What the Bible Says about Socialism

What is Socialism?

Socialism takes from some and gives to others by force, based on the rulings and opinions of a governing elite. Idealistically it is expressed as “We should collectively pull our resources together so that everybody can mutually benefit.”

Does the Bible teach Socialism?

33 AD

In Acts 2:42-47 We find the early church had all things in common.

In Acts 4:32-35 There are no needs because the wealthy are sharing with the poor through the Apostles

In Acts 5:1-11 It starts to blow up when Ananias and Sapphira secretly hold back some of their proceeds.

By Acts 6:1 Complaints over how the distributions are made arise and the Deacons are born to manage the finances with fairness while the Apostles focused on prayer and the Word.

2 Thess 3:10 Paul says if someone doesn’t want to work then they shouldn’t eat

About 50 AD The Didache records

Lightfoot’s Apostolic Fathers in English 4

Be not thou found holding out thy hands to receive, but drawing them in as to giving

Lightfoot’s Apostolic Fathers in English 12

If the comer is a traveller, assist him, so far as ye are able; but he shall not stay with you more than two or three days, if it be necessary. 3But if he wishes to settle with you, being a craftsman, let him work for and eat his bread. 4But if he has no craft, according to your wisdom provide how he shall live as a Christian among you, 5but not in idleness. If he will not do this, he is trafficking upon Christ. Beware of such men.

Doctrine of Giving

Romans 15:26 Equates Koinonia with giving to the poor.

Jesus example

The Lexham English Bible Chapter 8

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although he* was rich, for your sake he became poor, in order that you, by his poverty, may become rich. 10

Man is prone to error

The Lexham English Bible Chapter 14

12 There is a way that seems upright ⌊to⌋ a man,

but its end is the way of death.

The Lexham English Bible Chapter 1

Learn to do good!

Seek justice! Rescue the oppressed!

Defend the orphan! Plead for the widow!

How does the Bible differ from Socialism?

Giving is voluntary not mandatory

Giving is guided by God through the giver not the state

Receiving requires labor not simply welfare allowing discipline to correct irresponsible behavior

The states role is appointed to God to punish evil in this life and to promote good

The Lexham English Bible Chapter 13

For rulers are not a cause of terror for a good deed, but for bad conduct. So do you want not to be afraid of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from it, 4 for it is God’s servant to you for what is good. But if you do what is bad, be afraid, because it does not bear the sword to no purpose. For it is God’s servant, the one who avenges for punishment on the one who does what is bad.

5. God’s will is for us to care for those who cannot care for themselves, but the expectation is that they are to do all that they can do for themselves. Our goal is to make the self sufficient not dependent on the state.

The Lexham English Bible Chapter 1

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our* God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

Conclusion

While we disagree with the human practice and implementation of socialism, we do not disagree with its underlying principle. We must promote and participate in the sacrificial and voluntary giving that fulfills our mandate to care for the poor.