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1. a theory or system of social organization advocating placing the ownership and control of capital, land, and means of production in the community as a whole. Cf. utopian socialism.
2. the procedures and practices based upon this theory.
3. Marxist theory. the first stage in the transition from capitalism to communism, marked by imperfect realizations of collectivist principles. — socialist, n., adj. — socialistic, adj.
That's according to one set of definitions from the dictionary link in my side bar.
In September, when the stock markets started acting especially goofy and the news people began to really focus on the economic crises seemingly non-stop, I woke up one morning asking the Lord, "How do I pray about this?" The words came to mind before I was finished asking, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done." Wow! Regardless of who thinks whom is to blame or who claims to be able to fix it, God has a plan. And that plan is to accomplish His will.
You might read through Revelation, and wonder about the mark of the beast and other such things. My observation is that buying and selling will become completely controlled, and to accomplish it, one will have to agree to whatever mark comes into play. You can see so many reasons, even now, for such an identification to make sense. Identifying victims of a tsunami or earthquake or tornado or terrorist attack would be so much more efficient. Locating missing persons? Alzheimers patients or children? Safeguarding borders? Preventing terrorism? Accessing legal and medical records? Identity theft? The reasons are many for such identification to make sense, and for any who reject to be seen as lunatics. Socialism, as defined above, pretty much has to set up if Biblical prophecy is to be fulfilled. It may seem like it's sneaking into place, but it's already been forecast.
That doesn't mean, just accept what one sees as wrong. One still needs to stand for what is right. Shouldn't be surprised when it leads to persecution, either. It's no surprise, either, when the senate and house do what they intend to do in complete disregard for the wishes of the constituents...God can certainly blind our leaders, physically or mentally. It feels tremendously sad to see all that is taking place. At the same time, there is tremendous hope, because God's word must be fulfilled! I'm excited to see what He will do in the process. It's definitely a time for prayer! And the same God we worship is the one who told one believer (Joseph) to store food in preparation for a crisis (famine), and another (Moses) that he would provide food (Manna/Quail). He is all-powerful!
What would our country be like, if socialism set up? Don't know for sure. Hubby visited Cuba not long after the last U.S. presidential election. He really enjoyed the people. However, he really got a perspective of what it was like for people to live one way while government lives another. When government controls the resources, the people do not thrive. They live in greater fear...of the government, of each other. There is, at the same, greater challenge in living for Jesus, and risk of consequence if the "powers that be" take issue with it.
Our nation is certainly not at that point. But with God, all things are possible. He can allow anything to take place. We need to keep our eyes on Him!
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