This is a pretty good article focusing on some of the Christian roots of “socialist” thinking over the course of the church’s history. A lot is left out, and the article does not dig very deeply into the ethics of the question of how much a capitalist economy should be “tempered” by socialist programs. Still, it is short and worth a read at a time when the word “socialism” is being tossed about with gross irresponsibility.

The concerns I have heard when I ask questions about people’s concerns about socialism generally focus on two concerns: 1) The desire to prevent government control into private and corporate life in a manner that inhibits personally decision-making and agency as well as creative and scientific endeavors, and 2) the desire to limit (if not prevent altogether) people “milking” the system in a manner where able-bodied, able-minded people who can find employment are simply supported through hard-working people’s tax dollars.

What do you think of when you hear the word “socialism?” Do you think there is a place for it in a free-market economy? Where do you draw the line between socialism and communism? What are your greatest economic policy fears?

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/rogereolson/2020/12/about-socialism-and-christianity/
5 years, 4 months ago