How should a Christian view socialism?

Answer

Socialism is a societal system in which property, natural resources, and the means of production are owned and controlled by the state rather than by individuals or private companies. A fundamental tenet of socialism is that society as a whole should partake in all goods produced, fostering cooperation among all members. Various theories of socialism have been proposed since ancient times, including a variant known as Christian socialism.

The most notable philosopher advocating for socialism was Karl Marx, who posited that the primary driving force behind human history is economics. Marx, born to German Jewish parents in 1818, earned his doctorate at the age of 23. He then set out to demonstrate that an individual’s identity is intricately linked to their work and that economic systems exert significant control over individuals. Asserting that human survival is contingent on labor, Marx contended that human societies are shaped by the division of labor.

Marx viewed the Industrial Revolution as a transformative force in human existence, as individuals who had previously worked independently were now compelled by economic forces to toil in factories. In Marx’s view, this transition stripped away their dignity and individuality, reducing them to mere servants under the command of powerful overseers. This perspective positioned the economic principles of capitalism as the inherent adversary of Marx’s vision of socialism.

Socialism aims to eliminate private property. Karl Marx argued that capitalism promotes private ownership, concentrating property in the hands of a select few. In Marx’s conception, two distinct “classes” emerged: the business owners, or bourgeoisie, and the laboring class, or proletariat. According to Marx, the bourgeoisie exploit the proletariat, leading to a scenario where one person’s gain translates to another’s loss. Furthermore, Marx believed that business owners wield influence over legislators to safeguard their own interests.

Regarding the workers’ loss of dignity and rights, Marx expressed concern. Additionally, Marx believed that religion serves as the “opiate of the masses,” a tool used by the wealthy to control the working class. The proletariat is assured heavenly rewards if they continue to work diligently in their subservient position to the bourgeoisie.

In Marx’s vision of socialism, all property is collectively owned by the people, and everyone works for the common good of humanity. Marx aimed to eliminate private property ownership by having the state control all economic production means. By abolishing private property, Marx believed that individual identity would be enhanced, breaking down the barrier that capitalism creates between the owners and the working class. Mutual respect and collaboration for a common goal would prevail. The need for government would diminish as people become less self-centered.

Marx’s thinking contains at least four flaws that expose weaknesses in socialism. Firstly, his claim that one person’s gain must result in another person’s loss is a fallacy; capitalism allows for all individuals to improve their living standards through innovation and competition. Multiple parties can compete successfully in a consumer-driven market for their goods and services.

Secondly, Marx was mistaken in his socialist theory that a product’s value is determined by the labor input. The worth of a good or service cannot be solely based on the labor expended. For instance, a skilled carpenter can produce a piece of furniture more efficiently and beautifully than an unskilled worker, thus rightfully commanding a higher value in a capitalist economy.

Thirdly, Marx’s socialist model requires a government free from corruption and immune to elitism within its ranks. History has demonstrated that power tends to corrupt individuals.And absolute power corrupts absolutely. People do not naturally become less selfish. A nation or government may eradicate the idea of God, but someone will assume God’s role in that government. That individual or group is often the one who starts to govern the population and strives to maintain their privileged position at any cost. This is why socialism has frequently resulted in dictatorships throughout world history.

Fourth and most importantly, socialism is mistaken in asserting that a person’s identity is tied to the work they perform. While secular society may endorse this notion, the Bible teaches that everyone holds equal worth because they are all made in the image of the eternal God. The true, inherent value of humans lies in God’s creation of us.

Was Marx correct in stating that economics is the driving force behind human history? No, what guides human history is the Creator of the universe who governs everything, including the ascent and decline of every nation. God also determines who leads each nation: “The Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whom He wishes and sets over it the lowliest of men” «This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. », (Daniel 4:17). Moreover, it is God who grants a person the ability to work and the prosperity that follows, not the government: “Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward. Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19).

Socialism, despite its popularity in certain circles, is not a biblical model for society. In contrast to socialism, the Bible upholds the concept of private property and emphasizes commands to respect it: directives such as “You shall not steal” «Neither shalt thou steal. », (Deuteronomy 5:19) lose their significance without private property. Unlike the outcomes of failed socialist experiments, the Bible values work and instructs that individuals have a responsibility to provide for themselves: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat” «For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. », (2 Thessalonians 3:10). The redistribution of wealth, a core tenet of socialism, undermines accountability and the biblical work ethic. Jesus’ parable in Matthew 25:14–30 clearly conveys our duty to serve God with our (private) resources.