I don't think we need to go far to see that we live in a fallen world. Often times, we need only look at ourselves. The argument about whether or not a person's sin is deserving of God's judgement is best left to God showing that person Himself. I don't want to argue about that here. What I wish to show is that human effort often goes awry. I believe that most people do what they think is right most of the time. Rarely does someone do something they know is wrong unless deep down they think that what they are doing is either actually good for them or is serving justice. I don't believe we humans can really do something truly just and good unless it aligns with God's reality, because He sees what we don't see and is interested in the eternal, not the temporary. Jesus himself said that no one is good but the Father and that he only did what he saw the Father do. If you consider Jesus good, therefore you must consider the Father good, if you believe in the accuracy of the Bible.
What I'm saying is this, when you consider Jesus, all that we strive to do as humans becomes temporary or corrupted when not done in the ways or direction of God.
A classic verse from Ps. 103 says that men are like grass and his glory like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever. It is clear from Jesus' words that God wants his family to care for the poor when he said that true religion is to care for the orphans and widows in their distress. This is why I say that socialism has godly attributes. It is clear to me that socialitsts, Christian or not, care for these things as well. However, history has shown that the practice of socialism is performed from a humanistic basis.
Humanism promotes man as the measure and end of all things and at needs promotes man's goodness and potential. This is contrary to what God reveals about man's position in the Bible, that we are in need of reconciliation to the Father through Jesus. Therefore, socialism has turned into totalitarian control of people and represses religion as it did in Russia and as it is does in China. Proof of this includes the fact that Christian's are persecuted in China because they talk about the kingdom of God, his return to the earth, and the claim that Jesus is Lord. The communist government does not like talk about them not being the ultimate and everlasting authority in China. This is why Christians are persecuted for political reasons, because the authorities believe that Christianity is subversive to their rule.
For these reasons, and others, I believe socialism could be dangerous if instituted in our government because it would most likely come with a basis of humanism which could become corrupted and oppress religion and show itself to be a tragically failed attempt by humans to do something good, but outside of the ways of God.
That being said, I have to say that I think socialists are concerned about the right things, but propose the wrong solutions.
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8 comments:
I've heard it put this way:
Communism says what is yours is mine.
Capitalism say what is mine is mine.
Christianity says what is mine is yours.
I had to laugh! Well said! I think of socialism as enforced charity whereas the ideal is voluntary charity. This is why I think we need a culture change and not a government change.
Although I hesitate to completely agree with the idea of our world being "fallen," I do feel that you nail the reality that we, as error-riddled humans, have no place in passing judgment on others. God clearly wants us to care for each other, regardless of social status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc. While socialism & humanism are obviously (at least to me) the answer to resolving the world's issues, I still find myself striving to figure out what, if anything, is the "fix" we need that will work on a global level.
I believe that you have just started scratching the surface of a question that has taunted me for most of 46 years -- How do we respect each other's beliefs & differences while implementing a basis of peace throughout the world? Just looking at the beliefs of Wahabi makes me shiver in distress & fear that a true balance will never be possible, no matter what "form" or "law" we choose to follow.
I also want to add that I love Kansas Bob's sentiment -- that is why I choose to be a Christian with a capital 'C'!!!
I think in a exact way, we don't live in a fallen world, there is still hope for it. Whether or not the word is a exact meaning of what you mean, the idea of the word is correct. This world is covered in this hate and cruelty that makes many suffer. As far as judgement upon each other I think there is a time and place to judge one another and to not. Judgement is not something easy to understand when to do it or even know when to do it. It has to be thought of well and carefully.
Air-eek! (Eric) Sorry I've been a bad return-blog-commenter-guy. Sadly, the answer is yes. I do wear me some spandex shorts. Define "look good". I don't know that I've ever seen anyone in biker shorts and thought they were very flattering. If you mean, "are my legs starting to get ripped", then yes. What are your summer plans lookin like these days? Later
Daniel beat me to the punch. Weird. This was totally not coordinated.
If you're looking for the ideal government to institute Christianity in, I'm not sure you'll find a great answer. You've nailed down the problems with socialism pretty well and capitalism obviously has its flaws regarding oppression of the poor and individualism.
How do we vote then? I vote based on how I think God would be running things if He took over directly. He sends rain on the just and unjust, and I believe He's out to bless all those He loves, not just those who love Him back. He just has an easier time when we're cooperative. I used to be pretty anti-socialist, but I've been leaning more that way lately realizing just how bad some people have it, and realizing that the church as a whole has done a pretty crappy job of responding to those needs. Whew. Better sign off. Take care, Eric.
I like Ross' last comment. It is easy to get so caught up in "the isues" that we forget about "the people".. I think that God really cares about "the people" ... not sure he is always all that in tune with "the issues".
Interesting you should mention how God would vote Ross. I have another blog I've devoted to that very topic. However, I've been hecka busy and haven't even checked back on this site for a while and haven't gotten to my studies for that subject yet. Thanks for commenting though.
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