Democracy vs. Socialism

By now, everyone has heard the infamous Joe the Plumber interview and the resulting "spread the wealth" idea brought about by Senator Obama. But the question remains, who is responsible for caring for those unable to care for themselves like widows and orphans?

Socialism views the government as responsible to ensure everyone has equal parts of the share, whether they participate financially or not.

Democracy views everyone as responsible for themselves.

Which is the correct Biblical view?

In the Epistles, we see a clear outline for the care widows and orphans. Who were these letters written to? Certainly not for the Roman government, but to the Church.

1 Timothy 5:3-16

3 Honor widows who are widows indeed;

4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God.

5 Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day.

6 But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives.

7 Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach.

8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

9 A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man,

10 having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work.

11 But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married,

12 thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge.

13 At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.

14 Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach;

15 for some have already turned aside to follow Satan.

16 If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed.

James 1:27

27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

Acts 2:41-45

41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.

42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.

44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;

45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.

If we, the Church family, are properly caring for those who can not care for themselves then there will be no need for government aid and the issue of "socialized programs" will no longer exist.

By the way, in case you didn't notice Senator Obama told Joe the Plumber his tax breaks would start for those making under $250K per year. On Friday that number was down to $120K and that's not take home pay. That's what you make before taxes, insurance, mortgage, bills, food, clothing...