Socialists cloak themselves with a mantle of great human kindness. Often even Christian friends seem to think socialism is a good idea because Jesus taught to love our neighbors and to help the needy. He said one cannot love God and love mammon (world, money). He gave a parable that pointed out the foolishness of storing up for oneself. Then they top it off with the actions of the church in Acts 2:44-45.
So why am I not sold on Socialism?
-
God’s people in the OT were under a theocracy. There were rules/laws that gave instructions about how to treat your fellow neighbors as well as how to treat strangers. To protect against generational caste systems, there were laws such as the land being returned to former owners every seven years. Even slaves were bound for only six years; in the seventh year they were offered freedom. No possibility for Socialism under a Theocracy.
-
During NT times, the government was capitalistic. There is no record of that being an issue with Jesus. He taught to pay your taxes; Paul taught to submit to the authorities. There was one stipulation: Obey God before man. Until Jesus began his ministry, his work was capitalistic in nature. He was a carpenter. I’m reasonably sure he bought at the best bargain he could get and set his own prices on the work he produced. The NT is replete with people who owned their own homes, did the kind of work they were good at, and made a profit doing so – Lydia, seller of purple, Pricilla and Aquilla, tent makers (and Paul). Even the fishing industry was included.
-
The NT recognizes that poor people lived in the land, but it makes no mention of taking care of them in a “taxation” kind of way; it gives no suggestions, even to the church, about how much to give to the poor. It certainly does not give any advice to the secular governing body about how or how much to take from the “haves” and give to the “have nots.”
-
Under a capitalistic system, people have more profit from which to give freely to charitable causes unless, of course, the taxes become exuberant.
-
MY OPINION RELATING TO GIVING. The more taxes that are taken, the less charity that is given. It might not be right but I think it is common, that taxes being taken and distributed to the poor assuages one’s private feeling of duty to “care for our neighbor.” I know that is my reaction. Criticize me if you like but I do think “They already have income from a dozen different government programs, why should I do more?” I do give. I tithe and I give offerings but I do it though my church whom I trust more than Washington.
Even Prophet Muhammad was a trader at first and married to a lady who owned business.
Interesting. Thanks.
Very well said. Agree 100 percent. Socialism is covetousness on steroids. I should not expect the government to take (steal) money from you because I want what you have.
Blessings, grace and peace.
Thanks for the comment, Michael. I do like to have an end. I also like other opinions. I love truth. If my arguments are off, I am certainly open to questions.
.
This is so true: “The more taxes that are taken, the less charity that is given.” I’ve heard people say many times that they’re over taxed and don’t have a say in where it goes. You can’t have a soup kitchen anymore without a ton of regulations.
Thanks for the response from an amen corner. A “hands on” giving is so much more life affecting. People helping people.
Absolutely!
Came here to agree to this point too!
Thank you. I appreciate you reading and commenting.
socialism …hummm… Marx, Chavez, Castro, Kim Jong-un….hummmm…
I think not!
I find that folks in this USA refer to Socialism that is being touted now is called Christian Socialism or Democratic Socialism. Most have no idea of the Big Brother lurking back in history.
No idea whatsoever— an opening of Pandora’s box!!!!
When Christians tithe or give it should always be an ‘act of worship’ to God. This is so different to Government handouts or anything of socialism. If what we ‘give’ is done out of love for God then the action is from the heart and not duty or moral incentives. Worship with our monetary offerings the same as we surrender and worship with our lives. This can be just as relevant in spontaneous ‘giving’ eg in the street. From a heart of love as if to the Lord. Its great it principle but so hard to live by. Only the Spirit can prompt our lives this way.
Well said. Thanks.
Super motivational and directly related to a project I’m working on. Thank you for sharing this and providing a boost when I really needed it.
I love this kind of comment. You are kind and I hope the blog helps you out on your project.
I like your argument…may I reblog this post?
You certainly may. I visited your blog and left a follow. It looks like a place I would like to be seen. 😀 Wish I had more time to roam around there.
Appreciate your confidence. 🙂
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
SOME CONSIDER THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH TO BE EQUIVALENT TO A SOCIALIST COMMUNITY—THIS PROVES THEM WRONG.
Sorry I did not see your comment earlier, Jonathan. Thank you for the reblog.
That’s okay—I’ve been gone nearly a week! 🙂 Any comment about my comment?
I didn’t comment further because I thought you were addressing your comment to me confirming what I had said. Now I see that you sent that comment with the re-blog. That was an attention getter I am sure. Thanks again.
As long as you like the attention. 🙂
Who ever heard of a demure blogger! 😀
You have a point there! Even I—am not one!
Loved it! What I find is that as my taxes rise, I simply have less money to give to causes. I don’t short my church, and do give to a few other places, but if the government keeps taking more of my money, I won’t have as much to spread around to causes I believe in.
That’s it exactly. Thank you.
Fabulous. I never considered the fact before that Jesus was probably a Capitalist, in a sense, a small business owner/sole proprietor. I’ll remember this for the next time my “progressive” friends try to debate (they usually just make pronouncements and dodge debate).
I had to go back and read again. Oh, yes, about Jesus as carpenter. I do hope you can open some eyes. They probably have not thought of it in that way.