There has been a lot of talk about Socialism. In the 1930s through the 1950s it was considered the nemesis to freedom. But since the 1960s and the Vietnam war, Socialism has crept into our colleges being taught as the utopia of true freedom and equality.
Conservatives in the Christian church in our nation have touted Socialism as a failed worldly globalist theology. Why is that, when the Bible outlines Socialism in it's purest form? Has the Christian church missed it?
Saint Luke first mentions the sharing of possessions with all in need in Acts 2:44- 45 from the American Standard Bible:
And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them all, as anyone might have need. ~Acts 2:44-45
And again these principles were reiterated by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 8:13-15 New International Version:
Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supplu what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." ~ 2 Corinthians 8:13-15
This is outstanding theology. Truly the heart of love and generosity. Unfortunately, without factoring in the fallen nature of man on any societal theology, it is doomed to fail. As it had failed in the Bible and failed repeatedly throughout history.
By 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, Paul began gently addressing the fall out from his previous instruction of share and share alike.
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so you will not be dependent on anybody. ~1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
Unsuccessfully, Paul's gentle warning against idleness fell on deaf ears. His next letter to the church in Thessalonica carried such a warning against freeloading as to disassociate with those who would not work.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-14 New International Version:
For even when we were with you , we gave this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busy-bodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. ~2 Thessalonians 3:1-14
In conclusion, the idea of Socialism might work if we all had a heart to please God and possessed a love for our common man. Though, there are many who may qualify in that; society has proven incapable to sustain a Socialist theology. Especially in these latter days as our hearts have grown cold, even within thechurch. And, so Saint Paul walked back his earlier statements of share alike to work so not to be dependent on others. Socialism was proven to fail as far back as biblical times.
