After reading Moral Criticisms of the Market by Ken Ewert, I find myself agreeing with the key points that are highlighted throughout the text about the market. Ewert points out that something non-living, such as an economic system, cannot be moral or immoral. We as humans will sin naturally, with all of it stemming from Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Ewert states, Free market restrains human sin, it makes no pretense of purging people of their selfishness, materialism, individualism, and drive for power. The sin of man, as taught through Biblical teachings, cannot be morally challenged through any human system. This includes economic systems, meaning it does not matter if the economic system is that of a free market. Evil will exist in any economic system and in a free market; individuals are allowed to pursue their goals instead of their needs. This can lead people to be self-centered. Ewert says that we are not only able to choose unselfish values and priorities, but we are also able to create the wealth necessary to practically fulfill them. Ewert acknowledges that there are a range of problems within the free market and its religious criticisms. However, the church should not be involved in the economic decisions within a community. In a free market we are not only able to choose unselfish values and priorities, but we are also able to create the wealth necessary to practically fulfill them (Ewert, 1989). Man must accept responsibility for their actions and understand how those decisions impact the economy and in turn, the community. In my opinion, we should allow individuals to have the free will to handle their money as they morally see fit. We should not force others to worship the idea and power of money, but instead encourage others to turn their praise to God.
Ewert, K.S. (1989, March 1). Moral Criticisms of the Market.
