Paul R. Vaughn's "Agrarian" Essays

As I have developed an interest in the subject of agrarianism and
Christian-agrarianism in particular, I have become keenly aware of
the "problem of corporations" and the supporting role they play in
our wayward industrialized culture.

A recent session of Google surfing (something I’m inclined to do
when I get really tired, instead of just going to bed like I should)
brought me to a series of particularly insightful blog essays by
Paul R. Vaughn.

I recommend these to you for your instruction and edification while
I continue to remain in blogging exile for the rest of this month:

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Is Walmart Evil?--Part 1: Corporations

In this essay Mr. Vaughn contends that corporations are unbiblical
(and I believe he is correct). He also provides a memorable quote
from R.L.Dabney:

A corporation doesn’t have a soul to damn or a butt to
kick.

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Is Walmart Evil?--Part 2:Corporations Continued

Is investing in a corporation acceptable for a Christian? Mr.
Vaughn doesn’t think so.

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Is Walmart
Evil?--Part 3: Capitalism vs Industrial Capitalism

Mr. Vaughn makes a distinction between capitalism (what he later
calls "true capitalism") and "Industrial capitalism." This is
the first time I have ever heard of such a distinction and I found
myself questioning the terminology....

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Is Walmart Evil?--Part 4:
The Fruit of Industrial Capitalism

The great industrial capitalists, Carnegie and Rockefeller, like
Sam Walton, were considered "good Christian men" because they
went to church and gave a measure of their wealth away. But what
was (is) the true fruit of the businesses they established?

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Is Walmart Evil?--Part 5: The
Fruit of True Capitalism

In this essay, Mr. Vaughn returns to what he calls, "true
capitalism." At one point, after explaining what "true capitalism"
looks like, he says "By now you’re probably saying, "That sounds
a lot like agrarianism." But then he dismisses agrarianism and
says that what he is speaking of is "true capitalism."

This is where I respectfully disagree with Mr. Vaughn. I do not believe the
antithesis of "industrial capitalism" is "true capitalism." It is
"Christian agrarianism" or "Bilical agrarianism." That which he describes as the ideal alternative to industrial capitalism is surely not
another form of capitalism.

I think Mr. Vaughn may not realize there is such a thing as Biblical agrarianism, and/or his understanding of it is very limited. Or, as is the case with many who start to learn about Biblical agrarianism, they don't want to let go of a terminology they were once led to believe is fundamentally good.

If you were to read through this final essay and insert the term,
"Christian agrarian" for "true capitalism," the essay would be, in my
opinion, far more accurate, exciting, and compelling.

But, no matter what you call it, Mr. Vaughn is so right in his analysis. The fruit of these two economic systemsis clear, as stated at the end of his final essay....

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But as a summary, the fruit of industrial capitalism is:

* A work place that removes father and mother from the home.

* A government funded education system that socialises the
children to be good producers for the industries.

* An androgynous society where neither men nor women have
specific roles to play or a purpose to fill--Each are
interchangeable.

* Marrieage is not valued or needed, divorce rates soar, abortion,
child abuse and neglect rise.

* Money is the solution for all things and the measuring stick by
which all things are judged

* Reckless giving of great sums of money.

* Great amount of debt and voluntary enslavement.

In contrast, the fruit of true capitalism:

* Properly ordered home and society.

* Divorce rates are low and the family is respected and revered.

* The home is the place of industry and education.

* Biblical order is the measure of success, not money.

* A close community provides for the crisis needs of a family and
brings accountability.

* Land ownership and freedom are the norm.

Imagine what our modern lives might look like if we owed no
money, lived and worked with the ones we love, and enjoyed the
friendship of others who shared our beliefs.

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Thank you Paul R. Vaughn for a hard-hitting and thought provoking series of essays.