When the radical right was demonizing the public service unions in Wisconsin, Mr North was giving them cover with his claim that the Bible is opposed to organized labor, and especially to organized public employees. This kind of thinking comes out of the Christian Reconstructionist movement which grew out of the philosophy of R. J Rushdoony who died in 2001. At least as characterized in the NYT, they believe in the creation of a Christian theocracy under old testament rules that is highly libertarian. Until that day they want to home school their children and worship freely. While Mr North has his parting with Mr Rushdoony, he still believes that the Bible forbids welfare programs and is opposed to all forms of inflation and requires a return to the gold standard. Here is a link to his economics text for home schooling "Christian" families:
When it comes to criticizing his positions I barely know where to begin. At the outset it is offensive the way he claims the mantle of "Christian" and wraps himself in that flag. One of the most basic values in Christian education is that of charity and that is nowhere to be seen in his writings. In fact he seems to continue the long tradition that started with the reformation of finding ever more reasons to splinter the Christian community along progressively less spiritual lines. Where is the essence of giving to Caesar what is Caesar's in his economics? I'm sorry, but in my Sunday school we were taught the importance of our soul not portfolio management. I've grown up believing that these are two irreconcilable worlds.
When we lived in small villages where we knew people personally, it was relatively easy to recognize those among us who were hurting and reach out to them with the help of the one institution that dominated our lives; the church. (Of course here I am talking about a western european tradition that does not apply to all times and places. However that is the model I was given and I have found how to adapt it to my intellectual needs.) We now live in a world where we live in social strata keeping us comfortably removed from the poor people who support our needs. The cheap clothes we get at Macy's are made in Asian factories and we hope that most of them are not beaten when they make mistakes and waste materials. Or walk on rugs made by poor south asian women who, when they have no one to watch their children may be forced to give their children small amounts of opium so they can work their 14 hour days without interruption. It is easy to think that we are enjoying the fruits of our own labor when we ignore the interconnectedness of our world. So unlike North and his ilk, I am willing to hesitate before distancing myself from the workers who keep me where I am.
No comments:
Post a Comment