By T. L. HEADLEY, MBA, MA, MA, BA
I often read comments by those on the left that “Jesus was a Socialist.” When I read these comments I am always somewhat amused by their simplistic assessment of Christ and his teachings, so I think it is time weigh in a bit on this topic and attempt to set the record straight.
First, let’s get to the 800-pound gorilla sitting in the room. Yes, Jesus was, in fact, a socialist. Please note that I did not capitalize the “s” in socialist. Jesus did believe in equality, in taking care of the poor and that it is difficult for someone who is rich to “enter into heaven.” He often spoke about the need to reach out and be willing to give “all you have” to take care of those in need.
Clearly, He considered it is a Believer’s duty to provide for the less fortunate and in that vein He was, indeed, a socialist, but … the important distinction to be made is that Christ’s “socialism” was not “confiscatory” or “government-centered” but was instead “voluntary” and “individual-centered.” Christ’s “socialism” was the socialism of the “want to” rather than the “have to.” It was the individual taking the cloak off his own back to give to the homeless … taking the money out of his own pocket to feed the poor and hungry. It was a “socialism” born of love.
Today’s political Socialism is as far removed from Christ’s “socialism” as atheism is from belief. In fact, that is essentially what it is – it is taking God out of the picture and replacing God’s Love with the confiscatory, heavy hand of government. Instead of the individual giving to another out of the kindness of his or her heart, expecting nothing in return, doing the Master’s Will, it removes that responsibility from the individual and props up government as the “New God” – the “doer of good.” It removes the “love of man” and replaces it with the “power of government.”
Now, to be sure, as Christians we should give and give freely and liberally. It isn’t money that is the “root of all evil,” it is “the love of money that is the root of all evil.” Essentially a rich person in terms of worldly possessions must be truly willing to give it all away as unimportant to his or her salvation. “Unto whom much is given, much is required…. “ as the old Presbyterian saying goes.
If a person is unwilling to give up their material possessions and do what is necessary to take care of the “least among us” then they are essentially worshiping an idol – putting material wealth ahead of God – worshiping a new “golden calf.”
Does that mean we have to sell all we have and live in a commune? No … of course not. We also have the duty to take care of our family and of the “temple of God” – our bodies – so that we may do the work of God. Therefore we must eat, provide for our families and it takes money to do so. It takes material “wealth” to do so. And there is no limit of “wealth” imposed by Christ on the Believer. Christ was not Obama saying $200,000 was “enough for anyone.” That was not the point Christ was trying to make.
The point of all of Christ’s teachings comes back to one overarching theme – love – the love of the individual for his God and for his fellow man. Love is not a something that can be “required” or “confiscated” or “taxed into existence.” It can only be given freely and between an individual and his or her neighbor. “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”
It is also not proper to “go about the streets” trumpeting what you are giving – what you are doing — to help your neighbor. To do so is – again – idolatry, except if you do so, you are setting yourself up as “God” and in your arrogance and selfishness you are robbing yourself of your “treasures in heaven” and rewarding yourself here in this existence with the “adulation of the masses.”
So, Christ was, indeed, a socialist, but His was a “socialism of the heart” driven by brotherly love and a sincere desire to do God’s work. His was also a “quiet socialism” in which the good work one does should be done in “your closet” – without regard for reward either from man or, more importantly, from God … done not because it is required but rather because it is expected.
Christ “required” little to claim the salvation He offers man. “Love God and love thy neighbor as thyself, for that is the whole of the law.” There are many things that are “expected” and that go along with those two commandments. The work is hard and the day is short, so let us be about the Master’s work so that we may be found a “good and faithful servant” upon His return.
About the author: T.L. Headley is a journalist and public relations professional specializing in the energy industry and economic development. He holds an MBA from West Virginia University and an MA in public relations/journalism from Marshall and is working toward a Ph.D. in Education. He is 2001 graduate of the state Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership West Virginia program and will be sitting for professional certification in community and economic development next fall. He is a native of Lincoln County.
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