My Answer

on Oct 21, 2026

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I am a socialist and a Christian. Some say that socialism and communism are the same and that Christians don’t belong in that mindset. I don’t understand why some people are upset with the younger generation for recognizing that America has gone wrong. With the tool of social media everyone now has a voice in how our government should operate, and it’s time that everyone gets on board that our nation should not be divided between those who have and those who don’t have. An equal dividing of material goods should be the norm. – S.C.

A: Since the beginning of time people have explored every earthly resource for happiness and failed. The principal reason communism loses ground in the world (when it does) is that it promises material prosperity without spiritual satisfaction. Things, minus God, equal misery. That equation is just as true as two plus two equal four. Someone once said, “Let the moment come when nothing is left but life, and you will find that you do not hesitate over the fate of material possessions.”

It is important to recognize the fact that businesses, owned by people, hire others to work for a wage, and we should be grateful for businesses that flourish to provide honest work and honest pay.

Jesus tells the story of the landowner who hired workers at the beginning of the day at a certain wage. Later in the day the landowner hired more people at the same wage (see Matthew 20:1–16). The point of the story is that all the workers were paid an agreeable wage and that all should be thankful their needs were met. Having grateful hearts for business owners who provide jobs for the masses and workers having grateful hearts for the opportunity of earning an honest wage are pleasing to the Lord.

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)