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The Bible Doesn’t Approve of Socialism
Socialism is a political and economic theory of social organization. It advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole. Though it may sound compassionate, Socialism opposes Christianity for the following reasons:
1-It is aimed at dethroning God.
Karl Marx, the founder of Marxism” viewed religion as the “opium of the people.” He taught that, “The first requisite for the happiness of the people is the abolition of religion.” And he admitted, “My object in life is to dethrone God and destroy capitalism.”
2-It is based on a materialistic ideology.
Socialism believes that all that really exists is the material world. Karl Marx claimed that matter contains a creative power within itself. Thus, he eliminated the need for the Creator. Further, socialists view suffering as caused by the unequal distribution of things regardless of hard work to earn it. They claim that salvation is achieved by the re-distribution of things.
Clearly, this thinking contradicts Christianity, which affirms the existence of both a material and a non-material world — and teaches that mankind’s greatest problems are spiritual. The Bible teaches that the cause of suffering is sin. And one of the consequences of sin is inequalities in wealth. Further, people are rewarded based on their diligent work.
3-It sanctions force.
The socialist government forcibly takes a person’s earnings and gives it to someone else. But the Scriptures affirm the right to own property. A person can’t obey the eighth commandment to not steal, unless he accepts the idea of sanctity of private ownership. And Christians can’t be honest stewards to the money God entrusts them if the state holds all the resources.
4-It promotes envy and hate.
Karl Marx envisioned society as consumed with struggles between the rich and the poor. Socialists raise hate notions towards the rich as the cause for the poor deprivation. But the truth is that the rich work hard to create products, which produce wealth, and jobs for the poor.
The Scriptures are also clear that the rich should not exploit the poor. “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for his maker . . .” (Proverbs 14:31). And on the other hand, the poor should not covet what the rich have (Exodus 20:17), rather, they should be content with what they have earned (Philippians 4:11-13).
5-It penalizes honorable traits.
Socialism promotes the distribution of wealth to people according to their need regardless of their work, character and abilities to manage these resources. Karl Marx, said, “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.” However, whenever any institution provides aid, it runs the risk of eliminating rewards and consequences.
Thus, Socialism can punish those who are hardworking by making them pay for those who are lazy. And, it rewards those who aren’t hardworking by giving them the rewards of another man’s labor. The Bible teaches that support should be connected to responsibility. Those who refuse to work should not receive help. “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
