In Michael Moore’s argument for socialism he makes the statement that this system of government would best serve the American people because it is one which embodies the values of Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and a whole host of other religions that exist in this country’s “melting pot” society. Sure, I will give him credit for recognizing potential similarities between socialism and religion. To start, it is implied that financial equality would come as a result of socialism. Doesn’t this mirror the Christian belief that all humans have been made by Christ equal in value? Beyond this, how could Christians, society’s humanitarians and walking charities, refuse the idea of giving to the poor? After all, this is exactly what Jesus asks of his followers, right?...Wrong.
Although socialism and Christianity seem to bear parallel ideas, as argued by Michael Moore, they actually contradict one another more than they complement each other. For example, the Bible DOES teach that we are supposed to give to and help those less fortunate than us. However, it does not say that this “giving” should be government imposed. Rather, it should be out of the good of each person’s heart. In addition, the Bible does not seek to reward people for work that they have not done. Rather, the Bible teaches that a man should work hard in order to provide for his family and be a contributor to society. If people know that everyone will essentially receive the same amount of money no matter what field they enter or how hard they work, there is no motivation to receive an education or work hard. Instead of teaching accountability and responsibility, as does the Bible, this system of government encourages passive behavior and laziness. Therefore, “giving” to the poor would essentially foster a culture lacking productivity.
Moreover, while Moore argues that socialism is the most “fair” option of government, to me it seems just the opposite. Rather than allowing those who have worked to earn money (which corresponds fairly to the amount and quality of their work) to put that money toward what they would like, a socialist government robs from this demographic in order to freely award money to those who haven’t put forth the same amount or quality of work.
Lastly, Moore’s argument not only concluded that socialism coincided with Christianity, but that multiple religions could coexist beneath the umbrella of socialism. However, because many of these religions exist and function based off of truth-claims applying solely to each, it is impossible for all of them to be perfectly represented by a singular form of government.
Therefore, it only takes one glimpse at the Bible to refute Michael Moore’s assumption that socialism is an all-encompassing form of government.
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