Socialism Is Gaining Popularity. What Would Jesus Do?

[@DadSavesAmerica]

Hello friends! I've known Larry Reed a long time, and while catching up on a zoom call together, commiserating about the misguided (to us) rise of support for "socialism" and "communism" as a kind of religion replacement, I thought "LARRY! We should talk about your book about Jesus and Socialism on the show and the moral foundations of free enterprise while we're at it!". Well... here it is. Enjoy! Or disagree vociferously! Outline: [0:00] Was Jesus a socialist? [2:15] Socialism isn’t charity [8:51] What’s the Biblical evidence? [16:56] Are we forcing economics into the Bible? [20:38] The Golden Rule, pacifism, and fairness [28:17] Surrendering to your faith [33:45] Greed, wealth, and competition [44:34] Why Lawrence believes in free markets [52:01] Faith, freedom, and the Founding Fathers [1:00:36] Freedom requires virtue [1:11:37] The role of suffering in a life well-lived [1:14:30] Is the American Empire the new Rome? [1:22:35] Politics makes it hard to be good or happy [1:27:36] What do kids need to know about money? [1:35:25] Books that everyone should read [1:38:53] His dad taught him to tip generously

[@lawrencereed5451]

Thank you, John! It was a great pleasure!

[@SpiritualPsychotherapyServices]

​@@lawrencereed5451 🐟 22. ILLEGITIMATE GOVERNANCES: SOCIALISM (and its more extreme form, communism) is intrinsically evil, because it is based on the ideology of social and economic egalitarianism, which is both a theoretical and a practical impossibility. Equality exists solely in abstract concepts such as mathematics and arguably in the sub-atomic realm. Many proponents of socialism argue that it is purely an economic system and therefore independent of any particular form of governance. However, it is inconceivable that socialism/communism could be implemented on a nationwide scale without any form of government intervention. If a relatively small number of persons wish to unite in order to form a commune or worker-cooperative, that is their prerogative, but it could never work in a country with a large population, because there will always exist entrepreneurs desirous of engaging in wealth-building enterprises. Even a musician who composes a hit tune wants his song to succeed and earn him inordinate wealth. Socialism reduces individual citizens to utilities, who, in practice, are used to support the ruling elite, who are invariably despotic scoundrels, and very far from ideal leaders (i.e. compassionate and righteous monarchs). Those citizens who display talent in business or the arts are either oppressed, or their gifts are coercively utilized by the corrupt state. Despite purporting to be a fair and equitable system of wealth distribution, those in leadership positions seem to live a far more luxurious lifestyle than the mass of menial workers. Wealth is effectively stolen from the rich. Most destructively, virtuous and holy teachings (“dharma”, in Sanskrit) are repressed by the irreligious and ILLEGITIMATE “government”. The argument that some form of government WELFARE programme is essential to aid those who are unable to financially-support themselves for reasons beyond their control, is fallacious. A righteous ruler (i.e. a saintly monarch) will ensure the welfare of each and every citizen by encouraging private welfare. There is no need for a king to extort money from his subjects in order to feed and clothe the impoverished. Of course, in the highly-unlikely event that civilians are unwilling to help a person in dire straits, the king would step-in to assist that person, as one would expect from a patriarch (father of his people). The head of any nation ought to be the penultimate patriarch, not a selfish buffoon. DEMOCRACY is almost as evil, because, just as the rabble favoured the murderous Barabbas over the good King Jesus, the ignorant masses will overwhelmingly vote for the candidate which promises to fulfil their inane desires, rather than one which will enforce the law, and promote a wholesome and just society. Read Chapter 12 for the most authoritative and concise exegesis of law, morality, and ethics, currently available. Even in the miraculous scenario where the vast majority of the population are holy and righteous citizens, it is still immoral for them to vote for a seemingly-righteous leader. This is because that leader will not be, by definition, a king. As clearly and logically explicated in the previous chapter of this Holy Scripture, MONARCHY is the only lawful form of governance. If an elected ruler is truly righteous, he will not be able to condone the fact that the citizens are paying him to perform a job (which is a working-class role), and that an inordinate amount of time, money and resources are being wasted on political campaigning. Furthermore, an actual ruler does not wimpishly pander to voters - he takes power by (divinely-mandated) force, as one would expect from the penultimate alpha-male in society (the ultimate alpha-male being a priest). The thought of children voting for who will be their parents or teachers, would seem utterly RIDICULOUS to the average person, yet most believe that they are qualified to choose their own ruler - they are most assuredly not. Just as a typical child fails to understand that a piece of sweet, juicy, healthy, delicious fruit is more beneficial for them than a cone of pus-infested, fattening, diabetes-inducing ice-cream, so too can the uneducated proletariat not understand that they are unqualified to choose their own leader, even after it is logically explained to them (as it is in this chapter, as well as in the previous chapter). And by “uneducated”, it is simply meant that they are misguided in the realities of life and in righteous living (“dharma”, in Sanskrit), not in facts and figures or in technical training. Intelligence doesn't necessarily correlate to wisdom. No socialist or democratic government will educate its citizens sufficiently well that the citizens have the knowledge of how to usurp their rule. To put it frankly, democracy is rule by the “lowest common denominator”. It should be obvious that ANARCHY can never ever succeed, because even the smallest possible social unit (the nuclear family) requires a dominator. Any family will fall-apart without a strict male household head. In fact, without the husband/father, there is no family, by definition. The English noun “husband” comes from the Old Norse word “hûsbôndi”, meaning “master of the house”. The same paradigm applies to the extended family, which depends on a strong patriarchal figure (customarily, the eldest or most senior male). Likewise with clans, tribes, villages, towns, cities, and nations or countries. Unfortunately, there are many otherwise-intelligent persons who honestly believe that an ENTIRE country can smoothly run without a leader in place. Any sane person can easily understand that even a nuclear family is unable to function properly without a head of the house, what to speak of a populous nation. The reason for anarchists' distrust of any kind of government is due to the corrupt nature of democratic governments, and the adulteration of the monarchy in recent centuries. However, if anarchists were to understand that most all so-called “kings/queens” in recent centuries were not even close to being true monarchs, they may change their stance on that inane “system”. Most of the problems in human society are directly or indirectly attributable to this relatively modern phenomenon (non-monarchies), since it is the government’s role and sacred DUTY to enforce the law (see Chapter 12), and non-monarchical governments are themselves unlawful. One of the many sinister characteristics of democracy, socialism, and other evil forms of governance, is the desire for their so-called “leaders” to control, or at least influence, the private lives of every single citizen (hence the term “Nanny State”). For example, in the wicked, decadent nations in which this holy scripture was composed, The Philippine Islands and The Southland (or “Australia”, as it is known in the Latin tongue), the DEMONIC governments try, and largely succeed, in controlling the rights of parents to properly raise, discipline and punish their children according to their own morals, compulsory vaccination of infants, enforcing feminist ideology, limiting legitimate powers an employer has over his servants, subsidizing animal agriculture, persecuting religious leaders (even to imprisonment and death, believe it or not. Personally, I have been jailed thrice for executing God’s perfect and pure will), and even trying to negatively influence what people eat and wear. Not that a government shouldn’t control what its citizens wear in public, but it should ensure that they are MODESTLY dressed, according to the guidelines outlined in Chapter 28, which is hardly the case in Australia, the Philippines, and similar nations. At least ninety-nine per cent of Filipinas, for instance, are transvestinal, despite Philippines pretending to be a religious nation. Cont...

