What Is 'Socialism'?

 

As we have been approaching another election in America, one of the big words in the political verbiage is 'socialism'. Here is an imaginary dialogue.

Person X tells me that they are against socialism.

I ask them, "Can you define 'socialism' for me?"

They respond, "No. I guess I can't define the word 'socialism'."

"So," I say, "you don't know what 'socialism' is?"

They say, "No."

My response to them is, "Don't you think it's irrational to be against something that you don't understand?"

Stressing the need to understand what we are for or against is not an argument for what we are for or against.

The rule in logic is: First, understand. Then, evaluate. To me, this is a main principle in loving the Lord with all our mind. (Not: Numb your mind with all your strength.) 

So, away we go!

Here's one definition of 'socialism' I find clarifying. Socialism is "a system based on collective or government ownership of goods and services, as opposed to private ownership or markets." (From Wall Street Journal columnist Kimberley Strassel, "The Rise of Democratic Socialism.")

Strassel adds, "It's animated by class warfare, the claim that the "workers" in a society are kept down and exploited by wealthy, powerful forces, and that only the forced seizure and redistribution of capital will produce a more egalitarian and just society." 

Remember. We begin by working to understand that which we think we are for or against. Strassel, e.g., is not for democratic socialism. But note two things.

1. She takes pains to define 'democratic socialism'. Hence, she knows what she is arguing against. This necessary move makes her writing clear.

2. She is historically familiar with the various permutations of the term 'socialism'. Like Christianity has various denominations, socialism does as well. Hence, democratic socialism.

Christians who say "I believe in the gospel" should be able to explain what he gospel is. Right? 

Jesus commands us, in Mark 12:30, this: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

In some Christian contexts the "all your mind" command either gets ignored, and sometimes even demonized, or gets overplayed to the suspicion of the experiences and emotions and feelings of "all your heart."

Three resources that have helped me understand and live out "all your mind" are...

J. P. Moreland, Love Your God With All Your Mind: The Role of Reason In the Life of the Soul

Craig Keener, The Mind of the Spirit: Paul's Approach to Transformed Thinking

I'll add a classic I read back in the 70s.

Francis Schaeffer, Escape from Reason: A Penetrating Analysis of Trends in Modern Thought

Finally, one book that has helped me clarify my political understanding is: Socialism: A Very Short Introduction. 

Panpsychism and the Hard Problem of Consciousness

                                                                        (Istanbul)

Here's a good article on trying to solve the hard problem of consciousness.

"Is Everything Conscious?"

31 DECLARATIONS that DEFEAT FEAR

 

31 DECLARATIONS that DEFEAT FEAR

1.    I KNOW THAT GOD IS WITH ME

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

2.    TRUST IS MY VACCINE FOR FEAR

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3

3.    I SHARE MY FEARS WITH GOD, AND EXPERIENCE HIS TRANSCENDENT PEACE

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

4.    I HAVE THE PEACE OF CHRIST

“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” John 14:27

5.    I HAVE POWER OVER ANY SPIRIT OF FEAR

 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

6.    GOD’S LOVE DRIVES OUT FEAR THAT IS IN ME

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18

7.    GOD CONSOLES MY SOUL AND BRINGS ME JOY

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Psalm 94:19

8.    I REMEMBER HOW GOD HAS REDEEMED ME, AND THIS GIVES ME HOPE

“But now, this is what the Lord says…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1

9.    I MINISTER TO FEARFUL PEOPLE WITH GOD’S LOVE AND KINDNESS

“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” Proverbs 12:25

10.                  I KNOW THAT GOD IS WITH ME, AND FEEL HIS COMFORT

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

11.                  I KNOW THAT GOD IS WITH ME WHEREVER I AM. THUS, I AM NOT DISCOURAGED

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

12.                  I PAY NO ATTENTION TO FEARFUL PREDICTIONS ABOUT TOMORROW

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

13.                  HUMILITY COMBATS AGAINST FEAR. I LEAVE MY FEARS WITH GOD

“Humble yourselves, then, under God’s mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time.  Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7

14.                  GOD HAS RESCUED ME MANY TIMES. SO, I KNOW GOD IS MY RESCUER.

“Tell everyone who is discouraged, Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue…” Isaiah 35:4

15.                  I DO NOT DEPEND ON THE SO-CALLED “WISDOM” OF SECULAR AND SOCIAL MEDIA. MY TRUST IS IN GOD.

“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.  Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.  Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” Luke 12:22-26

16.                  THE MORE I TRUST IN GOD, THE LESS FEARFUL I AM

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

17.                  I CAST MY FEARS ON THE LORD, AND EXPERIENCE HIM SUSTAINING ME

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22

18.                  THE PRESENCE OF JESUS WITH ME DISPELS FEAR, AND GIVES ME COURAGE

“Immediately he spoke to them and said, 'Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.'” Mark 6:50

  

19.                  “GOD IS WITH ME AND WILL NEVER LEAVE ME” – THIS PRODUCES FEARLESSNESS IN ME

“Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

20.                  “GOD IS MY HELPER” – THIS REDUCES FEAR IN ME

“'For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.  Do not be afraid, for I myself will help you,' declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 41:13-14

21.                  IN GOD’S PRESENCE, I FIND STRENGTH WHEN TROUBLE IS NEAR

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

22.                  BECAUSE GOD IS WITH ME, I AM NOT INTIMIDATED BY PEOPLE

“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?  The Lord is with me; he is my helper.” Psalm 118:6-7

23.                  I PLACE MY TRUST IN GOD, AND HE REMOVES THE FEAR OF MAN

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25

24.                  I AM A TEMPLE FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT. FAITH AND FEAR CANNOT COEXIST IN THIS TEMPLE

