Musing – Does the Bible Really Support Socialism?

 

Hebraic Musing – Does the Bible Really Support Socialism?

Some point out that Jesus preached compassion toward the poor; and the church in Jerusalem “had everything in common”; and Ananias & Sapphira were struck down because they held back wealth for themselves.  Those shallow arguments are twisted to justify socialism, but maybe they support Capitalism; let’s look more closely.

 “All the (Jerusalem) believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. Acts 4:32 NIV   But vs.34-35 have the explanations of how that worked. “There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.”  Did you notice that they “brought the money”?  Big difference, it was not taken from them!

What did Ananias & Sapphira do to get struck down?  Peter explained “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?” Acts 5:9  It was because they lied to the Lord; not for holding back their money! 

The Protestant Work Ethic

The Bible teaches Biblical principles – hard work, discipline and frugality.  (“Work” appears almost 400 times in the Bible!)   “A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God,” Ecc.2:24    “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” 2 Thess.3:10   And “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Prov.10:4     In Socialism, Greed is institutionalized.  There’s no reward for hard work!  I have experienced working in Communist countries with a workforce of people with no incentive.  Sad state of affairs!  Overheard in a Communist country – “We pretend to work; they pretend to pay us.”

Jesus gives us sound wealth management advice - “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.”  Luke 16:9    Ownership of wealth was obvious and assumed, or why would Moses have to command “Thou Shall Not Steal”?

What happens to Wealth in Socialism?

Germany, Yugoslavia and Venezuela are recent examples of Marxist Socialism being destroyed by inflation.  While Americans are greedily looking forward to receiving “Stimulus Money”, consider this.  My 11 year old home-schooled Granddaughter read an economics book “Whatever Happened to Penny Candy.”  So when the stimulus money came out, my daughter explained to her it was to help people.  So Charity replied “But if everyone gets more money, doesn’t that just mean everything will cost more?  Isn’t it called inflation when the government just gives away money?  Where does it come from?”  That’s understanding and wisdom from an 11 year-old!  Why don’t more people understand economics?  Money is not free!

Capitalism or Socialism, which is better?

One is designed to meet the real needs of consumers/customers; the other operates without need to benefit people.

Could a corporation like Boeing, which requires a motivated workforce, be developed in a socialistic system?

It is often proposed that “Capitalism is based on greed and Socialism is based on need.”   But actually, the opposite is true.  Capitalists are motivated and incentivized to create businesses that meet people’s needs. 

Socialism has failed because of corruption and greed.  It would work if the leaders were unflawed persons (an oxymoron).  Neither system is perfect; even Capitalism has flaws that need correcting because we are fallen humans only capable of seeking the better solution.  Only God creates perfection!

Points to ponder

Socialism always speaks about distributing wealth, never about creating it. 

Why do mice die in mousetraps?  They don’t understand why the cheese is free.

Why did a Kibbutz leader in Israel say “It has become a paradise for parasites”? 

Which system is more open to greed and corruption?

Which system emphasizes “Giving”?  Which one requires “Taking”?

“That your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” Mt.6:4

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      March 30, 2021
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”  Weekly “Hebraic Musings” http://insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com/
Note – Inspired/excerpted by Lutzer’s “We Will Not Be Silenced”  Ch.7 – “Capitalism Is the Disease; Socialism Is the Cure.”