Why Socialism Isn’t Christian

In the coming months ramping up to the election in November, Christians are going to be inundated with moral lectures on why the socialism of certain candidates is ethically Christian. After all, socialism demonstrates care for the needy and elderly and is an expression of public generosity, doesn’t it? Don’t buy it and do not stand for it. It’s a lie. Let me explain why.

Socialism supplants individual responsibility and biblical stewardship.

Our present form of government finds its roots in the Reformation. By the late Middle Ages, the Church had created its own theological nanny state. The “common Bible” of Jerome had become an elitist book written in a language not spoken by the common man and accessible only to the untouchable leadership of the Church. The Church had taken personal responsibility before God away from the people.

The Reformers cry of sola scriptura was accompanied by the translation of scripture into the common language and the idea that individual people were personally accountable to God for their spiritual relationship with Him. 2 Timothy 3:16 teaches the sufficiency of scripture for individual spiritual development. Preachers are commanded to preach the word and not their own opinions (2 Timothy 4:1-4). The conscience of an individual believer matters (Romans 14:5).

The New Testament idea of individual responsibility before God extends to the stewardship of personal wealth. Everything a Christian has is owned by God. He is a steward before God alone for those responsibilities (Matthew 25:14-30). Even Ananias and Sapphira were free to be independent stewards of their personal wealth. They were just not free to lie about it (Acts 5:4).

Socialism steps between an individual believer and his stewardship before God. Yes, Jesus (and Paul) told believers to pay their taxes. This was a matter of obedience to authority. And yes, there are certain responsibilities of government that demand taxation (law enforcement, national defense, infrastructure), but a socialist welfare state goes far beyond those basic biblical requirements of government.

Socialism discourages a biblical work ethic.

Work is a gift. God gave Adam the privilege of work in the Garden (Genesis 2:15) before the fall. Indolence is a curse, even for the wealthy. Even the insects provide for themselves (Proverbs 6:6-8). In the New Testament context there was no provision for those who will not work (2 Thessalonians 3:10), and it is only right that those that labor partake of the fruits of their labor (1 Timothy 5:18). Together the New Testament scriptures teach and individual labor/individual reward ethic.

Socialism undermines the family.

Caring for the needy is first a family responsibility and God condemns severely those who do not fulfill this responsibility (1 Timothy 5:5-16). Even the church is commanded not to replace the family. Socialism not only removes responsibility from the family, but also takes away from the family resources it should have available to take care of its own. The result is that the destruction of the family becomes both a goal and result of socialism.

Socialism stifles generosity.

There is a difference between generosity and paying taxes.

A number of years ago I heard of a church that deducted the tithe (without consent) from the salaries of its Christian Day School teachers. It is a horrible practice because it undermines everything tithing represents or is intended to accomplish. The tithe is a matter of obedience, but when it is compelled, how is it obedience? The tithe is supposed to be a step of faith, but when it is compelled how can true faith be expressed? The tithe is supposed to be an act of worship, but when it is compelled it becomes a source of bitterness? Forced giving is not giving at all.

The early church was not socialistic, it was generous (Acts 4:34-35). Sharing was a voluntary act of love.

Giving to the needy is a moral responsibility and is one of the reasons for Christians to work hard (Ephesians 4:28). Giving to the needy is an individual responsibility that provides more than just financial resources. It provides the relational and personal support necessary to help those who are needy rise above their present circumstances.

Giving to the needy puts generous, unselfish people (for the most part) in the role of helping, rather than lifelong indifferent government employees. It allows for more direct accountability and oversight. Giving to the needy allows givers to hold charitable institutions accountable for their funds and activities.

Caveats.

Christians should oppose socialism on biblical principle, however, believers cannot conscientiously disobey socialistic laws on biblical principle. Such laws (as far as I can see now) do not force us to sin, but they do make obedience a lot harder.