Christians in the United States should not underestimate the potential consequences of the present, national fascination with socialism. Socialism was creeping into American life already, but now it is the policy du jour of the persistent Senator from Vermont who stands very possibly as the Democratic nominee for president, Bernie Sanders.
Defined as political and economic theory that favors government control and regulation, socialism has a dark history.
In 1848, the Communist Manifesto written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels was published. This radical political document advocated for a socialist revolution between classes, with the working classes becoming conquerors. The manifesto was popular for its rallying cry, “Workers of the world, unite!” Recently, the world witnessed this call to action as the co-director for “American Factory,” the first-ever film produced by President Obama’s new production house, enthusiastically quoted this line during her acceptance speech at the 92nd Academy Awards.
But this ideology has proven time and again to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing as communist revolutions around the world have produced dark, oppressed societies that do not support freedom of religion, or really any freedom at all. As he crisscrosses the nation, Sen. Sanders has consistently labeled his political campaign “a revolution.”
Although there are certainly differences between socialism and communism, many Marxists are transparent in their vision of socialism as a gateway to rejecting capitalism, welcoming communism, and suppressing religion. Dr. Jack Graham, my good friend and Senior Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, exercised his own pointed concern with our nation’s future recently when he wrote, “Socialism is fundamentally at odds with the Christian worldview and seeks to repress all peoples in support of the state.” He went on, “no one serious about their Christian faith can be serious about supporting socialism.”
Dr. David Jeremiah is among the best known Christian leaders in the world. He serves as senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California and is the founder and host of Turning Point. Turning Point‘s 30-minute radio program is heard on more than 2,200 radio stations daily. A New York Times bestselling author and Gold Medallion winner, he has written more than 50 books.
Read more at Socialism on the March in America: How Should Christians Respond?
