Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann, David Barton and a discussion about what God’s Word says about Capitalism, Communism & Socialism
At this time, believers were selling their possessions and giving to others in need. When Ananias sold his property in Acts 4:5, Peter responds by asking, “Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal?” This highlights that 1) the government did not own the property, and 2) he had the freedom to do what he wanted with the property; both highlighting that this was not a Socialism-like economy.
The concept of Socialism encourages the mindset of having all of your needs met by the government, instead of providing for yourself and your family. Simply put, Socialism is not a Biblical principle. It is vitally important that we know the difference between Socialism, Communism, Marxism, and Capitalism. The very freedoms that we are afforded in America nurture and encourage the abilities and talents of all Americans. Because we no longer understand the very principles of ideas such as Communism and Socialism, we inaccurately view the very ones who were against these teachings. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of those who did not support ideas such as Communism. But if you were to look at many of the voices today, one may think otherwise.
Presently, there are systems in place by our government that limit individuals from reaching their full potential. There is nothing wrong with receiving provision from the government, but some of these very resources put limitations on one’s own earnings. If one were to achieve higher earnings, then the entire resource is removed. This causes some individuals to not desire more for themselves or their families. We should never hold back resources from someone. We need to stop punishing people for not being socialists.
Today, it is a norm to have a young adult on their parent’s insurance plan until the age of 25. This was not always the case. We are also seeing the average work week in America be progressively shortened and shortened. What does this cause? Look at Greece. How can we expect our younger generation to cultivate a healthy work ethic with the perception that the government is going to provide everything? This is idleness.
His journey was chronicled in the Book of Acts. Acts 17:16 reveals Paul’s initial reactions, “While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.” After Paul proceeded to share the Gospel with all who were present, they were surprised at this “new teaching”.
But, when you look at what many of the people of Athens did in their daily lives, it reveals why. Acts 17:21 states, “(All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)” Are we not doing the very same thing in America? If our televisions are talking to us, if we are texting back and forth to each other, if we are spending all our time just in conversation, are we any different?
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