The Incompatibility of Progressivism and the Bible                             By Jack Kettler

 

The incompatibility between biblical teachings and the ideologies associated with Progressivism, particularly Communism, can be examined through several theological and doctrinal lenses:

 

1.      Concept of Property and Wealth:

 

·         Biblical Perspective: The Bible acknowledges private property and the right to personal wealth. For instance, the Eighth Commandment, “Thou shalt not steal” (Exodus 20:15), implies the existence of personal possessions. Additionally, parables like the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) suggest stewardship over personal resources with an expectation of growth and productivity, contrasting with communal ownership without individual accountability.

·         Communist Perspective: Communism advocates for the abolition of private property and the collective ownership of all resources. This fundamental tenet directly opposes the biblical affirmation of personal stewardship and ownership.

 

2.      Work Ethic and Incentive:

 

·         Biblical Perspective: The Bible promotes diligence, work, and personal responsibility. Proverbs 14:23 states, “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty,” underscoring the value of labor. The New Testament also speaks to the moral duty of work (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12).

·         Communist Perspective: The system often removes personal incentives for work due to equal distribution of goods, potentially leading to decreased productivity and a reliance on state allocation rather than individual initiative.

 

3.      Human Nature and Sin:

 

·         Biblical Perspective: Christianity views humans as inherently sinful (Romans 3:23), necessitating redemption through faith and personal transformation. This view supports structures that account for human fallibility, including checks and balances against corruption.

·         Communist Perspective: Communism often assumes a more optimistic view of human nature, suggesting that societal structures can be reformed to eliminate greed and conflict. However, this perspective might not sufficiently account for individual sinfulness, leading to potential abuses of power in practice.

 

4.      Freedom and Autonomy:

 

·         Biblical Perspective: The Bible champions freedom, particularly spiritual freedom through Christ (Galatians 5:1), but also respects individual autonomy in moral choices, though guided by divine law.

·         Communist Perspective: Communism, in its historical implementations, has often curtailed personal freedoms in favor of collective goals, which can conflict with the biblical notion of free will and personal accountability before God.

 

5.      Charity vs. State-Mandated Redistribution:

 

·         Biblical Perspective: Charity is a voluntary act of love and faith (2 Corinthians 9:7), where giving is cheerful and from the heart, reflecting one’s relationship with God and community.

·         Communist Perspective: Redistribution of wealth is mandatory and systematic, lacking the voluntary aspect emphasized in biblical charity, potentially reducing the spiritual significance of giving.

 

5.      Authority and Governance:

 

·         Biblical Perspective: The Bible recognizes the necessity of government (Romans 13:1-7) but emphasizes that its authority is derived from God, with leaders accountable to divine principles.

·         Communist Perspective: The state often assumes an omnipotent role in defining moral and economic life, which can lead to the secularization of authority, diminishing the acknowledgment of divine sovereignty.

 

In conclusion:

 

While both ideologies might share superficial goals like concern for the poor or community welfare, the methods, underlying philosophies, and understandings of human nature, property, and governance diverge significantly. The biblical perspective often emphasizes individual responsibility, stewardship, and a divine moral order, which opposes the collectivist, materialistic, and often atheistic underpinnings of Communist ideologies.

 

A review of David Chilton’s  Productive Christians in an Age of Guilt-Manipulators: A Biblical Response to Ronald J. Sider:

 

Introduction:

 

David Chilton’s “Productive Christians in an Age of Guilt-Manipulators” critiques Ronald J. Sider’s “Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger” by offering a counter-narrative rooted in a particular interpretation of biblical theology. Chilton’s work aims to challenge the socio-economic implications suggested by Sider, a socialist advocating instead for a theology that supports individual liberty and free-market economics from a Christian perspective.

 

Thesis and Argumentation:

 

Chilton’s central thesis is that based on Christian guilt, Sider’s call for economic redistribution and social justice misinterprets biblical teachings. Chilton argues that the Bible does not endorse socialism or communal ownership but instead supports a form of capitalism underpinned by Christian ethics. His argumentation is structured around several key points:

 

1.      Biblical Exegesis: Chilton engages in scriptural analysis to counter Sider’s interpretations, particularly emphasizing passages that he believes advocate for personal responsibility, stewardship, and property rights. He critiques Sider’s use of selective scriptures to promote economic equality, arguing instead that biblical texts advocate for prosperity through diligence and wise management of resources.

2.      Economic Theory: Chilton defends the free market principles, suggesting that economic success is not inherently at odds with Christian values. He posits that charity should be voluntary, not mandated by state or societal pressure, which he identifies as “guilt manipulation.” His economic arguments are underpinned by classical liberal economics, contrasting sharply with Sider’s preference for government intervention.

3.      Critique of Guilt Manipulation: A significant aspect of Chilton’s critique is his analysis of how Sider uses guilt to influence Christian behavior. Chilton argues that this tactic is manipulative and not in line with true Christian doctrine, which should foster joy and freedom in giving rather than obligation.

 

Methodological Approach:

 

Chilton employs a method that combines theological hermeneutics with economic theory. His approach is polemical, aiming to refute and reshape the discourse around Christian social ethics.

 

·         Hermeneutics: His biblical interpretation is heavily influenced by postmillennialism and presuppositional apologetics, which color his reading of economic themes in scripture.

·         Economic Analysis: Chilton’s economic arguments are primarily deductive, starting from his theological premises to derive economic conclusions rather than engaging extensively with empirical economic data.

 

Strengths:

 

·         Clarity and Conviction: Chilton’s writing is clear and direct, making his arguments accessible to those within his theological and economic circles.

·         Theological Depth: His work provides an in-depth look at biblical texts concerning wealth and stewardship, offering a robust theological alternative to Sider’s interpretations.

 

Conclusion:

 

David Chilton’s “Productive Christians in an Age of Guilt-Manipulators” serves as a thought-provoking counterpoint to Ronald J. Sider’s work, stimulating dialogue on the intersection of Christian theology and economic policy. While it effectively articulates a case for Christian involvement in economics from a conservative standpoint, its reception and scholarly impact hinge on one’s alignment with its theological and economic presuppositions. This book remains a significant text for understanding the diversity of opinion within Christian economic ethics, prompting readers to critically evaluate the role of scripture in shaping economic thought and action.

 

 

The above study was Groked, under the direction of Jack Kettler, and perfected using Grammarly AI.

 

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

 

Mr. Kettler is an author who has previously published articles in the Chalcedon Report and Contra Mundum. He and his wife, Marea, are active Westminster, CO, RPCNA Church members. Mr. Kettler’s extensive work includes 18 books defending the Reformed Faith, which are available for order online at Amazon.