Zeitgeist

Zeitgeist, an informative documentary exploring conspiracy theories that explain religion, historical events, and economic phenomenons. We noticed during the film that religion ties directly into capitalism, while completely contradicting it. The movie acknowledged that religions are based on limited historical recordings and astronomy. Religions dating back from ancient Greece, India, and Egypt to modern-day Christianity have striking similarities.

We believe that for capitalism to exist the way it does today there must be a basis in religion. Pure capitalism is founded on the complete faith in the market. As religion is founded on the complete faith in God(s). Religion  can very well function without capitalism, as it has in all of history but we believe that capitalism  not only shaped by politics that surrounds it but also the religions that drive it.

 Zeitgeist shows the parallels between how people practice(d) religion and how capitalism is practiced in society worldwide today.  Capitalism functions similarly to a religion. They both instill a sense of hope for the future.  In religion we justify acts perpetrated against us because we believe. a higher power has a plan for us.  Capitalism functions in the same way as we can justify our financial situation and economic conditions with hopes such as the  "American Dream".

 The movie discussed several conspiracy theories that, although we acknowledge as extreme, had some basis in truth, such as the idea that wars are waged for the sole purpose of profit and power. These same forces of greed drive pure capitalism. Although in not as extreme of a setting, capitalism is rooted in the idea that each individual should look out for themselves first. Based on this premise, we conclude that pure capitalism and philanthropy cannot coexist. By looking out for oneself, one is inevitably less focused on aspects of society that do not create a profit. The promise of profit to investors through the privatization of capitalistic companies does not allow for investments into communities on the basis that it simply doesn't generate profit.