearly we are to start working towards that end, no?

And I am not a utopian (I've lived in community and no it's no utopia).

Why would you suggest I'm a utopian? I am only a Christian interested in following Jesus' and the early church's example and surely you don't criticize that?

And I'd love to see any one try to make some sort of biblical case for free market economics. Any takers?

I'll check out the article when I get a chance.