[@mustang607]

Pretty sure Jesus would’ve never been woked into this new religion.

[@TWoYPrototypeAoD]

All of you bought comments, bots, and real people who are so blinded by their own stupidity don’t realize that Jesus would’ve been chill with everything. Bro was chill as fuck.

[@EarlShedlock]

First time watching this was a GREAT Truthful show , GOD BLESS AND MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN .

[@flav2157]

Regarding the tribute to Caesar, Jesus' response-“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's” (Mark 12:17)-highlights a distinction between civic duties and spiritual obligations. This statement underscores the idea that while we should respect and fulfill our civic responsibilities, our ultimate allegiance and devotion are to God.

[@flav2157]

The parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates the importance of using one's gifts and resources wisely and responsibly. In this story, Jesus emphasizes personal responsibility and stewardship rather than promoting any form of economic equality that socialism might advocate. The principle here is that individuals are entrusted with different resources and are expected to make the most of them.

[@The_Distance_111]

I suppose the irony of “render unto Caesar…” is that everything belongs to God and that He is letting each of us borrow during our lifetime (including our individual talents and abilities) and these should be used to glorify Him.

[@SpiritualPsychotherapyServices]

There’s only one TINY little problem with what you wrote above, Sir.☝🏼 There has never been, nor will there ever be, even the SLIGHTEST shred of evidence for the existence of the Godhead, that is, a Supreme Person, or Deity.‬🤓 It is high time for humanity to awaken from all INANE superstitions such as the belief in a Personal God who created the Universe, would you not agree, Slave? 😩

[@kristinwannemuehler9757]

This is Jesus also recognizing the authority of the state. He reiterates this point when he tells Pilate he would have no power over Him if it had not been given to him from above. Even state authority is given and taken by God alone, the Divine Authority.

