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Rendering Unto Caesar: Was Jesus a Socialist?
“Rendering Unto Was Jesus a Socialist?” tackles head-on a persistent myth that has stymied individual freedom in many parts of the world. That myth takes many forms but reduces to “You can’t be for capitalism or free markets and be a follower of Jesus at the same time; Jesus, after all, was a socialist or would at least be supportive of policies that redistribute income through government.” For the first time in a short and readable form, Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) president Lawrence W. Reed debunks these misconceptions in powerful, convincing ways. Though he frequently references Scripture, Reed makes it plain at the start that one doesn’t have to be a Christian to understand the importance of proper interpretation of Scripture, as well as history and economics. People who simply want sound analysis or good history will appreciate it even if they have no faith. By examining the words of Jesus in the context of their time and place, Reed shows Jesus never called for the political process to rearrange wealth. He denounced envy. He stressed choice, accountability and private property. He endorsed keeping one’s word and honoring contracts. He emphasized principles of personal character and the Golden Rule. These things are all difficult to reconcile with political force. Now, when anyone suggests that the teachings of Jesus are in any way incompatible with free markets or capitalism, defenders of free markets can provide concise and conclusive responses. There is no other publication that does the job as fully or as accessibile as “Rendering Unto Caesar." Lawrence W. ("Larry") Reed became president of the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) in 2008. Prior to becoming FEE's president, he served for twenty years as president of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy in Midland, Michigan. He also taught economics full-time from 1977 to 1984 at Northwood University in Michigan and chaired its Department of Economics from 1982 to 1984. A champion for liberty, Reed has authored over 1,000 newspaper columns and articles, dozens of articles in magazines and journals in the United States and abroad. The Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) is the premier source for understanding the humane values of a free society, and the economic, legal, and ethical principles that make it possible. At FEE, you’ll be connected with people worldwide who share those values and are inspired by the dynamic ideas of free association, free markets, and a diverse civil society. Explore freedom’s limitless possibilities through seminars, classroom resources, social media, and daily content at FEE.org. Learn how your creativity and initiative can result in a prosperous and flourishing life for yourself and the global community. Whether you are just beginning to explore entrepreneurship, economics, or creating value for others or are mentoring others on their journeys, FEE has everything you need. FEE is supported by voluntary, tax-deductible contributions from individuals, foundations, and businesses who believe that it is vital to cultivate a deep appreciation in every generation for individual liberty, personal character, and a free economy. Supporters receive a subscription to FEE's flagship magazine, the Freeman, also available at FEE.org.
14 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
21 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Lawrence W. Reed
26 books49 followersLawrence W. Reed is the president of the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) and the author or editor of several books, including Excuse Me, Professor: Challenging the Myths of Progressivism. Before joining FEE, he served as president of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy in Midland, Michigan, and chaired Northwood University’s department of economics. Reed has written some 1,500 articles for newspapers and magazines worldwide. He is a frequent guest on radio and television.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 27, 2017
The compatibility of libertarianism and christianity was only superficially touched. Lots of points were made, none was expanded as far as I would've liked. However, as a short primer and starting point for further research, it was sufficient.
August 7, 2020
Buen contenido que ayuda a desmentir a los imbéciles que intentan unificar socialismo con la palabra de Dios.
December 7, 2024
Great essay refuting common and poorly reasoned arguments for socialism in the New Testament.
June 29, 2018
A decent refutation of the age-old, erroneous quote from Gorbachev stating Jesus was the first socialist. This futile counterpoint is brought up often in political discourse usually by progressives attempting zingers against Christians. Reed uses numerous scripture verses within context to explain how contrarians are fallacious in their arguments and what Jesus actually thought, practiced, and preached. Although I’m not a Christian this essay was worth the read.
July 10, 2017
Excellent!
This excellent but short read by Lawrence Reed clearly refutes the "Jesus was a socialist" argument. I highly recommend it for ALL people to read, no matter what their political persuasion.
This excellent but short read by Lawrence Reed clearly refutes the "Jesus was a socialist" argument. I highly recommend it for ALL people to read, no matter what their political persuasion.
December 12, 2019
This is more of a booklet than a book. I was alerted to it by a pastor from TX who had some questions for the Commission. He was hoping we could tell him what the biblical role of government was. All I could do is say that the only direct statements are from Jesus, “render to Caesar” and Romans 13. It is an interesting question but I don’t think there can be an authoritative answer to it. It is a very common sense approach to the issue and is very well written.
This booklet is put out by a libertarian group. While the author is not a theologian, he displays a good knowledge of the Bible and brings up every passage I could think of that might touch on the issue.
The genesis of this is a statement by the last premier of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev: “Jesus was the first socialist, the first to seek a better life for mankind.” I must assume that this was in the context of trying to put communism in a religiously acceptable light, but it simply is not true. In fact, Reed says that you don’t even have to be a Christian to know that!
At the core of the argument of this booklet is the effort to show what Jesus did not mean by his remark, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s…” The author’s contention is that this could not possibly mean whatever the government asks for. Indeed, there are multiple instances where disobeying government is applauded.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It did raise an important question in my mind however. It is one thing to say what the passage does not mean, but what does it mean? Paul would later write in Romans 13 that government was to punish evil and reward good, which would apply to criminal activity, but how else might it be applied? I am sure I will continue to think about what this booklet says and that is a sign of a good book!
