Socialism seems to be on the rise in our nation. This political philosophy is clearly more popular in cities than in rural areas and on the coasts than in the heartland. Nevertheless, it is a phenomenon that must be reckoned with.
What is it? In short, it is a misrepresentation of reality.
Socialism disparages capitalism, yet history clearly demonstrates that capitalism has created a higher standard of living for more people in a shorter period of time than any other political system known to humanity. Socialism is wrong about capitalism.
Socialism promises to provide what everyone needs. It criticizes capitalism for creating a huge disparity between the wealthy and the poor. But in capitalist societies, large numbers of people live comfortably in the middle class. Socialism hates and attacks the wealthy producers who create jobs for the middle class. If empowered, they would leave nothing but the wealthy elitist state leaders and a poor working class. Socialism creates more poverty than wealth.
Socialism is dishonest. It is a preliminary step toward Communism, but this is never admitted openly. Why? Because many people are aware of the tragedies of Communism, the tens of millions of people who died because of Communism in the past hundred years. Socialism uses soothing words like “Socialist” and “Democratic” to mislead people.
Socialism claims that people are basically good. The problem with our world is capitalism, so they say. If we allow Socialists to radically transform society, they promise that people will magically begin to share with one another and nobody will be lacking in anything they truly need.
Once again, Socialism is proved wrong. History has spoken. Many who lived under Communist rule saw the lies and tried to uncover them. But those who dissent against the Communists are often persecuted, imprisoned, or even executed. Communists believe that re-educating or eliminating all who disagree will catapult humanity into a new era of harmony and happiness. But the true nature of humanity always reasserts itself in our children and grandchildren.
Now our conversation has crossed over into spiritual territory. The Bible denies that all people are basically good. The Bible asserts that all people are sinners in need of God’s saving grace. Capitalism and our republic, with its prudent division of powers, is based on this foundational aspect of a Biblical worldview. We expect every generation of humans to need redemption until Jesus returns.
And now we come to the final and most fundamental distinction. Socialism/Communism is built on an atheistic worldview. They strongly oppose any form of religion. In their struggle to transform nations and governments, they will make temporary alliances with religious groups. But once again, history is clear. Once in power, Communists turn against all who believe in God. The church is pushed aside. Children are indoctrinated with atheism in state-controlled schools.
The political situation in Jesus’ day was also dire. The Roman Empire occupied and oppressed Israel and many other nations in the Mediterranean world. How did Jesus respond? His focus was on announcing God’s kingdom plan for salvation by faith, despite the personal cost. His trust was in the power of God’s living and active word.
Jesus’ followers faced persecution at the hands of Roman leaders. How did they respond? They followed the example of their Lord. They boldly announced the good news about God’s salvation by faith in Jesus, despite the personal cost. They trusted the power of God’s living and active word.
For two thousand years, the gospel has displayed the power to transform lives, families, communities, and even nations. Empires have come and gone. Philosophies have come and gone. Great personalities have come and gone. God’s kingdom will outlast them all. Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords. We can trust the power of God’s living and active word!
Brother Richard Foster
brotherrichardsblog.com 