Socialism is socialism

One thing that I learned early on in life is that “words have meaning.” Socialism has a definite meaning declared over centuries. It is an economic system based on the redistribution of wealth by force through authoritarian government control.

The comparison by Dean Grenz to the Hutterite lifestyle or the early-day Christians is the exact opposite of socialism. In these cases it is a voluntary act prompted by individual choice or compassion and civic responsibility freely given and not brought about by force of law or threat of retribution.

As for communities, taxes, clean water, safe roads, etc., these come about voluntarily also through fixed laws freely accepted, civic duty, free elections, local control and freedom.