From Debt to Paradise: The Economic Theology of Capitalism.
In capitalism , the efficient use of debt promises us paradise. But its misuse can also lead to the hell of over-indebtedness and bankruptcy . The system of indebtedness in a speculative economy elevates debt to a creative principle, a dogma that perfectly mirrors our belief in a fundamental indebtedness of life to a higher being ( God ). Our existence thus becomes the first and ultimate speculation: that of the best possible investment of this initial debt to yield the eternal profit: paradise. God lends us life, which we must make fruitful to deserve salvation. In the economic theology of capitalism , we first strive to become eligible for a loan. We invest this credit into an activity meant to improve our existence. Thus, we do not work merely to live, but to generate an income that allows us to service this debt we have contracted. Work becomes a form of financial penance . Therefore, we strive to: · Borrow to finance our studies, obtain a job, and repay this debt. · Borrow to cr...