Christian Case Against Socialism Part I

A disturbing trend I’ve seen increasing in acceptance within the church body is that of socialism, most especially amongst my peers (Millennials and GenZ). Even more disturbing is its acceptance amongst Christians.

I’ve heard every excuse in the book which seeks to label socialism as an ideology which Christ himself endorses and, therefore, we as believers should get behind. One of the most common and wicked amongst them is how socialism’s political and economic system fulfills the Golden Rule. It simply cannot.

I sympathize with my peers who are bothered with how our current system of government is functioning. After working in various levels of government in the now socialist country of Canada and helping politicians in America, I’ve learned that the American system isn’t broken and in need of an overhaul as socialists and communists alike demand, but that it’s a system experiencing abuse and the effects of that abuse is what people are experiencing.

That being said, socialism is not the answer, it has and is destroying my former homeland of Canada. A Chrsitians’ desire and prayer should be for the flourishing of her nation and those within its borders. Although socialism may project compassion, fairness and equality, the foundation of it is evil and antithetical to everything Christianity teaches. Here’s a few examples:

Socialism Opposes Private Property Rights

“Men start revolutionary changes for reasons connected with their private lives” ~ Aristotle.

At the beginning of our observations on how socialism and Christianity stand in opposition to one another, we must decide if we are going to allow the truth of God’s Word to take its rightful place in our lives, or will we allow ourselves to be swayed by our feelings when presented with the truth? This decision must be made at the onset, and when it is made, we must then allow the truth to change us.

A fundamental distinction between Christianity and socialism is seen in the worldviews they present on individualism and collectivism. Christ teaches us about the value and need for individual responsibility and accountability; thus the teachings we see all throughout Scripture about salvation, free will, and the importance of individual relationships with God.

Meanwhile, socialism emphasizes collective ownership and decision-making and essentially, the stripping away of individual rights and responsibilities. This is clearly seen when we discuss the issue of private property ownership.

Upon reading Paul Kengor’s “The Devil and Karl Marx,” my eyes were opened to understanding that this man’s depraved private life drove forward the creation of his hedonistic book “The Communist Manifesto.” This book has served as an inspiration, a catalyst really, for those seeking equity within societies. However, the dangers it presents aren’t just economically devastating, they deliver a heavy blow to the individual on a very personal level.

The ownership of anything comes at a cost, predominantly, at the cost of time and resources. Alongside the ownership of anything comes stewardship, but what socialism demands is the reallocation of resources and the removal of the benefits which come from the production of individual effort.

Former President Barack Obama once told a little girl, “We’ve got to make sure that people who have more money help the people who have less money. If you had a whole pizza, and your friend had no pizza, would you give him a slice?” This is socialism and it is anti-Bible.

The most commonly used phrase this is demonstrated in is “take from the rich and give to the poor.” From cartoons to houses of government, this phrase is so often used that we just take it as another cultural saying, but it is so much more than an innocent, common saying.

Both the Old Testament and New Testament unequivocally affirm private property. We can’t even obey the eighth commandment not to steal (Exodus 20:15) unless we accept the notion of private ownership nor can we steward our finances as the Bible commands if the state has control over our money.

So, for an economic and political system to be in line with Christian principles, it must protect private ownership and allow individuals freedom to allocate their resources according to their conscience.

We could discuss the political, moral, economic and even the psychological aspects of private property, but what stands supreme to all is God’s private property laws. It was the proper understanding and implementation of God’s property laws that allowed the Christian West to flourish and be a light unto the world.

Continue Reading : Christian Case Against Socialism Part II

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