Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Are Socialist Concepts in the Bible?

" For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equalityAs it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.” 2 Cor. 8:13-15

Can we find equality, socialist concepts, and redistribution of wealth in the Bible? In the verse above, Paul's message describes how the Christian is to share with others what they possess. Then in the Book of Acts, we see that believers that "had all things common", and "No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own." This sounds like socialism to me!

So, should we view what our government does as being biblical? No, because there is a fundamental difference from having the government take what you have and give it to someone else, than if you were to freely give it. No one enjoys being forced to give, and some would consider it as stealing.

In the Book of Acts, the deed of giving was primarily done amongst the brethren. It is a beautiful expression of love. It is true that Christians are urged to give to the poor, support the weak, and "Go in my name and, because you believe, others will know that I live." But good deeds can also enable the person who is receiving the gifts, if the giver continues to give and give and give. It causes the receiver to become dependent upon the giver, and it may delay them from digging their way out of a bad situation. This is true in individual cases as well as Christian mission causes.

The bottom-line is that how much you give, and to whom you give, is your own personal decision. It is a privilege as a Christian to do so. It is not and should never be a mandate set by the government.

Related Posts
Christian Socialism and Social Justice
Interdependence: The Wrong Solution, a Bad Idea