[@SpiritualPsychotherapyServices]

@@kristinwannemuehler9757 There’s only one TINY little problem with what you wrote above, Madam.☝🏼 There has never been, nor will there ever be, even the SLIGHTEST shred of evidence for the existence of the Godhead, that is, a Supreme Person, or Deity.‬🤓 It is high time for humanity to awaken from all INANE superstitions such as the belief in a Personal God who created the Universe, would you not agree, Slave? 😩

[@thephotoandthestory]

​​@@kristinwannemuehler9757that is my understanding. St. Oscar Romero had something inadvert to say about this when speaking to the incredibly corrupted El Salvadoran military, which was unaliving workers in its quest to drive out communists. "No man is bound to follow any law which contradicts God's law." Government is legitimate by virtue of God permitting one to have authority over others in regards to human affairs. Government laws are only illegitimate if they violate the laws of God, but that in itself doesn't make even corrupt governments illegitimate.

[@ArleneBrown-m4f]

Really great and necessary conversation, I hope at least a billion people have a listen!

[@marstonward3602]

Could he not pick a true Christian rather than this guy who doesn't know his Bible?

[@dorijoe]

Very few people have courage or even interested in having it.

[@nwren4637]

Lawrence Reed has taken Jesus's parables grossly out of context. This was a difficult discussion to listen to. I'm not sure Reed actually read the Bible.

[@flav2157]

The notion that Jesus was a socialist, as suggested by figures like President Maduro, misinterprets His teachings. Jesus’ mission was to offer spiritual salvation and to call people to live according to God's will, rather than to establish or endorse a specific socio-economic system. Understanding His teachings requires recognizing the distinction between spiritual principles and political ideologies.

[@rikubear6549]

This is true its. But human will himan and set up systems. So our task is to create a system that is aligned with jesus teachings of fairness, compassion and empathy for all people.

[@kylekemper4217]

You said that you were interested in learning more about Islam. Be very careful who you listen to. Coercion and deception are some of the main tenets of Dawah. Which is the Muslim version of evangelism. Be very careful and understand that you can never fully trust someone who is encouraging you to become a Muslim.

[@fallen4life080]

This entire video is based on the transitional form of Marx's philosophy. Technically Jesus was much more of a communist than a socialist. Communism isn't stealing, communism is everybody working for themselves for the collective Good without the need for State intervention, or class hierarchy. I got through about half hour of this video, as well as a few others of yours, before I realize that all you do is cherry pick, move the goal posts, and either under or over generalized concepts.

[@rikubear6549]

"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" Matthew 19:23-26 To say that Jesus is aligned with the ethics of free markets which results in the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. Is a just a proaganda talking point.

[@cbdevidaljk1]

Jesus redeemed capitalism from greed: "Sell your possessions [capitalism] and give to the needy [redeemed]." (Luke 12:33)

[@SpiritualPsychotherapyServices]

Don't believe everything you THINK. 🧠 Incidentally, Slave, are you SOCIALIST? 👿

[@kirkmarusak7800]

When Americans advocate for socialism today, almost all are referring to social democrats or democratic socialism of nations like Denmark or the United Kingdom, which have capitalist economic systems. These countries are members of NATO. They are not advocating for nationalization of businesses or a communist government or economic system. Nobody wants their freedoms granted by the Constitution taken away. I do not see any people envisioning North Korea or Cuba as a model for America. Why would FEE give an award to Billionaire Charles Koch who created Americans for Prosperity? What has Mr. Koch accomplished for the majority of Americans? Why is Lawrence Reed a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation? In the 2024 election, the Heritage Foundation announced Project 2025, whose aim is not to benefit middle class and low income Americans. It essentially is a blueprint for the Trump Administration if Donald Trump gets elected into office and the goals of Big Business and the wealthy. Who funds the Heritage Foundation? I cannot imagine Jesus Christ ever supporting the proposed goals of Project 2025. Project 2025 runs counter to the teachings of Jesus Christ's concern for helping the poor. One goal of Project 2025 is to reduce taxes on the wealthy while raising taxes in the poor and middle class. Jesus Christ would never support that. What does Lawrence Reed think about the influuence of the wealthy and Big Business on elected officials in Congress and the White House? Campaign money talks on Capitol Hill. What is FEE advocating for that helps the poor? Nothing.

