I’ve had conversations with socialists and atheists who argue that socialism
is supported by the Bible. My first reaction is, “Really? Which Bible are you reading? The Eisegesis Bible? Or more simply put, the What I Wanna See Bible because that just ain’t so.”
The texts used to support this argument from scripture are found in the Old and New Testament.
In the Old Testament we find it in the making of all of the components and vessels for the for the tabernacle in Exodus 35:5-19. In the New Testament, we find it in the early church in Acts 4:32-37.
These are the so called proof texts for biblical support for socialism that are most often referenced. The problem is that they are no where near supporting socialism in any way, shape or form. Quite the contrary.
CLEARING THE FIELD
So we’re all on the same page here, let’s make sure we’re defining socialism for what it is.
a system of social organization that advocates the vesting (giving up control or rights) of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole.
In practice, what happens is that people give up control to the government or, in the case of what’s happening in the United States, the system is used to take that control away from you. This is communism and it is the antithesis to freedom and liberty.
SOMETHING OLD…
In the Old Testament, the text says:
Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass,…And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses. (Exodus 35:5, 20)
If we stop there, it looks like everyone just gave up their possessions by edict of Moses. However, reading things in context does wonders and there’s a hint in the text itself.
They key word in that passage is willingly. Also, we have to read Exodus 35:21:
And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD’S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.
So this was not by some governmental law. It was by choice. The inference here is that everyone didn’t give yet if we read the rest of the passage, they had more than enough.
…SOMETHING NEW
The passage most often referred to in the New Testment is in Acts 4: 34-35:
Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
Looks compelling doesn’t it? However, bible teachers and scholars have an old saying: a text taken out of context becomes a pretext.
In this text, it’s clear that it was given, not taken. No one forced them to give by edict of law but they were free to give as God moved on their hearts. That’s not socialism. That’s philanthropy.
In the very next chapter, we find a situation where a couple by the name of Ananias and Sapphira are struck dead by the Lord because they lied and said they gave something when they did not. On discovery of this, Peter confronts them and makes this statement:
Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. (Acts 5:4)
It’s clear here that Peter was saying that they didn’t have to give anything. It was theirs to do with as they pleased. It was the lying that was the issue, not the giving.
DOES IT MATTER?
So what’s the point? Does it matter? Most certainly.
Socialism is a communal form of tyranny. It promotes laziness, it doesn’t encourage industry and work, both which are anathema to biblical teaching. If we are to be a free people, we must operate on the principles and edicts of freedom.
So what does the Bible promote if it doesn’t promote socialism? Does the Bible advocate capitalism? I want you to dig into the scriptures for yourself until tomorrow when we address this from God’s word.
God bless.
The Truth Manifesto Blog
Subscribe to our RSS Feed.
The Truth Manifesto proudly presents a new podcast series dubbed The Hard Truth. It is a fifteen minute reflection on the news of the day from a conservative, Christian, and ultimately, biblical perspective. From politics to religion and culture, The Hard Truth presents all of these things in lay men’s terms, rooted in the Truth.
