Is the Bible leaning toward socialism? This question arises frequently as conservative Republicans advocate for its inclusion in education, claiming its teachings could help "repair the nation." Intrigued, I delved into the political ideas and societal values presented within its pages.

What I discovered might be surprising!

44 And all the believers were together and had all things in common; 45 and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need.

"To the extent that anyone had need?" That sounds familiar...

But wait, there's more!

32 And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. 34 For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales 35 and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each to the extent that any had need.

Property owners selling their assets and sharing everything? What kind of socialist message is this Bible promoting?!

The proponents of the Bible I’ve encountered usually quote phrases like, "If you don’t work, you don’t eat," and "God helps those who help themselves!"

Am I reading the wrong version? Is there a communist edition circulating somewhere?

These lessons have certainly never been part of any sermons I’ve attended!

33 “Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor does a moth destroy."

Don't accumulate earthly wealth; instead, secure your rewards in heaven. But what about those who strive to pull themselves up by their bootstraps while blaming immigrants for "taking American jobs"? Shouldn't we be focused on "building that wall"?

Should I disregard the New Testament due to its apparent liberal messages?

Perhaps Jesus was too lenient. After all, he associated with a group of men who wore flowing robes and often drank wine. That one disciple resting against him at the Last Supper raises some eyebrows too...

Let's consult the Old Testament; that depiction of God aligns more with my views!

33 ‘When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. 34 The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt; I am the Lord your God.

But what about the idea that the poor are merely lazy and need to work harder to improve their situations?

31 One who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, but one who is gracious to the needy honors Him.

Why should I share the wealth I’ve earned through hard work? Haven’t I been blessed because I’m favored by God? That’s what Joel Osteen often implies!

17 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Sure, Joel helped those affected by the floods—after considerable public pressure. I recall seeing him during an interview with Gatorade and other supplies stacked behind him.

My church also participates in mission trips to developing nations. We contribute significantly—what about you?

2 “So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, so that they will be praised by people. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your charitable giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

Since God helps those who help themselves, doesn't that imply he expects us to prioritize our well-being while he supports those who prove they deserve it?

2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

Then I stumbled upon numerous additional verses!

11 And he would answer and say to them, “The one who has two tunics is to share with the one who has none; and the one who has food is to do likewise.”

Shouldn't I just sell my extra for a profit?

35 ‘Now in case a countryman of yours becomes poor and his means among you falter, then you are to sustain him, like a stranger or a resident, so that he may live with you. 36 Do not take any kind of interest from him, but fear your God, so that your countryman may live with you. 37 You shall not give him your silver at interest, nor your food for profit. 38 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God.

This reads like a welfare system! Why should my earnings support those less fortunate?

17 But whoever has worldly goods and sees his brother or sister in need, and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God remain in him?

Why should I assist those living on the streets? Are you suggesting that I’m not “saved” if I ignore the homeless or needy?

24 No one is to seek his own advantage, but rather that of his neighbor.

But "I got mine!" They just need to hustle harder!

28 “At the end of every third year you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in that year, and you shall deposit it in your town. 29 And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance among you, and the stranger, the orphan, and the widow who are in your town, shall come and eat and be satisfied, in order that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.”

Communal meals? Sharing resources from everyone to support those in need? This sounds like wealth redistribution! Socialism!?

Throughout my exploration of the Bible, I never found the phrase "God helps those that help themselves" nor any mention of the rich being particularly blessed by God. In fact...

23 And Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I say to you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”

It seems the overall lesson from this text is that worldly possessions are fleeting and cannot be taken with you after death. Those who accumulate wealth are tested on whether they will assist the less fortunate, which could benefit them in the afterlife. But surely that can’t be true!

This revelation contrasts sharply with the teachings of my preferred pastors and political commentators, all of whom identify as Christian!

Perhaps it's time for conservatives to seek out a different faith that aligns more closely with our principles! This all sounds suspiciously like socialist propaganda!