Socialism III

Some weeks ago, I began a study of capitalism asking myself if my beliefs had a Biblical basis and you have seen that to date I have given you 20 beliefs, all with a Bible truth as a foundation.  I don’t want to believe something if it is not anchored to God’s precious Word – the Truth!

God gave, through Paul, some guidelines for the governing of the church at Thessalonica (II Thessalonians 3) that might be seen as principles for governing a country.  Think of the USA as you work this study.  Then follows a link to an article from the ACLJ (American Center for Law and Justice).

From II Thessalonians 3:

7, For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 

• “You know” – communicate well
• Submit to leaders
• Not disorderly – but ordered, moral, and with mores
• “Among you” – leaders not above non-leaders

8-9, nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

• Not take freebies
• Work hard – no 40-hour, breaks, vacations guaranteed – not deserving of such
• Not a burden to others
• Authority existed – government – not all equal
• Leaders were examples

10, For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 

• Consistent message – then and now
• Commands – laws
• If not work, then not eat!

11, For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 

• Some are disorderly – some things should not be allowed
• Some are not workers, but activists – stirring up division

12, Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

• Press to work quietly – no strikes or slow downs
• Eat own bread – private ownership

13-14, But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.  And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be  ashamed.

• Brethren – family – a cohesive group – citizens – belong
• Do good – serve others
• Do not run with the non-compliant crowd
• Be ashamed when not a team player – when not contributing

 

Being Clear About Bernie Sanders and Socialism
ACLJ, Wesley Smith, February 25, 2020

As the election cycle intensifies, some Democrat candidates are ever-increasingly calling for programs and policies that are undeniably socialist…