Is Socialism Anti-Christian?

Jul 4, 2020
151
79
Chicago
✟12,364.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
I'm talking about the economic system of left wing socialism specifically, I'm not talking about social liberalism (pro-choice, non-traditional marriage, etc.) which attaches itself to left wing socialism nowadays and clearly goes against the bible. But is the system where the government redistributes wealth, provides social assistance, and is highly involved in economic decisions and the social system unbiblical and anti-christian? If so can someone explain why? Is it bad because it's as if the government is replacing God and makes it easier for them to take our rights and freedoms away given they have so much control?

For myself, I'm more of a centrist if you had to place me somewhere. I'm very against abortion and the LGBT agenda, but on other matters as long as it doesn't get out of hand and out of control, I believe it's smart to have the government interfere in some cases or provide help to those who need it and can't provide for themselves. Some government spending is sometimes needed. I believe even though the government is corrupt, God can use the government in some situations for his purposes. I think in biblical times it was like that with the kingdoms and stuff.
 
Last edited:
  • Agree
Reactions: ArmenianJohn

Under One King

Well-Known Member
Jul 14, 2020
1,534
602
The Shadowlands
✟28,658.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
That's a good question.
The pilgrims at first tried a socialist way of doing things, but realized it was not going to work, because everyone wanted to take from the common storehouse, but not many wanted to work. The same happened in Jamestown I believe.
 
  • Like
Reactions: johneb
Upvote 0

Albion

Facilitator
Dec 8, 2004
111,138
33,258
✟583,842.00
Country
United States
Faith
Anglican
Marital Status
Married
I'm not talking about social liberalism (pro-choice, non-traditional marriage, etc.) which attaches itself to left wing socialism nowadays and clearly goes against the bible. But is the system where the government redistributes wealth,
Is there anything in the Ten Commandments that prohibits theft/stealing? Does it matter if someone else does it for you?
 
Upvote 0

eleos1954

God is Love
Supporter
Nov 14, 2017
9,698
5,614
Utah
✟713,703.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Politics
US-Others
I'm talking about the economic system of left wing socialism specifically, I'm not talking about social liberalism (pro-choice, non-traditional marriage, etc.) which attaches itself to left wing socialism nowadays and clearly goes against the bible. But is the system where the government redistributes wealth, provides social assistance, and is highly involved in economic decisions and the social system unbiblical and anti-christian? If so can someone explain why? Is it bad because it's as if the government is replacing God and makes it easier for them to take our rights and freedoms away given they have so much control?

For myself, I'm more of a centrist if you had to place me somewhere. I'm very against abortion and the LGBT agenda, but on other matters as long as it doesn't get out of hand and out of control, I believe it's smart to have the government interfere in some cases or provide help to those who need it and can't provide for themselves. Some government spending is sometimes needed. I believe even though the government is corrupt, God can use the government in some situations for his purposes. I think in biblical times it was like that with the kingdoms and stuff.

What is an example of socialism?

Common ownership under socialism may take shape through technocratic, oligarchic, totalitarian, democratic or even voluntary rule. Prominent historical examples of socialist countries include the former Soviet Union and Nazi Germany. Contemporary examples include Cuba, Venezuela, and China.

If one does not know history they are doomed to repeat it.

What we need is smaller government.
 
Upvote 0
Jul 4, 2020
151
79
Chicago
✟12,364.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Is there anything in the Ten Commandments that prohibits theft/stealing? Does it matter if someone else does it for you?
If taxes were something God was against, why would it be made known in scripture it was a thing in biblical times and why wouldn't he speak against it specifically? In fact the Lord even said to render unto Caesar what is his. I see taxes as a thing you just can't avoid, they have been around since the start of humanity. How can you get rid of taxes completely? The only thing we can do is manage how it is used, if spending is responsible, and actually knowing where the tax money goes, back to us or to corporations?
 
Upvote 0

Albion

Facilitator
Dec 8, 2004
111,138
33,258
✟583,842.00
Country
United States
Faith
Anglican
Marital Status
Married
If taxes were something God was against, why would it be made known in scripture it was a thing in biblical times and why wouldn't he speak against it specifically?
The Bible and Jesus in particular taught that it is right to be obedient to the higher powers, meaning in that case the Roman Empire and government in general.

But as to whether it is right to take from one person to enrich another, you know that this is forbidden by the Ten Commandments (and elsewhere), just as envy itself is.
 
Upvote 0
Jul 4, 2020
151
79
Chicago
✟12,364.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
What is an example of socialism?

Common ownership under socialism may take shape through technocratic, oligarchic, totalitarian, democratic or even voluntary rule. Prominent historical examples of socialist countries include the former Soviet Union and Nazi Germany. Contemporary examples include Cuba, Venezuela, and China.

If one does not know history they are doomed to repeat it.

What we need is smaller government.
I would agree but I just want to hear other positions and perspectives. In the US you have smaller government than any other western nation and yet many people can't afford health care or get left behind, it's something to think about... I think rather than small vs big government the focus should be on practical and honest government. There needs to be a balance. But it is unfortunate governments today do not actually serve the people (who pay them with taxes) but abuse their power. I just see it as a sign we're in the end days. Because back in the day there was a lot less corruption in these areas, globalism is to blame as well.
 