[@sherbear8286]

Trump has no alliance with Project 2025. Trump definitely helped the poor and middle class during his first administration. He will do so again.

[@richardthurston2171]

FEE, Foundation for Economic Education, is a hard right org funded by the likes of Charles Koch to ensure a future world safe for billionaires. No taxes. No workplace regulations. No environmental rules. “FEE’s mission is to inspire, educate, and connect future leaders with the economic, ethical, and legal principles of a free society. These principles include: individual liberty, free-market economics, entrepreneurship, private property, high moral character, and limited government.” This crowd almost always throws in the “high moral character” nonsense. Predatory capitalists like Koch need to remind us of how wonderful they are.

[@DadSavesAmerica]

"What has Mr. Koch accomplished for the majority of Americans?" I'm pretty sure his firm has produced products for millions and millions of Americans, since that is how a private enterprise generates revenue. I get if you disagree with the politics of Charles Koch. But the notion that he hasn't created value for others is simply false. He's done more good for people in his business than every politician put together save for a handful of truly courageous leaders at essential times like Abraham Lincoln. P.S. My work has gotten funding from Mr. Koch in the past. I'm proud of that. I accepted it because I broadly agree with his principles. Otherwise, I'd turn it down.

[@DadSavesAmerica]

One other thing. "What does Lawrence Reed think about the influence of the wealthy and Big Business on elected officials in Congress and the White House?" I think you're asking a very important question here. Larry and I share the same perspective: Cronyism is evil. Real free enterprise doesn't get special favors from government. Only crooks do that. The challenge is, how do we keep government from being an engine of corrupt privilege? I say we re-embrace the constitution which would radically reduce the ability of the government to dole out favors. Without that power, companies wouldn't face desire (and sometime the defensive NEED) to lobby. Progressives, on the other hand, want even more powerful government and think we should limit private people's ability to redress this powerful government as a solution to corruption. I find that position ridiculous on its face. But I also have no idea how we'll restore the constitution. So there's that.

[@sherbear8286]

@@kirkmarusak7800 It’s the slippery slope.

[@Wonderwall627]

Lew rockwell explains Mathew 22 better than anyone else I have read.

[@Beelzebubba1983]

Thank you for sharing this video.

[@vickyabramowitz2885]

Jesus owned a few carpentry tools. After he started his ministry, he was an itinerant rabbi who owned the clothes on his back. He and his followers depended on the kindness of strangers for food, donations and a place to sleep.

[@lawrencereed5451]

And he NEVER relied on the state, only those who gave voluntarily.

[@alexcipriani6003]

Well it’s capitalism that makes Socialism popular … it’s capitalism shooting itself in the foot.

[@saltchuckwest]

Decision making distributed is a more stable and successful system than too few making choices for too many. *Btw the camera work is awesome thx.

[@danjaasma2305]

You’re doing important work here. Kindly consider having an on or off camera conversation with Auron Macintyre - it would be edifying. Take care.

[@thephotoandthestory]

The answer to this question is Our Lord's parable of Lazarus and the rich man. The laws of the prophets already give guidance that sacrifice comes from the heart and not compulsion. Different forms and development have come forward. I'm Catholic and I think the Catholic view if subsidiarity makes more sense. Decisions are best made at the family level, then community, then nation.

[@ssgaffney]

I think caution is needed when stating, "Do no harm." That is both nuanced and subjective. Today's world is mildly nuanced and viciously subjective. I fear this could be taken out of context and applied to the lowes common denominator as it relates to 'harm' sensitivity. We may find ourself where we are with Party A as the super advocates of Party B

[@Sneaky-Sneaky]

governments - give to them as per their function Money - nothing except no making money off of lending money Kindness - on an individual level….share with those in need Socialism would have been a very foreign concept to him on a secular basis. But, If he really understood today’s concept of socialism I think he would have been conflicted. He was a big believer in individual agency and self reliance. On the other hand he believed in the kindness of individuals towards their fellow individuals…..

[@hamitcampos4989]

People like Doctor Thom Hartmann use the baskits of fish seen and the it's harder for a ritch person to enter the kingdom of god than to find a needle in a hay stack as examples of how Jesus was the OG Bernie Sanders. They do also use love thy neighbor as thyself. Which really people really should start thinking hard on that 1 with all the judgyness and what not.

[@annaynely]

TZM. The Venus Project.

[@happyappy19931]

Jesus is not a socialist.

[@margiedenavarre7919]

It is so sad that after 12 years of Catholic school, all you got were a few platitudes. God‘s very words are revealed to you in the Bible, don’t you think it is eternally worth it to see what he has to say to you?