“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.  He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:39-40

25.                  THE FEAR OF THE LORD INVITES ANGELIC ACTIVITY THAT SURROUNDS ME

“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” Psalm 34:7

26.                  I CAN BE WITHOUT FEAR, EVEN WHEN PERSECUTED

“But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.” 1 Peter 3:14

27.                  AS I PRAY TO BE RELEASED FROM FEAR, I EXPERIENCE FREEDOM FROM FEAR

“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.  He freed me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

28.                  THE LORD IS FIGHTING MY BATTLES

“Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.” Deuteronomy 3:22

29.                  GOD OFTEN SPEAKS TO ME, “DO NOT BE AFRAID”

“Then he placed his right hand on me and said: 'Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.'” Revelation 1:17

30.                  MY BELIEF IN JESUS EXTINGUISHES FEAR

“Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.’” Mark 5:36

31.                  FEAR AND WORRY CANNOT SEPARATE ME FROM THE LOVE OF GOD!

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” Romans 8:38-39

Guard Your Mouth, Preserve Your Life

 

                                                                 (Redeemer sanctuary)

The book of Proverbs is a constant go-to devotional book for me. Proverbs has much to tell me about controlling my mouth. 

Those who guard their mouths preserve their lives; those who open wide their lips come to ruin. 

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion.

The words of the mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.

 A fool’s lips bring strife, and a fool’s mouth invites a flogging.

The mouths of fools are their ruin, and their lips a snare to themselves. 

The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. 

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. 

Proverbs 13:3; 18:2, 4, 6–8, 21; 25:11

My Christmas Devotional Book

 

This is a 31-day devotional book, based on the life of Jesus.

The book's thesis is: the more we know about Jesus, the greater our worship of Him will be.

This book offers a deep dive into the story of Jesus.

Thirty-one days that will enrich the Christmas season!

I Think Progressive Christianity Is Another Religion

 

 I want to keep this ball in play.

There's No Such Thing as "True for You, but False for Me"

(Monroe County Community College)

I taught Logic for seventeen years at Monroe County Community College. I used Hurley's Logic for ten years. Then, I switched to Lewis Vaughn's The Power of Critical Thinking: Effective Reasoning About Ordinary and Extraordinary Claims. 

In the first class session I presented a claim that is logical, but seems extraordinary to many students, because, unbeknownst to them, they are subjective relativists. They think that truth is relative to persons. That some things are "true for you, but not for me." 

That is absurd. I explain it like this, and, as I do, I have the sense I am stepping on some of our relativistic culture's most cherished beliefs.

Here we go!

Logic is about evaluating and formulating arguments.

An argument is a series of sentences that are statements.

A statement (also called a "proposition") is a sentence that describes a certain (as Vaughn puts it) "state of affairs." A statement makes a claim that a certain state of affairs obtains. Another way to put it is like this: a statement is a sentence that is either true or false. 

For example, consider the statement The lights in this room are on. This statement describes a certain state of affairs; viz., the lights in this room now being on. Now here comes the subjective-relativist crusher. If this statement is true (that is, if the state of affairs of the lights now being on obtains), then it is true for everybody. And if it is false, then it is false for everybody.

Consider the statement God exists. If that statement is true, it is true for everybody, even for persons who think it is false. And if that statement is false, then it is false for everybody, even for people who "know" there is a God.

But what about these statements? 

It's true for me that Pepsi is better than Coke. But it's true for you that Coke is better than Pepsi? 

Here the words It's true for me are redundant, unnecessary. At most, they mean I believe, or I think. Such as: I think Pepsi is better than Coke. 

Now note this: If that statement is true, then it is true for everybody. And we have this state of affairs: John likes Pepsi better than Coke.

Consider this statement: God told John, and no one else, that he is to start a ministry to the homeless. Isn't that statement just for John and not for everyone? Yes. Of course. But watch this: the truth of that statement is for everyone. That is, it is true for everyone that God told John individually, and no one else, that he is to start a ministry to the homeless.

What a person believes is irrelevant to the truth of their belief. Otherwise we would have the idea that believing something makes that state of affairs true. And then,  we'd all be infallible, which is absurd. In that case, if I believe I can flap my arms and fly, then I can flap my arms and fly. But it is false that I can flap my arms, vigorously, and ascend into the heavens. Even if I believe I can do this! 

The point here is: Beliefs do not make a state of affairs true. If that were the case, then I'm going to try this: I believe I am the world's strongest, wealthiest, most interesting man. But that is false on three counts. 

Beliefs are statements that are either true or false and - watch closely now - if a belief is true, it is true for everyone, whether they know it or not, or whether they believe otherwise.

Take this statement: There are an even number of stars in the universe. That's either true or false. What we believe about it is irrelevant to its truth or falsity, since believing something does not make it true. 

Now the truth or falsity of this statement cannot be known. But even though we can't know if it's true or false, it is either true or false. And if it is true, then it is true for everyone (because believing it to be either true or false is irrelevant to the actual state of affairs).

Therefore, a statement cannot be "true for you, but false for me." I might believe that a certain statement is true, while you might think it to be false. But a statement in itself is either true or false, and if true, it's true for everyone, whether they realize it or not.

Thus, someone who says Truth depends on the individual's perspective utters something incoherent. Anyone who thinks that truth is relative to individuals lives in a world of logical absurdity. The antidote to such a misconception is to show them that their statement (Truth depends on the individual's perspective) cannot be true, because it makes a truth claim that is for everyone. That is, it is self-refuting, hence logically incoherent.

***
Three of my books are:

Praying: Reflections on 40 Years of Solitary Conversations with God;

Leading the Presence-Driven Church; and

Deconstructing Progressive Christianity.