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originally posted by: VikingDude
Well, aren't a lot of republicans christians? And aren't a large percentage of the American population christian in general?
Christianity is about helping the needy and feeding the poor etc. etc., but isn't that what social democracy is all about actually?
originally posted by: Bluntone22
Good Christians give to charity voluntarily. Having it taken from them is not the same thing.
Democratic socialism rejects the social democratic view of reform through state intervention within capitalism, seeing capitalism as incompatible with the democratic values of freedom, equality and solidarity. From this perspective, democratic socialists believe that the issues inherent to capitalism can only be solved by a transition from capitalism to socialism, by superseding private property with some form of social ownership, and that any attempt to address the economic contradictions of capitalism through reforms will only cause problems to emerge elsewhere in the economy
All of that seems to be what christianity is all about: helping the ones who can't help themselves. So I think it's very hypocritical to argue against the social democracy that Bernie Sanders is promoting, while at the same time trying to be a good christian.
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you: that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
originally posted by: VikingDude
So with all the talk about this "dreaded" socialism in Scandinavia, which is actually democratic socialism. Bernie Sanders really promotes this type of government, and he is winning a lot of hearts and minds around the US. A lot of arguments have been made for and against social democracy, some good and some bad. While it isn't a perfect system, it certainly has advantages aimed at the general populace.
However, a trend I've noticed amongst anti "socialism" comments and posts, is that is feared and marked as evil. I've found that it is especially republicans (might not be the case, but that is based on my findings on facebook etc.) are more inclined to argue against social democracy. Well, aren't a lot of republicans christians? And aren't a large percentage of the American population christian in general?
Christianity is about helping the needy and feeding the poor etc. etc., but isn't that what social democracy is all about actually? We pay a minimum of 38% in taxes (the baseline) and it all goes towards economical security for the poor or jobless, healthcare with no payments involved except at the dentists, free schooling and so on. All of that seems to be what christianity is all about: helping the ones who can't help themselves. So I think it's very hypocritical to argue against the social democracy that Bernie Sanders is promoting, while at the same time trying to be a good christian.
What do you think ATS?
originally posted by: Quetzalcoatl14
It's true, one thing many conservative or right wing Christians don't seem to get is that if there is a moral mandate to do something, let's say help the poor, then you can only support public policies that facilitate that. If you vote for politicians and policies that are pro-rich, anti-poor, exploitative, etc, then you are not putting into action Christian principles.
The evidence is clear across economics, education, health care, nutrition, etc, that investing in social programs along these lines, having equitable taxation systems, quality schools for all, and so on, provide far more economic return for all and help the disadvantaged far more.
Republican and right wing ideology ironically is more social darwinism, i.e. survival of the fittest, and pure self-interest. It in actuality has nothing to do with Jesus' teachings, but instead to do with social darwinism, capitalism, and functional atheism in that sense. Complete opposite of the right wings claims to religiousity.