I've seen this argument touted by any number of individuals — usually conservative Christian (or playing at it) and usually quite well off. David Barton They all suggest that a progressive tax structure, or a social safety net, or health care programs for the poor, are all theft, and support for them is covetousness.
Might I point out that essentially arguing that "what's mine is mine" on the one hand and on the other condemning others for covetousness is hypocritical in the extreme? Might I also suggest that these Christians might read a few passages on giving away of wealth, of caring for the poor, and of the grave, even mortal, dangers of being wealthy (James 5:1-6 is a good starting place http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=181463937)?
(The response given is usually along the lines of, "Hey, that's all about private charity; forced public charity is theft!" This is also often from the same people most vocal about imposing "Biblical values" on society.)
The fallacy here is even deeper. If someone is arguing, "Hey, he's got money and I don't, so he should give me money," that does indeed sound like covetousness If someone is arguing, "We, as a society, have a moral and pragmatic obligation to provide assistance to those who need it, and a greater burden would appropriately fall on those who have benefited most from society," that is something altogether different. #ddtb
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Whose side is God on? | Pharyngula
On the side of the investment bankers and plutocrats, of course! That's a sign that's gone up in Minneapolis. You want healthcare? You're going to hell,
I seem to recall one of the early Protestant movements espouse the idea that the virtuous would heap worldly rewards as a sign of their virtue, which I thought was a bunch of hooey.
@Marina, that’s not an uncommon theological — usually touted by those who have wordly rewards already, or want to tempt folks into their sect with such promises. It’s called “The Prosperity Gospel” these days, and it’s as (to my reading) un-Biblical today as it ever was.
Well, I’m sure that capitalists don’t covet our money. They certainly don’t spend billions on advertising because they want more of it. That would clearly be wrong.
@Avo – They’re not coveting money — they’re generating jobs!