Egalitarianism and the Bible

     The major thrust of contemporary egalitarianism includes a belief in human equality with respect to social, political, and economic rights and privileges.  And once again, the vehicle with which to promote and enact such ideology is the government.

     Firstly, one of the goals of economic egalitarianism is to eliminate the class of people defined as poor.  This is done through numerous governmental programs that subsidize those whose income is at or near the governmentally defined poverty level.

     The means to equalize economic status is accomplished primarily through what is commonly termed redistribution.  That means that those who earn more are taxed more so the government can redistribute to those whom the government determines as financially deprived.

     Jesus succinctly addressed the premise that the class of people labeled as poor should be eliminated.

     “For you have the poor with you always…”  Matthew 26:11

     Recall the Prophet Hosea wrote of God’s sovereignty in giving and taking wealth at His discretion.

     “For she did not know that I gave her grain, new wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold - which they prepared for Baal.  Therefore I will return and take away My grain in its time and My new wine in its season, and will take back My wool and My linen…”  Hosea 2:8-9

     Jesus did, however, speak of redistribution when He taught the parable of the talents; however, His teaching is quite the opposite of man’s logic.

   “For to everyone who has, more will be given…but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.”  Matthew 25:29

     This parable addresses the stewardship and productivity of God’s provision and goodness, tangible or spiritual.

     But God’s sovereignty when dealing with individuals goes far beyond physical assets.  Thus, if God deals with individuals, where does class equality fit in?

     “The LORD makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up.  He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap…” 1 Samuel 2:7-8

          The Psalmist also addressed God’s dealing with individuals.

     “The LORD looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men.  From the place of His dwelling He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth; He fashions their hearts individually…”  Psalm 33:13-15

     And then there is the issue of social and political equality.  For example, our government has recently proclaimed that universal health care was a basic right for every person.  Some have even put forward the premise that it is a basic human right to have a good job, or own a home.

     The lot of every individual has been appointed by God and such power cannot be usurped.  Such attempts by government to equalize individuals or classes are little more than attempts to play the part of God.

     An unpopular truth about God’s absolute sovereignty is found in Paul’s writings.

     “What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory, even us whom He called…”  Romans 9:22-24a

     According to the above passage, for those who espouse human equality, they must answer the basic question, i.e. is life equal to death?

     Another way in which our government attempts to blur the line between classes can be found in quotas or immigration policy.  God warned repeatedly of the consequences and dangers of multiculturalism.

     Any ‘ism’ can be compared with Biblical teachings to test its validity.  And while those who subscribe to egalitarianism for example, may mean well, government has a limited role in the general wellbeing of an individual’s life. 

     Recall that government’s primary role is to maintain law and order and protect the citizenry via adequate military forces.  For those limited roles of government, taxes are rightly assessed and collected.

     Government subsidies and entitlements are contemporary terms not found in Scripture and any such use of taxes requires redistribution which is usurping God’s authority.

     God is much better equipped to provide a person’s or nation’s needs than ‘big brother.’

     We should let Him have His way.