[RightCenter]

A free market philosophy is the antithesis of ideology. It is the natural order of nature, God's work. This is rank idolatry and is completely unscriptural. Where does the Bible speak about free markets? And how can a philosophy be the antithesis of ideology? Or could it be the insidious effects of revolutionary theology, still present, despite Cardinal Ratzinger's admonitions? You mean, the same Cardinal who penned Caritas in Veritate? And the same Church that brought us hits such as Rerum Novarum and Centesimus annus?

[Partisan Gunslinger]

Where does the Bible speak about free markets?

The parable of the vineyard, for one, Matthew 20...each laborer was paid on individual deals made with the householder.

[Praxeologue]

A free market philosophy is the antithesis of ideology. It is the natural order of nature, God's work. This is rank idolatry and is completely unscriptural. Where does the Bible speak about free markets? And how can a philosophy be the antithesis of ideology? Or could it be the insidious effects of revolutionary theology, still present, despite Cardinal Ratzinger's admonitions? You mean, the same Cardinal who penned Caritas in Veritate? And the same Church that brought us hits such as Rerum Novarum and Centesimus annus?

Economic history has demonstrated that a free market is not only the natural order of nature, as God planned it, but also the greatest force for prosperity and happiness. That's a given on FR. Unfortunately, the Catholic church would view that statement as rank idolatry, as you put it.

My observation concerning Ratzinger related to his admonition against Marxism and Marxist constructs, 'capitalism' being one. I referenced his views as a Cardinal, not as Pope, since I think that they reflect his personal views. An example is Market Economy and Ethics, an article he presented in 1985. You will note that Ratzinger had only mild criticism of free markets, but came down hard on Marxism. I miss him.