22d • Christian Ethics
Is Socialism Biblical?
In Christian Ethics, Wayne Grudem makes the claim that Socialism is not only unbiblical, but that it's morally evil. I was intrigued by his claim.
Here's the list of reasons why he considers socialism immoral.
1) "Socialism violates biblical teaching about property". He argues that the Bible supports private property ownership by citing the 8th commandment: "Thou shall not steal". You can't steal something unless it's owned by someone else. Therefore, the Bible affirms private property ownership.
2) "Socialism violates biblical teachings about government". See 1 Peter 2:14; Deuteronomy 17:16-17; 1 Samuel 8:10-18; Ezekiel 46:18. Essentially the Bible teaches that the role of civil government is "to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good". It says nowhere that the government should own all or most of the property or the means of production in a country.
3) "Socialism violates biblical teachings about human freedom and stewardship". The Bible views us as stewards that are responsible to care for what God gives us. Therefore, socialism violates our ability to steward the resources God gives people because the state takes all ownership of resources and property.
4) "Socialism, to the extent that it seeks to equalize income, rewards people unjustly for their work and stifles innovation and productivity". People work with varying levels of skill and work ethic. Socialism rewards everyone equally. That is not just if people have varying levels of skill and work ethic.
5) "Socialism has failed to produce a vibrant economy anywhere it has been tried".
6) "Socialism incentivizes corruption in government". If the government owns businesses and distribution, most people will be working for the government. Job advancement will not be based on performance, but on whim of government officials. This creates the conditions ripe for bribes and corruption.
7) "Socialism starts with seeking to help the poor but mistakenly tries to implement substantial equality of income, which leads the nation toward poverty and tyranny". "The use of force to achieve equality will destroy freedom, and the force, introduced for good purposes, will end up in the hands of people who use it to promote their own interests" (Grudem, Wayne. Christian Ethics, pg. 920)
I tend to agree with his points. Socialism often sounds "Christian", but when we look with a closer lens, it actually isn't.
Thoughts?
0
0 comments
Is Socialism Biblical?
powered by
skool.com/wisdomu-3426
Theology 101 is THE PLACE to learn and discuss Christian theology and ethics.
Suggested communities
Powered by