These terms have been used interchangeably, especially by communists who see socialism as “ early stage communism”. They are economic philosophies that advocate for public ownership of the means of production, distribution and exchange of goods. The main difference is that under communism, most property and economic resources are owned and controlled by the state (rather than individual citizens); under socialism, all citizens share equally in economic resources as allocated by a democratically-elected government.

Socialism has never succeeded when a country has tried to apply it. If you don’t agree, check the Marxism-Leninism of the Soviet Union, the National Socialism of Nazi Germany, the Maoism of Communist China, the Cuba experience by Fidel Castro and the Chavez-Maduro socialism of Venezuela. It has never come close to a collectivist classless society, which was the ideal of Marxism.

Communism is conceptualized as an ideal society where people support each other through production of goods that go directly to the person that needs it without need of money.

Sound familiar? This elaborate economic theory by Marx and Engels is described very simply in the book of Acts.

Acts 2:44-45 “And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.” (“Bible Gateway Passage: Acts 2:44-45 – New Living Translation” 2019)

Communism is based in the principles of Christianity but it has no God. And that is precisely the problem. When sharing is done as an obligation, and worse, if it is imposed by the government, Satan gets the perfect opportunity to produce disappointment, deceit, anger, envy, jealousy and hate but most of all fear.

The book of Acts continues: Acts 4:32-37 All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.” (“Bible Gateway Passage: Acts 4:32-37 – New Living Translation” 2019)

Acts 5:1-11 But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest. Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!” As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified. Then some young men got up, wrapped him in a sheet, and took him out and buried him. About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Was this the price you and your husband received for your land?” “Yes,” she replied, “that was the price.” And Peter said, “How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too.” Instantly, she fell to the floor and died. When the young men came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened.” (“Bible Gateway Passage: Acts 5:1-11 – New Living Translation” 2019)

In this case described in Acts, people learned that death can be the consequence of sin. However, in a system not based on a firm belief, only fear will prevail. When not everybody believes in the system and love is not the only motive to share, the system fails. Today these facts described in the book of Acts are common. Even Judges and Senators choose to disrespect the law and think that lies are OK but they are carrying shame to all the people that believe in Justice or people who elected them.

Socialism-Communism is an ideal that does not work with fallen human nature.