This story is almost 2 years old, but since we have socialists leaning candidates running in McLean County, it’s more than worth reading.
Jesus confronted the money-changers and challenged believers to give to the needy. But, would he support socialism? Increasingly, Americans think he would. In fact, a recent Barna poll found that more Americans think Jesus would prefer socialism (24%) than those who believe he would prefer capitalism (14%). The other 62% responded neither or not sure, but the poll still reveals a disturbing trend.
Last Saturday, Micah Conkling, a Christian writer and podcaster, argued on my radio program that socialism is the political and economic system that best fulfills the Golden Rule. Not surprisingly, Conkling is a Millennial, the most pro-socialist generation America has ever known. According to a recent Reason-Rupe survey, 53% of Americans under 30 view socialism favorably, compared to less than a third of Americans over 30. Similarly, Gallup found that 69% of those under 30 said they would be willing to vote for a socialist presidential candidate.
I understand why Millennials are wary of the current system. They’ve witnessed a consistently declining economy; one of the most partisan eras in American history; the fall of the twin towers; and a war predicated on weapons of mass destruction that were never found. I agree with them that our political system desperately needs reform. But, socialism is not the answer. Though it may sound compassionate and Christian, it’s actually antithetical to everything Christianity teaches. Here’s why:
Click here to continue reading: http://julieroys.com/five-reasons-why-socialism-is-not-christian/
(If you don’t click, you wouldn’t know the FIVE reasons!)
Christ didn’t say “Let the Romans take care of the poor” he said YOU do it. It is up to each of us to do our part to take care of our brothers and sisters. And the government should have no part in it, except to get out of the way.
Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats for a life time. Socialism feeds a man everyday until the working class gets tired of working for the deadbeats. Capitalism teaches you and provides you with the opportunity to feed yourself everyday.
One can only hope that this reaches as many Christians in Mclean county as possible. Thank you Diane for posting this story.
I’m not a fan of literal interpretation of the Bible but the Parable of the Talents actually encourages investment.
14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property…” 16 “He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more.” The servant who did nothing with what he was given was cast out.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25%3A14-30&version=ESV
Another favorite Bible reference used by some is the story of Jesus tossing over tables of money changers in the Temple courtyard to justify anger and destruction of private property. Jesus’ anger was not about equal distribution of money but rather against extortion and hypocrisy.
Talents parable was about using what you are given in the best way possible, at least that’s my take
Another point…the servant who did nothing with the talents given was cast out. Doesn’t sound like what Socialists are preaching.
I agree that Socialism is not based in Christianity. Notice I said I’m not a fan of LITERAL interpretation of the Bible.
In the Parable of the Talents, not only are we (not the government) to use what is given to us but to invest or multiply it to the best of our ability. Additionally, each of us is given different talents–nothing about “equality” here.
Interesting that EVERYONE brings up the bible, like it’s some kind of special book! It’s been written, re-written and twisted around so much that even scholars have a hard time with the ORIGINAL meanings of things
BOTTOM line -DO UNTO OTHERS and there IS NO FREE LUNCH unless there is a future SAINT involved.
Some parts are kind of interesting though, like Ezekiel where the lion headed being come out of the heavens. ALIENS?? NAW, This planet is on it’s own, as there’s NO intelligent life that would want ANYTHING to do with all this mumbo-jumbo!
Best chapter? Job 12
Sorry you have never witnessed the obvious miracle of the Bible and God at work in our lives. Millions of believers do know and I’m sure feel sorry for anyone not knowing it’s peace.
Townie—If speaking about Christianity, the Bible is the primary reference. The posted article is comparing Socialism with Christianity and it cites several Scripture passages. That is why the Bible is being brought up here.
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23 years perfect attendance, and listening to ALL those sermons. I STILL feel that the best way to FIND and SEEK GOD is on a mountainside or a glacier and contemplating the world.
I’m NOT going to DAMN anyone to hades because of their belief! We ALL have our own ideal of GOD, the bible and what all that entails. I prefer to just sit on a mountainside and watch the world. Especially after having been to services of MANY religions of the world.. From Moonie to Bahai, Greek Orthodox to Native American.
They ALL have one thing in common! THEY BELIEVE! KIZMET!
A complete separation of church and state is all that matters.
Except that’s not how the country was founded.
Things change, people evolve. And, that’s still widely debated among historians…
Created equal, endowed by their creator, etc etc. There is no debate.
We’ll just agree to disagree. 🙂