No Such Thing as Private Property – Absolutely?

Five years ago, I presented a brief critique of Socialism in contrast to Capitalism in a blog entitled, “There’s No Such Thing as Private Property” which is available HERE.  Now, Presidential Election 2020 offers us the clearest choice ever between Conservative and Liberal-Socialist visions for the future of America.  What follows are some additional challenges based on two helpful articles, one from each approach to bringing justice to the poor and disenfranchised.  

I am often saddened at my own personal shortcomings and sin.  I also observe how others fall short and miss the mark in their words and actions.  But I am not the standard of righteousness that condemns others—God and His Word is the only Standard.  Neither is it the role of government or social activists to condemn and preach “a gospel of guilt and disdain” toward others they judge to be the “rich and powerful.”  Meanwhile, their hearts are deceived by the sin of envy, covetousness, and greed for power.

Do Americans Need a Scolding?
Here’s a case in point:  Recently, Jennifer Siebe-Newsom, wife (or, “first partner”) of California Gov. Gavin Newsom,  produced a documentary: “The Great American Lie.”  In it, according to Patricia Jay writing for The Federalist, Siebe-Newsom “scolds the United States for being greedy and uncaring.”  She scolds Americans in spite of “the American people’s astounding charitable donations.”

No one denies that there are vast differences in wealth among the people residing within the “land of the free and the home of the brave.”  Social justice advocates are pressing for an end to poverty through redistribution of wealth.  However, Patricia Jay reminds us HERE that “since the War on Poverty began in 1964, the U.S. government has redistributed trillions of dollars to combat poverty.”  She also notes how California, a state governed by liberal Democrats for over 20 years, “currently leads the nation in poverty, homelessness, and unaffordable housing and energy costs (See HERE). 

Why Wealth Redistribution Fails
It seems that we have lost the “war on poverty.”  I believe one reason for this failure is that government does not have a rightful role in the redistribution of wealth.  In order to establish the truth of this claim in objective terms (not by subjective human reasoning), we have to decide whether or not we give credence to, in Jefferson’s words, “the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God.”  If we acknowledge the Truth claims of God’s revealed Word in Scripture, and if we respect the self-evident truths inherent in the Natural Order of creation, we will come to realize that Progressive and Socialist philosophy which denies private ownership of property while calling for wholesale wealth redistribution to produce equal outcomes is contrary to both special revelation in Scripture (e.g. “Thou shall not steal.”) and to the natural revelation (created order) which reveals the spirit of dignity, creativity, and aspiration toward achievement that God implanted within the DNA of human beings.

Bible Defends Absolute Right to Private Property
For readers who prefer the so-called enlightened reasoning of man, it may be pointless to read further.  Instead, they ought to think carefully about the terrible fate of nations that have bought into the socialist and communist promise (lie) of utopian life on earth.  For readers who acknowledge the authority of Scripture and of the Natural Order, I recommend that you read an excellent article, authored by Cody Libolt, Co-Founder of The Christian Intellectual, entitled, “The Woke Religionists Are All Wrong on Individual Rights,” available HERE.  

Libolt provides abundant Scripture and sound reasoning to make the case that “government’s only role is to punish the evildoer and to praise the righteous man— that is, to judge between the man who has violated the right of another and the man who has not, and to use force to punish the rights-violator.  …thus, the government, the agent of force, should manage the legal system, the police, and the military.”  Government is not given the role of extracting material wealth from its citizens in order to create equal distribution of wealth for all.

Many of us are stirred with compassion toward the poor, the homeless, and the seemingly disenfranchised.  It is right and Christ-like to have a righteous desire to help the needy; but to do so based on the message of the Gospel and the example of Christ.  Christ-followers are called to love our neighbor compassionately, willingly, and generously because God loves us (1 John 4: 19).  Historically, Bible-preaching, Christ-following churches and parachurch organizations have served our nation through spiritual and physical help to individuals and families.  This is in part because many Christians recognize the shallow inadequacy of simply providing money, food, and housing without providing spiritual help to the needy.  (Read more HERE.) 

In the name of social justice through wealth redistribution, progressives and socialists will at the same time steal private property and destroy the soul and dignity of individuals, families, and communities by a thousand cuts of the knife through welfare programs.  Like feeding wildlife in a national park turns wild animals into something other than their Creator intends, welfare demeans willing workers and promotes irresponsibility that wrecks families by stealing dignity and purpose, leading to hopelessness, divorce, and addictions (See elaboration HERE.).  Surely, once prosperous states like California and New York are lessons in the futility of liberal Progressive “experiments.”  Only fools make the same mistake repeatedly.

Let Me Hear You--Think and Respond.
As you ponder the claims of Conservative and Progressive leaders, represented in the two presidential tickets for Election 2020, I would encourage you read the articles cited in this blog, especially Cody Libolt’s article, “The Woke Religionists Are All Wrong on Individual Rights,” available HERE.  

Americans are at a crossroads and called to choose whether we will retain our God-given freedom to love our neighbor compassionately, willingly, and generously because God loves us; or, whether we will surrender our absolute rights of private property to a socialist government motivated by power-hungry bureaucrats who are blinded by selfishness, envy, and covetousness?  Please express your thoughts and questions at the “Comments” link below.  Thank you for reading.