This booklet is put out by a libertarian group. While the author is not a theologian, he displays a good knowledge of the Bible and brings up every passage I could think of that might touch on the issue.
The genesis of this is a statement by the last premier of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev: “Jesus was the first socialist, the first to seek a better life for mankind.” I must assume that this was in the context of trying to put communism in a religiously acceptable light, but it simply is not true. In fact, Reed says that you don’t even have to be a Christian to know that!
At the core of the argument of this booklet is the effort to show what Jesus did not mean by his remark, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s…” The author’s contention is that this could not possibly mean whatever the government asks for. Indeed, there are multiple instances where disobeying government is applauded.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It did raise an important question in my mind however. It is one thing to say what the passage does not mean, but what does it mean? Paul would later write in Romans 13 that government was to punish evil and reward good, which would apply to criminal activity, but how else might it be applied? I am sure I will continue to think about what this booklet says and that is a sign of a good book!
June 21, 2018
Biblical Economics
Lawrence Reed provides an interesting perspective on economics with the comparative analysis of the Bible. This essay puts forth a thought provoking economic ideology
Lawrence Reed provides an interesting perspective on economics with the comparative analysis of the Bible. This essay puts forth a thought provoking economic ideology
December 27, 2017
Short, concise, and well thought out
June 30, 2015
FIRST COMMENT:
“You will eat bread by the sweat of your brow”. (Gen 9:19). It doesn’t say: “You will eat bread by the sweat of your neighbor”. Bureaucrats live at the expense of their neighbor and also those who live from subsidies and protectionism of any sort.
SECOND COMMENT:
The rich young story (Matthew 19:16-22)
Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”. 17 “Why do you ask me about what is good”, Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” 18 “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself ”. 20 “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Jesus respects free will and because of that he let the young man go. Contrary to what Government does with taxes that enforces people to give. Jesus respects people’s choice of NOT to give if they don’t want to.
THIRD COMMENT:
About Romans 13:1-7
As the author says, context is important. Let’s keep in mind that Paul believed, until near his death, that the second coming of Jesus was imminent and that he and his generation will be alive to see it. That’s why in other passages Paul tell people not to marry and so forth. So its clear that Paul doesn’t want to mess with the Romans because he believes that Jesus will do it soon.
“You will eat bread by the sweat of your brow”. (Gen 9:19). It doesn’t say: “You will eat bread by the sweat of your neighbor”. Bureaucrats live at the expense of their neighbor and also those who live from subsidies and protectionism of any sort.
SECOND COMMENT:
The rich young story (Matthew 19:16-22)
Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”. 17 “Why do you ask me about what is good”, Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” 18 “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself ”. 20 “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Jesus respects free will and because of that he let the young man go. Contrary to what Government does with taxes that enforces people to give. Jesus respects people’s choice of NOT to give if they don’t want to.
THIRD COMMENT:
About Romans 13:1-7
As the author says, context is important. Let’s keep in mind that Paul believed, until near his death, that the second coming of Jesus was imminent and that he and his generation will be alive to see it. That’s why in other passages Paul tell people not to marry and so forth. So its clear that Paul doesn’t want to mess with the Romans because he believes that Jesus will do it soon.
September 3, 2015
This book was much shorter than I had anticipated, but it was concise and Biblical; my kind of book. Lawrence Reed does well to interpret Scripture in context and with intertextual consistency; never straying away from Biblical principles to express personal conjecture. This book is a very easy read and places the reader into contact with reliable resources that I would consider very helpful and edifying.
March 28, 2016
Rendering Unto Caesar, a brief essay by Lawrence Reed, is an effective and concise takedown of the popular myth that Jesus was a socialist. He was not an advocate of forced redistribution of wealth at the hands of a government. Instead, he advocated for private, voluntary charity from individuals. Reed quotes scripture, economists, and theologians to make his case. All in all, an excellent short read.
September 19, 2016
A short essay that attempts to answer a complex question in a easy-to-understand manner.
Romans 13:1-7 is often cited by folks on the left to justify redistributionist policies. Reed's essay salvages New Testament scripture, and Jesus himself, from leftist agendas which attempt to co-opt the truth of their foes through the coloring of language into what they wish 'truth' to be, I.e. Jesus was a socialist; therefore to be righteous we must all be socialists now.
Romans 13:1-7 is often cited by folks on the left to justify redistributionist policies. Reed's essay salvages New Testament scripture, and Jesus himself, from leftist agendas which attempt to co-opt the truth of their foes through the coloring of language into what they wish 'truth' to be, I.e. Jesus was a socialist; therefore to be righteous we must all be socialists now.
December 28, 2015
Excellent read.
April 22, 2016
Great Book
This is a great book for anyone to read and learn about how Jesus felt towards the government and redistribution. It is a short read packed with tons of information.
This is a great book for anyone to read and learn about how Jesus felt towards the government and redistribution. It is a short read packed with tons of information.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews