The concept of Socialism (using the state to pool resources and to create financial equality) could work. But only if we were to completely remove the state from the equation. The state represents human government, which is irredeemable. This realization was the foundation of the US government. They concluded, at best we can separate powers and keep the people free to violently defend themselves (by bearing arms).
I think the root cause for this fact is that the concept of the state is inseparable from the influence and control of Satan. And Satan is inseparable from stealing, killing, and destroying. So for now, we should consider all forms human government as synonymous with stealing, killing, and destroying. Socialism is usually strongly resisted so it requires dictatorships to try to implement…things go down hill fast from there. Think of the formally prosperous Venezuela as the most recent of many examples. It won’t always be that way but for now it is.
The best way to work around this is to separate powers within a state. And to separate finances from the state into the hands of the people (capitalism). To concentrate money in the state is to tear down society.
This disturbing fact is true everywhere human government dominates on earth. The only place this is not the case is where Jesus Christ personally dominates a people. Not Christian leaders but Jesus personally.
Jesus Christ is the only alternative to the state, or human government. Wherever he is Lord, natural, voluntary love-based “socialism” happens.
Where he is dominant in people, there is genuine and lasting equality, generosity, sharing with one another and with the poor, out of love, equality, racial blindness, gender equality. “In Christ there is neither rich, nor poor, slave nor free, male nor female, all are one in him.”
Where he is not in charge, there is unfair hierarchy, there is inequality (financial, racial, social). If unchecked, there is tyranny from government, and there is the rich dominating and taking from the poor.
So the next time you hear people say we need more socialism or capitalism. Think no we need more a Jesus Christ, we need more Jesus people, much more! Then become one yourself, he deserves it.
