- Published: November 16, 2022
- Updated: November 16, 2022
- University / College: University of Cambridge
- Level: Masters
- Language: English
- Downloads: 46
Insert A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE AND GOVERNMENT IN A MARKET Rebecca Blank believes in the value of markets anda less limited government because it is the most useful way of organizing life. She claims that the role of government is a moral choice in the interaction of the government, markets and the needs of the citizens. The government’s role is to regulate the market when there is a market failure, to redistribute resources in the market and finally to limit markets so as to protect certain behavior. A healthy economy does not need a limited government because it provides social interactions outside the market to protect certain behavior (Rod).
Economically markets are not effective, and, therefore, the government comes in to do what the market cannot do, but the society demands. She supports her argument by stating that governments are established to determine and enforce rules in the economy. She uses the standard economic theory that states that markets need more than rules to support her case. These are some of the cases that cannot function with rules alone: market failure due to incomplete information, the presence of monopoly power, presence of externalities and presence of public goods. She states that market failures exist, and that government can correct it but also a line must be drawn between the useful and wasteful government activities to reduce the frequency of the market failure (Rod).
From the political point of view, the government redistributes resources from those with more to those with less by taxation. It limits some activities in the market to promote equality and justice. It also regulates the use of public goods by investing in externalities, for example, public schools.
In the Christian perspective, Rebecca argues that the bible provides guidelines, but humans have to use their minds and heart when faced with ethical and behavioral questions. The bible sets standards for the humans and the government to limit their behavior regulates them and redistributes resources. She claims that the bible advocates for value and dignity for humans. Humans should respect each other and see each other as their neighbor (Rod).
A neighbor in the bible does not mean the immediate person but everyone. A person should not be discriminated because of their culture, religion, color or gender. It advocates for people to be able to differentiate between good and bad and also show concern for the poor. Therefore, they should be concerned with the injustice in the market, value and support the government in the redistribution to address injustice and inequality, participate and select political leaders and policies (Rod).
My emerging beliefs, values and learning according to the reconstruction is that in order to live in harmony with citizens, governments and the market people should support the government’s decisions and follow the rules and regulations set by it. They should refer to the religious values when making choices in their private and public life. They should show concern for others regardless of their status in society, race, language or culture. We should be responsible for our neighbors.
Works Cited
Rod, Michel R. Government/Business Relations: An Agency-Theory Perspective On The Procurement Of Market Research. International Journal of Procurement Management 4. 1 (2011): 108. Web.