Bernie Sanders Quotes Bible to Support Socialism?
The View from the
Middle
On Monday, Bernie Sanders took a
bold move and went to Liberty University to give a campaign speech, and I have
to give him some kudos for that. But
then he went a step too far, in my opinion, by quoting the bible to support his
socialist ideology. He quoted Matthew
7:12, which most of us are familiar with – “Do unto others as you would have
them do unto you.”
I would argue that this verse does
not suggest that everyone will or should have equal outcomes or free
everything. I would argue that God is in
favor of equal opportunity and then encourages people to make good decisions,
for He also suggests that we will live with the consequences of our decisions,
good or bad!
Bernie’s big mistake, however, is
to open up the Bible in the first place to support his positions. Once you open the Good Book, you have to
accept all of its wisdom, not just an “out of context” verse here or there that
makes you feel good.
For example, the Bible also says
that debt is a curse, and Proverbs 22:7 says, “As the rich rule over the poor,
so the borrower is servant to the lender.”
So how does Bernie rationalize our current debt of almost $19 trillion,
and how does he plan to pay for his plan that some estimate will cost an additional
$18 trillion? That doesn’t sound like a Godly
plan to me.
God is also a very generous God, but
he is not in favor of a free lunch for everyone. In 2nd Thessalonians 3:10 it says,
“If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” God suggests that many times we put ourselves
in these bad situations because we have made poor decisions. In Proverbs 6:6 it says, “Go to the ant, O
sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.
She prepares her bread in the summer and gathers her food in harvest.”
Here He is saying to be wise and
make good decisions. Think ahead. Don’t goof off in school and then drop
out. Don’t get pregnant (or get a girl
pregnant) in High School. Don’t do
drugs, and the list goes on. God is
saying that we cannot avoid the consequences of our decisions, so make good
ones!!
God even suggests that we should
invest our money wisely and that profiting from those investments is a good
thing. Remember the parable of the
talents in Matthew 25:14-30. For the
two servants who doubled their money, God’s response was, “Well done, good and
faithful servant. You have been faithful
over a little; I will set you over much.
Enter into the joy of your master.”
So to Bernie, I would say to be
careful where you look to support your agenda.
God is clearly not a socialist, but, if anything, a compassionate
conservative. He would probably agree
with the refrigerator magnet that my wife put up a few years ago which says, “Don’t pray for an easy life (full of
free things like college educations, and healthcare, and guaranteed things like
jobs and houses and cars), pray for
strong character!!”
THAT is my wish for all people!
Bernie Sanders is more Christ-like just by quoting those words of Jesus Christ than the vast majority of "Christian" Americans. "There is no commandment greater than these." As Jesus tells us in Mark 12:31. Bernie nailed it when quoting this Scripture. After-all, LOVE is the fulfillment of the Law. (Romans 13:10) Unfortunately, many Conservative "Christian" Republicans are hitching their wagons with Donald Trump because these folks relate & have the same self-righteous, apathetic, hypocritical, legalistic, hateful, bigoted hearts & minds - just as Trump does. Jesus Christ is not at all like these people. I applaud Bernie Sanders for speaking Truth, regardless of what arrogant people say. =)
ReplyDeleteSummer,
DeleteGod IS love and mercy, but he is also just and expects Christ like behavior from us. He is very clear in his word what the consequences of bad behavior will be. No matter what we do we can not and should not try to eliminate all the consequences of bad behavior. We should, instead, encourage good.
Also, I'm not sure where you took this as an endorsement of Donald Trump, but that was not my position.
I was using Donald Trump & bigoted "Christians" as an example in-contrast to your slanderous column about Bernie Sanders. I never did say that I think you're endorsing Trump. (?)
DeleteEphesians 2:8 &9 says: "For by GRACE you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Romans 11:32 says: "For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have MERCY on all."
Jesus Christ's GRACE and MERCY cancels-out our "bad behavior." Who on earth can "eliminate all the consequences of bad behavior" besides the Lord? What are you going on about?
The point of the matter is that Bernie Sanders is the ONLY Presidential candidate that has mentioned Jesus Christ & what the Lord expects of His followers in Matthew 7:12 - " So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." This is the Golden Rule & this is the fulfillment of the Law. Bernie Sanders knows this & reminding America of The Golden Rule & you feel that you can slander him for doing this?! Unbelievable.
Are you a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, Keven Canfield??
First, I am a follower of Jesus Christ and that's why I am very cautious when people use his name for political gain. BTW - Bernie is NOT the only candidate to use the name of Jesus Christ. Ben Carson has actually used his name multiple times and I think used it properly, and while Bernie quoted Matthew, I'm not sure if he actually used the name of Jesus Christ.
