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Given the current conglomeration of Democratic presidential hopefuls and the apparently large number amont them that are socialist in their leanings, it might be a good time to ask the question. If you ever talk to anyone from the self-identified "Christian Left" you will find many who answer a resounding, "Yes!". To hear the "Christian Left" tell it, Jesus was a socialist. Hmmm, really? Let's examine that.

First, we need to come to terms with the term. What is a socialist? I find the word abused and misunderstood so often that I feel the need to protect it.

So, the first thing we need to recognize is that communism and socialism are not the same thing. The key philosophy of communism is "From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs." The key philosophy in socialism is "From each according to his ability, to each according to his contribution." Ah, yes, not the same thing. In religion, socialism technically allows for freedom of religion but always tends towards secularism while communism bans religion and takes atheism as its religious position. Communism puts ownership of just about everything in the hands of the government to distribute (ostensibly) equally while socialism puts ownership of most means of production in the hands of "the public". At its core, communism places all property in common ... oh, wait, so does socialism ... but in communism the actual owner is the State while in socialism it is "the people" (technically "the workers").

Okay, so at this point it should be pretty easy. Communism is atheist and Christianity is not -- no connection. Socialism tends toward secularism and Jesus does not. Again, no connection.

If it was that easy, there would be no discussion, but, like so many other places, these words are slippery. So what is socialism today? That's hard to say and, likely, by the time you read this it has changed, but let's see if we can find something on it. They are very strong in their support for "the welfare state, universal access to education and to health care." They support free education from childhood through college. They hold that, in order to be a just society, "we must ensure that the wealth generated by all is shared fairly." They argue that "All members of society are entitled to protection from social risks in life." Very high on their agenda is environmental sustainability. To them, "market forces" are the enemy. These are driven by greed and supported by finances. Market forces, then, must be controlled -- replaced by government.

Comparing this structure to Christ, we find Jesus offering nothing. Nothing on the welfare state except that His followers should give (as opposed to laws and government control--not the same thing). Nothing on education (except "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20). I cannot imagine an argument that the government ought to be doing this.). Nothing on redistributing wealth except ... well, nothing. Nothing at all. Protect society from social risk? Sorry. What we see is, when Jesus was asked about the injustice Pilate perpetrated on Galileans, He answered, "I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3). No, nothing about protecting from risk.

There are plenty of reasons, as it turns out, to conclude that Jesus embraced capitalist ideas, not socialism. He commanded generosity, not a legal system that would demand it. In fact, giving was only noteworthy if it was voluntary and private. Jesus showed a preference for a meritocracy rather than economic equality when He explained that the master in the parable of the talents gave varying amounts to his servants "each according to his own ability" (Matthew 25:15). Indeed, the master entrusted "his possessions" (Matthew 25:14), something not quite in sync with modern socialism. Perhaps you didn't know this, but it was actually Jesus who said, "The laborer is worthy of his hire" (Luke 10:7). And for those of you intent on offering His "Sell your possessions and give to charity" (Luke 12:33) statement as proof, I will withhold comment until you 1) demonstrate that Jesus did that (because, as it turns out, Jesus did own things) and 2) actually sell all your possessions and give it to charity.

For these reasons and more, I have to conclude that Jesus was not a socialist in either the technical, historical sense or the modern, practical sense. He believed instead in personal property, working for a living, and giving as a matter of choice rather than coercion. And since Paul concurred (see 2 Thessalonians 3:10), I'd suggest it is a biblical position. I believe Christians are to give because Christians want to please God and not because the government has opted to remove your choice on the matter. And I don't believe that following Jesus's example will lead you to socialism ... by any definition. At least, not the Jesus of the Bible.

"Voice of Inspiration" from Andy Castro

A Lot Of Salt