Exploitation and the golden rule.

[Robert]

In political economy, economics, and sociology, exploitation involves a persistent social relationship in which certain persons are being mistreated or unfairly used for the benefit of others. This corresponds to one ethical conception of exploitation, that is, the treatment of human beings as mere means to an end-or as mere "objects". In different terms, "exploitation" refers to the use of people as a resource, with little or no consideration of their well-being. Exploitation can also be seen in social relationships where one person is "using" the other for his own personal benefit. (Wikpedia)

[Robert]

By this definition it sure looks like our "free market system" is built on exploitation. Should, then, a Christian be invested in the market?

[Dr. Rich]

Great question Robert. I don't see anyone answering this question but lets throw in a curve. If you are the investor (part owner) of stock in corporations that work on Sabbath, are not you intentionally having people work for you on the Sabbath? And what about paying taxes for work done on Sabbath, what then? Hmmm?

[Gerr]

Exploitation - : to make use of meanly or unfairly for one’s own advantage 〈exploiting migrant farm workers〉

Merriam-Webster, I. (2003). Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary. (Eleventh ed.). Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, Inc.

This is a very complex issue because the relationship can range from a truly symbiotic/win-win to commensalism to parasitic relationship. When a worker is properly compensated for his work that benefits the employer, this is a symbiotic/win-win situation. Exploitation occurs when the benefit far outweighs the other.

[Robert]

Exploitation occurs when the benefit far outweighs the other.

That's vague.

[Robert]

Exploitation is where one wishes to gain an advantage over others. It's that simple.

[Windsor]

By this definition it sure looks like our "free market system" is built on exploitation. Should, then, a Christian be invested in the market?

Then I suppose you should quit buying or selling because that is what a free market system entails. That also means you should shut off your power and internet, all created through the free market system.