DeleteAlso, you need to look up the definition of slander. Bernie Sanders is a socialist, and if you can find anywhere in the bible where God suggests that we should hand over control of the means of production, distribution, of land and capital to the government, let me know. You won't find it. "Do unto others" is a great scripture and principle, but it does not say everyone should be helped. Remember the verse that said, "he who WILL NOT work, shall not eat." Bernie can't help everyone. Only God COULD do that, but even God chooses not to. He allows us to suffer from the consequences of our decisions for our own good and so we will depend on Him. AND Jesus loves both you and me, and even Bernie.
That's wonderful, Kevin! I am also a follower of Jesus Christ as well =) Bernie Sanders is not using Jesus' Name for political gain, He was reminding all the religious folk at Liberty University what is required of us as Christians. Christians are no longer applying this to their lives & he was reminding them about "The Golden Rule."
DeleteI know exactly what slander is & you are in-fact slandering/defaming Bernie Sanders in these articles. You are trying to hurt Bernie's reputation by being unfair & trying to cause others to have a bad opinion of him, just because you do. Here's some Scripture you can read concerning slandering people: Psalm 15:3, Proverbs 10:18, 1 Corin
thians 5:11, 1 Cor. 6:10, Ephesians 4:31, Colossians 3:8, Titus 3:2, James 4:11, 1 Peter 2:1, Jude 1:10.
Bernie Sanders is a Socialist Democrat, actually. And you are confused as to what exactly that is. Bernie's message is not about "handing over control." That might be your personal fear about what he wants to do with America. But speaking out of ignorance does not make you correct, Kevin. Bernie is encouraging the combination of social, economic & moral incentives that will motivate people to work. He wants to help America turn away form racism, sexism & homophobia. Bernie has a vision for a better world. No mortal human can "help everyone." However, Bernie Sanders is a strong leader that can definitely help our country. Also, can you please give me the Scripture that you are referencing concerning "he who will not work shall not eat," and also where the Bible tells us that "God allows us to suffer from the consequences of our decisions for our won good so we will depend on Him." ?? I'm very curious where you read these Scripture verses. Thanx in advance, Kevin. =)
Summer, first, slander requires a malicious intent and false statements, AND it is a verbal assault. What I did does not qualify in any of these areas. It doesn't qualify as libel either because I have no malicious intent and I made no false statements.
DeleteNext, the "he shall not eat" verse is 2nd Thessalonians 3:10, but the entire chapter speaks about the importance of hard work and is a condemnation of idleness.
Verses that talk about the consequences of sin (bad behavior) are Galatians 6:7-8, Proverbs 11:31, 19:9, 19:5, 13:5, 6:10-11, all of chapter seven (especially verse 23), 11:24, 13:3, 13:20, 14:23, 14:30, 16:8, 1st Corinthians 6:9. Proverbs is loaded with the consequences of sin or bad behavior. I just got tired of writing them down. Proverbs also talks about the benefits of acting wisely and of good behavior. God does encourage us to make good decisions, not that it will save us (only belief in Him can do that) but acting wisely strengthens our relationship with him and will deliver positive earthly results for us. Sin or bad behavior does the opposite.
Your definition of slander & defaming one's reputation can be debated......but what's the point? As humans, we all feel strongly about our views & opinions. You don't feel that you are slandering & defaming Bernie Sanders.....& I do. *shrug* I do enjoy your articles, regardless. I like the way you express yourself & communicate with your audience. It's not crammed with excess gobbledygook. Very nice =)
DeleteAnywayz, as we both know - Wisdom comes from God. I just pray that our next Presidential leader knows the Truth in this & the Lord continues to bless America. I'd like to end with a few Scripture verses.Ephesians 4:29 - "Do not let unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Romans 15:7 - "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen!! ~Hebrews 13:20&21
=) Have a lovely day, Kevin!! {{{HUG}}}
I can't argue with any of that. You have a great day also!!
Delete:~D Thanx!!
DeleteMany single Mothers are forced to work Full Time Jobs (sometimes two) to support themselves and their child/children.
ReplyDeleteTo do that and get by, is NOT an easy Life and shows Strong Character like nothing else.
And America attacks that person, makes it even harder than it has to be and in doing so, risks damaging or hurting the innocent children this individual is doing all in her power to protect and do the best by.
What then of America's Moral Character in regards to its attitudes against these people trying so hard?
Loomy,
DeleteI agree that single mothers have an almost impossible task, and we should have compassion for them. I donate to multiple organizations that work with these young women, but what I have found is that many of these situations were driven by poor decisions. We need to send a message to our young people that having a child out of wedlock is the quickest road to poverty. If we as a society do things that encourage this behavior, we will continue to decline as a people. We can't and shouldn't try to completely eliminate any pain that comes with bad decisions. In fact we should be doing things that encourages good decisions. I hope you agree.