How Socialism & Communism Infiltrated The Church - Part 6

Part 6: Practical Takeaways: “You Shouldn’t” and “You Should”

Ideas can be subtle, yet they shape the way we think, live, and view the world. After exploring how socialism and communism have influenced seminary teachings and the Christian understanding of the human experience, it’s important to come away with some clear takeaways. By recognizing the areas where these ideologies conflict with biblical teachings, you can make better decisions in your thought life, your actions, and your faith journey.

In this section, we’ll break it down into two simple categories: what you shouldn’t do, and what you should do—based on scriptural principles and a desire to walk in alignment with God’s design, rather than being swayed by human-made ideologies.

You Shouldn’t: What to Avoid

You shouldn’t place trust in the government or the state to meet your needs.
- Why? Socialism and communism often put the state in the role of a provider, suggesting that the government can solve problems like inequality or poverty. This can lead to misplaced faith in human systems to fix spiritual problems. Scripture teaches us to place our trust in God alone as our provider (Philippians 4:19).
- Instead: Trust in God’s provision. While systems can help, they aren’t the source of our security. God knows our needs and provides in His timing and way (Matthew 6:31-33).
You shouldn’t focus on class warfare or divide people into categories of oppressors and oppressed.
- Why? Socialist and communist ideologies often frame society in terms of class struggle. This mindset can seep into how we view others, creating divisions. But the Bible calls for unity in the body of Christ. We are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28), and there’s no room for treating people based on worldly categories.
- Instead: See every person as created in the image of God, valuable and worthy of dignity and respect. Instead of focusing on group identities, focus on bringing reconciliation and healing as Christ did (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).
You shouldn’t view material wealth or success as inherently evil.
- Why? Socialist teachings often paint wealth as corrupt or unjust. While Scripture warns about the dangers of greed, it doesn’t say that being wealthy is inherently sinful. Instead, it teaches that the love of money is the problem (1 Timothy 6:10). God gives us resources to steward, not hoard—but also not to reject out of guilt.
- Instead: Focus on stewardship. Use what God has blessed you with for His glory and to bless others (Luke 16:10). Generosity comes from the heart, not out of compulsion or guilt (2 Corinthians 9:7).
You shouldn’t look to systems to fix human brokenness.
- Why? Socialist and communist ideologies suggest that by changing systems—whether economic or political—we can create a more just and perfect society. But the Bible teaches that sin resides in the human heart, not just in structures. No system can solve the core problem of human sin (Romans 3:23).
- Instead: Acknowledge that only Christ’s transformation can bring true healing and change. Our mission is to spread the gospel, calling for individual repentance and change that leads to collective healing (Matthew 28:19-20).
You shouldn’t reduce faith to social activism.
- Why? There’s a temptation to see Christianity primarily as a vehicle for social change, influenced by movements like the Social Gospel and Liberation Theology. But the gospel’s primary message is about spiritual transformation—a restored relationship with God through Christ.
- Instead: Prioritize personal discipleship and spiritual growth, knowing that as individuals are changed, so is society. Seek justice as part of a life dedicated to God’s mission (Micah 6:8), but remember that the heart of the gospel is about saving souls, not just systems.

You Should: What to Embrace

You should place your trust in God’s provision and sovereignty.
- Why? The Bible clearly teaches that God is our provider and sustainer. He knows our needs before we even ask (Matthew 6:8). When you trust God’s sovereignty, you avoid falling into the trap of relying on human systems to meet your deepest needs.
- How: Pray regularly for God’s provision and trust that He will provide, whether through work, the kindness of others, or even in unexpected ways. Develop a heart of gratitude for what God has already provided.
You should seek reconciliation and unity, not division.
- Why? The Christian life is about building unity in the body of Christ. Jesus came to reconcile us to the Father and to each other. Dividing people into categories—whether by race, class, or status—goes against the spirit of the gospel (Ephesians 4:3).
- How: Look for ways to build bridges rather than walls. Choose forgiveness over resentment, and peace over strife. Engage with people not based on the world’s labels but as brothers and sisters in Christ, even when they’re different from you.
You should value personal responsibility and good stewardship.
- Why? God has called us to be faithful stewards of everything He gives us—our time, resources, talents, and opportunities. Whether you have little or much, what matters is how you use it for God’s glory (Luke 16:10). Personal responsibility is about making choices that honor God and benefit others.
- How: Take care of your family, give generously, and work diligently in whatever role God has given you (Colossians 3:23). Contentment and gratitude keep us grounded in God’s provision, regardless of our financial situation (Philippians 4:11-12).
You should see work as part of your calling from God, not just as a contribution to society.
- Why? Work is a gift from God, and we are called to do it for His glory. Whether your job feels significant or mundane, it is still holy work when done for the Lord (Colossians 3:17). Viewing work through the lens of socialism or communism, where it’s primarily for the collective good, misses the personal element of calling that God gives us.
- How: Approach your work with a sense of purpose, knowing that you are doing it for God, not just for man. Whether you are in ministry, business, or at home, see your role as a way to serve the Lord and fulfill your unique purpose in His kingdom.
You should focus on spiritual transformation over societal transformation.
- Why? Real, lasting change happens when people are transformed by Christ. Social and political activism have their place, but they can never replace the need for personal repentance and a relationship with God. True justice and peace come from hearts that have been changed by the gospel.
- How: Prioritize your relationship with God—spend time in prayer, scripture reading, and worship. Allow God to change your heart, and trust that this will lead to greater compassion and justice in how you interact with the world. Advocate for justice, but make sure it flows from a heart rooted in Christ, not from political ideology.

Conclusion: Grounded in Scripture, Guided by the Spirit

Ultimately, the you shouldn’ts and you shoulds are about keeping your life grounded in the truth of scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit. Socialism and communism present compelling narratives about how to fix the world’s problems, but they fall short because they rely on human solutions to spiritual issues. The gospel offers something far greater—a way to restore the brokenness of the world through individual hearts transformed by Christ.

In your daily life, as you encounter the push for social reform or calls for justice, remember that your primary call is to follow Christ. He is the one who transforms hearts, renews minds, and brings about lasting change—both in individuals and in society.

You should trust in that transformation. You shouldn’t be swayed by worldly ideologies. And most importantly, you should always keep your eyes on Jesus, the one who offers not just temporary solutions, but eternal hope.

Glossary:

Stewardship: Managing the resources, talents, and opportunities that God has given you, using them for His glory and the good of others.
Class Warfare: The idea, often associated with socialism and communism, that society is divided into opposing classes (e.g., the wealthy vs. the poor) that are in constant conflict.
Systemic Sin: The belief that sin is embedded not just in individuals but in the very structures and systems of society.
Social Gospel: A movement that emphasizes applying Christian ethics to social problems, particularly issues of social justice and economic inequality.
Personal Responsibility: The biblical principle that each individual is accountable for their own actions, decisions, and relationship with God.