Last night as I was reading C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity, and I was struck by a particular chapter. It was entitled "Social Morality". In it Lewis says, "If there were such a [Christian] society in existence and you or I visited it, I think we should come away with a curious impression. We should feel that its economic life was very socialistic and, in that sense, 'advanced', but that its family life and its code of manners were rather old fashioned---perhaps even ceremonious and aristocratic." These words would seem rather provocative in a good many of our churches today. Over the past few years I have tended to lean in the socialism direction as it has seemed to be the most consistent with Christian beliefs so these words did not strike me as odd. However, I began to ponder Lewis' words and was wondering what the Bible had to say on this topic. Before we see what the Bible says, I want to make clear that when I say socialism I don't mean communism. They are very different and if you want to know the difference you can find an answer online. This turn to some scripture now. In Matthew 26:35-36 we see Jesus' words. He says, "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me." Here we hear Jesus commending these rather socialistic actions. In Romans 12:20 we see a similar passage with Paul quoting Proverbs 25:21-22. He says, "... if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty give him something to drink..." Here we have more social justice even extended to our enemies. In Acts 2:42-47 we see Luke praising the fellowship of believers in the early church. In verse 45 he says, "And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need." This is the most explicitly socialistic passages in the Bible. As we have seen the Bible has much to say in regards to socialism. It is very clear that it is something the church should embrace. The church has, however, become enamored with the same things as the world. We seek high paying jobs to buy more and more things. There is nothing wrong with high paying jobs or things. However, it becomes a problem when we accumulate so much or work so much that they we have no time or money to give to the things of the kingdom. God does not give us wealth in order to spend it on our selves. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 Paul says, "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has made up in his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." Here we see that God blesses us when we are generous in order that we will be able to be more generous not so we need bigger barns. I hope these words spur you on to seek social justice in this world wether it is universal health coverage, a rescue mission, or speaking up against genocide. I leave you the way I started with words from Lewis. He says, "Do as you would be done by".
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Christian Socialism!
Last night as I was reading C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity, and I was struck by a particular chapter. It was entitled "Social Morality". In it Lewis says, "If there were such a [Christian] society in existence and you or I visited it, I think we should come away with a curious impression. We should feel that its economic life was very socialistic and, in that sense, 'advanced', but that its family life and its code of manners were rather old fashioned---perhaps even ceremonious and aristocratic." These words would seem rather provocative in a good many of our churches today. Over the past few years I have tended to lean in the socialism direction as it has seemed to be the most consistent with Christian beliefs so these words did not strike me as odd. However, I began to ponder Lewis' words and was wondering what the Bible had to say on this topic. Before we see what the Bible says, I want to make clear that when I say socialism I don't mean communism. They are very different and if you want to know the difference you can find an answer online. This turn to some scripture now. In Matthew 26:35-36 we see Jesus' words. He says, "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me." Here we hear Jesus commending these rather socialistic actions. In Romans 12:20 we see a similar passage with Paul quoting Proverbs 25:21-22. He says, "... if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty give him something to drink..." Here we have more social justice even extended to our enemies. In Acts 2:42-47 we see Luke praising the fellowship of believers in the early church. In verse 45 he says, "And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need." This is the most explicitly socialistic passages in the Bible. As we have seen the Bible has much to say in regards to socialism. It is very clear that it is something the church should embrace. The church has, however, become enamored with the same things as the world. We seek high paying jobs to buy more and more things. There is nothing wrong with high paying jobs or things. However, it becomes a problem when we accumulate so much or work so much that they we have no time or money to give to the things of the kingdom. God does not give us wealth in order to spend it on our selves. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 Paul says, "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has made up in his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." Here we see that God blesses us when we are generous in order that we will be able to be more generous not so we need bigger barns. I hope these words spur you on to seek social justice in this world wether it is universal health coverage, a rescue mission, or speaking up against genocide. I leave you the way I started with words from Lewis. He says, "Do as you would be done by".
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