The NJK will be implementing an economic system that is different from the world’s economies. It will be termed a "Humane Economy" for the following reasons:
-It will be a system whose end goal is to eliminate suffering in all its forms,
-It will largely be the result of the good will of all its citizens,
-It will aim to provide its citizen with free time for foreign humanitarian aid and missionary service.
Elimination of Suffering
One of the main goals of the HC economic system will be to eliminate suffering and that in all the ways that it presents itself. Figuratively speaking, the best way to do this is not to trim or even cut off the branches, but to uproot the whole wild bush and plant a cultivated one in its place. To explain this analogy, if one reasonably looks at the problem of suffering in this world, the root source of the problem becomes quite self evident. Who in this world is suffering the most? Is it those who have or those who have not? Clearly it is those who do not have - a share in the world’s wealth. This distinction of classes is further seen even within rich nations where there exists a class of rich and poor and an ever widening gap between them.
The NJK economy will not have such a distinction of classes. There will instead be a principle and a state of "commonwealth." This will be based on the Biblical example found in the book of Acts where it is said that:
"all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need." Acts 2:44,45
NASB.
"the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles' feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need." Acts 4:32-35. (cf. vss 36, 37) NASB.
As it can be seen from these texts, contrary to popular conclusions, a "communistic" system in itself, is not an invention of the devil to be shun like witchcraft, as the convinced capitalist would preach. Biblical communism is rather a Spirit led ideal of God for His people. (cf.
2 Cor 8:13-15)
It is the abuse of Communism by those in positions of leadership/administration, that is evil for it then becomes an organized system of oppression or exploitation. In fact, the actual communist fundamental principle is quite honest in itself as it states:
"To each according to their needs, from each according to their ability "
Publicly Owned Capital
As opposed to Capitalistic systems where capital and the means of production for the public goods are controlled by private corporations and are supplier-side systems using a wasteful trial and error, free-market method, or in Soviet-style Communistic systems where these areas are controlled by the state and imposed upon the public, in the NJK system all industries and corporations will be directly, publicly owned and controlled, and production will be purely client-side. In this system the public can literal, easily suggest to industries and corporation what they would like to have produced and people who will ensure that this is done can be elected to manage these corporations. Of course the Biblical guidelines of meeting the needs of all will safeguard against any needless excess and abuse and in all of this an obedient, Godlike people will be needed to keep this system Biblical, free from any trace of selfishness, avarice and greed. (cf.
Luke 12:15;
Col 3:5;
2 Pet 2:14)
Therefore the HC/NJK system can be better understood as "Publicly Planned" system and a literal "Commonwealth".
This wealth sharing will extend throughout the
Holy Cities. Using iron as an example, if half of the HC’s
() can only provide themselves with about 80,000 mT of iron a year each but the other half can provide themselves with 120,000 mT each then the
HC’s will supply the other
HC’s with 20,000 mT each and thus each HC will have 100,000 mT to work with. Such a system of "supply balance" will be done with all commodities (e.g. agricultural products, fuel and energy, other minerals, etc.).
In this Biblical society, personal happiness is not found/based in one having more money, "toys" and/or power than others
(Luke 22:25-27),
but by being useful in helping others also ascend to the various levels of achievement/attainment as one would like for him- or herself.
(cf.
Mark 12:31)
Service of Good Will
If one looks at the makeup of most world economies, particularly the ten most powerful*,
the leading contributing factor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is by far from the value of Services provided (70%+), as the following table shows.
*The 'power' of these economies was determined by a country having a high value of gross domestic production with a relatively low population.
The top 8 countries listed above (minus Australia), along with the Russian Federation, are known as the
Group of 8 (G8) countries,
-the leading industrialized nations of the world. (See also
G7)
In the
NJK economic system all services will be willfully rendered freely. This would mean, for example, that if a doctor needs to get the tires on his car rotated, it will be done for free. If in turn this mechanic needs to get his hot water heater fixed, it will be done for free, and so on.
This is a system of balance that is bound to be successful for it becomes more and more efficient as it is faithfully applied and carried out. The more services are readily provided the more quality and professional work can be done and that can only increase individual qualities of life. So while the monetary value from this sector of the economy will on the surface be zero, the same, if not higher quality of service will still be present. Not one person will be lacking in this area.
Christian Paradigm Shift
Some may think that if the reward of money is not present in the exchange of goods and services then people will not be motivated to 1) produce quality goods and improve on them, 2) render full, prompt and quality services; and this is one of the foundational tenets of free-enterprise capitalism where it is thought that because goods and service providers are liable of losing, or going out of, business if they do not maintain an acceptable and relatively "high" level of what they provide. This may be the accepted value of capitalism but
True Christians, i.e., Christians who follow the teachings of their Creator and Re-Creator Jesus Christ, are to be moved by much higher and nobler intents and motivations instead of such base "pain or pleasure" schemes. Their right actions are a natural result of them having truly internalized Christ's Golden Rule
(
Matt 7:12;
Luke 6:31)
and adhering to His all-encompassing Summary Commandments
(
Matt 22:37-40);
and not because of the self-centered rewards or potential consequences included in a "rule of gold."
Having said all this, willful violations are still a possibility, and thus there are to be understood consequences for those who seek to reap the benefits of the NJK Economy while not doing their particular "part" in this "whole". So while the NJK's economic system does not automatically guarantee that it will always operate at a full 100% compliance, individuals who do not comply by e.g., providing zero or sub-par services will be found to be violating the Eighth and/or Ninth Commandment (stealing and/or lying) and are liable of being reported and prosecuted for such, much like a dishonest service provider in a capitalistic economy can be sued for a breach of contract or for not providing an expected service. In such cases, in the NJK, those who are found to be in the wrong will be condemned by judicial decision to make their wrong(s) right in whatever applicable manner, but for continual or repeat offenders, who are thus quite detrimental to the NJK society and economy other applicable corrective provisions/measures may need to be enforced/applied.
Future Development
Concerning the future advancement and development of NJK industries and the goods and services they provide, because the NJK's objective, as it will be explained below, is to provide an acceptable quality of life for all and because of the fact that its many literally life-prolonging and saving ministries will increase populations, it will naturally and continually seek to provide more efficient and better performing goods and services that people need and depend on for everyday use. As an example, among many possible others, because having leisure time for ministry work and family activities will be a high priority and because many services in the NJK will be of the more, resource-wise, economical computer/electronic type, then the NJK computer industry will always be seeking to make advances and breakthroughs in this area. So having a computer that can reliably handle a higher simultaneous workload and perform it in lesser time while at the same time consuming less energy will be the motivating reason to developed better multi-tasking capabilities and faster, more powerful and more efficient microprocessors, etc. Because meeting the needs of all with quality provisions is the foundational goal of the NJK, the motivation to have the knowledge, technology and tools/equipment to maintain this higher standard will constantly be inherently present.
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It is said...
Capitalism will surely not give you a rope with which to hang yourself, but it will gladly sell it to you!
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January 17, 2009
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