Kierkegaard in Work of Love (2009 - Harperperenial; p. 82-83) writes that "it [Christianity] allows all distinctions to stand, but it teaches the equality of the eternal. It teaches that everyone shall lift himself above earthly distinctions. Notice carefully how equably it speaks. It does not say that it is the poor who shall lift themselves above earthly distinctions, while the mighty should perhaps come down from their elevation - ah, no, such talk is not equable, and the likeness which is obtained by the mighty climbing down and the poor climbing up is not Christian equality; this is worldly likeness. No, if one stands at the top, even if one is the king, he shall lift himself above the distinction of his high position, and the beggar shall lift himself above the distinction of his poverty. Christianity lets all the distinctions of earthly existence stand, but in the command of love, in loving one's neighbour, this equality of lifting oneself above the distinctions of earthly existence is implicit."
There are many such treasure passages in Works of love. This passage, and a large majority of the book, emphasises love for one's neighbour. In loving one's neighbour you throw away any distinction of class and truly unconditionally care for everyone. One's object of love is not one's choosing (e.g. one's spouse or friends), but it is the obedience to God's command that one shall love one's neighbour. Kierkegaard is clear to point out that our neighbour is everyone.
What does this mean from an economics perspective? While politicians and policy makers might greatly care for people, I wonder whether this care is synonymous to loving one's neighbour. In economics we focus on elevating (at least trying to do so) one group of people (the marginalised, the poor and the needy) and lowering the status of another group (usually the wealthy). This is often the aim of progressive taxation and is definitely at the heart of heavy capitalism vs. communism discussions.
In an ideal world, where people truly loved one's neighbour, all types of economic class distinction would disappear. One can imagine that love would spur the other to do everything in his/her power to ease the suffering of a neighbour. Love, unconditional love, would expect nothing in return and would gladly sacrifice. The wealthy person who lifts himself above his "high" position would not care for that position - he is above that and hence would care little for his wealth.
In this sense there is no convergence between the Christian ideal of equality and the material ideal of equality. The former speaks of everyone lifting themselves above their station in life to equality, while the latter attempts to bring a balance by lowering the status of some and simultaneously raising the status of others. The economic equality needs a definition of distinction while the Christian equality makes no distinction. Furthermore, the economic equality requires a benevolent dictator (or a decent government) to do the job, while the Christian equality requires the individual raise himself. The ideal of economic equality requires constant intervention, while that of Christian equality is once-off. Economic equality requires a select group to achieve equality, while everyone is responsible for the other in Christianity.
The fact that so many people are still starving today, that inequality is growing, that individuals amass more than they need while brothers and sisters have nothing, point to our failure in keeping up with this command. Of course there are a handful of people that have sacrificed everything in keeping this command.
It brings some comfort in the midst of failing policies and selfish individuals that God does not distinguish between income, race and gender. That everyone is invited to participate in something that elevates them above the misery in this world - if they so choose it. It should be the ideal of all people to do away with distinctions. Once we are able to do that then individuals will take responsibility for the lives of others and stop waiting for governments, or those that already work hard in making a difference, to achieve said goals.
No comments:
Post a Comment