Upvote 0
Jul 4, 2020
151
79
Chicago
✟12,364.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
But as to whether it is right to take from one person to enrich another, you know that this is forbidden by the Ten Commandments (and elsewhere), just as envy itself is.
Ok but socialism does not equal high taxes, in fact it's the opposite in many cases. There were socialist countries in the past that had the lowest taxes in the world. There are today as well, Cuba is an example (that's why their infrastructure is so bad). Your tax money doesn't just go to your neighbour if that's what you're worried about it, it primarily goes towards infrastructure which benefits you directly. Such as bridges, roads, etc.

Sweden and Finland are not socialist, they are social democratic countries that are very much capitalist. I am against this type of system as well and we can see these kinds of countries were first on board to go cashless which is very telling. Plus they have the highest taxes. We don't even have to talk about taxes, I am talking about the concept of government interference in the market and the social system and the government being involved to help people. You don't need taxes to do that as proven unless you want good solid infrastructure. You can use smart and responsible spending to do that.
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

eleos1954

God is Love
Supporter
Nov 14, 2017
9,698
5,614
Utah
✟713,703.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Politics
US-Others
I would agree but I just want to hear other positions and perspectives. In the US you have smaller government than any other western nation and yet many people can't afford health care or get left behind, it's something to think about... I think rather than small vs big government the focus should be on practical and honest government. There needs to be a balance. But it is unfortunate governments today do not actually serve the people (who pay them with taxes) but abuse their power. I just see it as a sign we're in the end days. Because back in the day there was a lot less corruption in these areas, globalism is to blame as well.

In the US you have smaller government than any other western nation

Do you have statistic or references to support this?

I think rather than small vs big government the focus should be on practical and honest government. There needs to be a balance. But it is unfortunate governments today do not actually serve the people (who pay them with taxes) but abuse their power. I just see it as a sign we're in the end days. Because back in the day there was a lot less corruption in these areas, globalism is to blame as well.

I would agree with this .... but honesty in government went out the window many many many years ago .... like right after George Washington ... and has been going downhill since LOL
 
Upvote 0

solid_core

Well-Known Member
Oct 13, 2019
2,695
1,579
Vienna
✟50,919.00
Country
Austria
Faith
Protestant
Marital Status
Single
Is there anything in the Ten Commandments that prohibits theft/stealing? Does it matter if someone else does it for you?
Socialism is not stealing. Socialism is working for common good and sharing.

Communism stole private property after the World War II and made it common, if thats what you are referring to. But those times were weird almost everywhere in the world. State's infrastructure, agriculture etc had to be quickly reconstructed, because it was destroyed by massive bombings and wars. Communism is a dictature and dictatures are common in extreme times. Western Europe was massively helped by the United States to get their economies quickly recovered, so they managed it without a dictature.
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0

Albion

Facilitator
Dec 8, 2004
111,138
33,258
✟583,842.00
Country
United States
Faith
Anglican
Marital Status
Married
Socialism is not stealing. Socialism is working for common good and sharing.
Let's compromise.

It is stealing, but allegedly for the common good. ;)

By the way, anything done by any government is always allegedly for the common good.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

solid_core

Well-Known Member
Oct 13, 2019
2,695
1,579
Vienna
✟50,919.00
Country
Austria
Faith
Protestant
Marital Status
Single
Let's compromise.

It is stealing, but allegedly for the common good. ;)

By the way, anything done by any government is always allegedly for the common good.
How is it stealing? Is Norway or Sweden or Denmark or Canada stealing?
 
Upvote 0

Albion

Facilitator
Dec 8, 2004
111,138
33,258
✟583,842.00
Country
United States
Faith
Anglican
Marital Status
Married
How is it stealing?
Taking the property of one person by force in order to reward someone else or one's own self with it is theft. That is the premise, purpose, and record of Socialism.

According to your profile, you are a resident of Austria. If so, the country has had a big dose of both National Socialism and Soviet Socialism in the not too distant past. How well did either of those experiments in government work out, would you say? And would you like either of them restored to power?
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0

solid_core

Well-Known Member
Oct 13, 2019
2,695
1,579
Vienna
✟50,919.00
Country
Austria
Faith
Protestant
Marital Status
Single
Taking the property of one person by force in order to reward someone else or one's own self with it is theft. That is the premise, purpose, and record of Socialism.
You mean taxes?

Jesus was not against taxes. So its not stealing.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

solid_core

Well-Known Member
Oct 13, 2019
2,695
1,579
Vienna
✟50,919.00
Country
Austria
Faith
Protestant
Marital Status
Single
What makes you think that Jesus "was not against taxes?" What he said was to pay them, not that he admired them. :rolleyes:
Not sure what you mean by admiration, he said "what is of Caesar, give to Caesar".

If its of Caesar, its not stealing. Its actually stealing to keep the money (not to pay taxes).
 
Upvote 0