I am not commenting on whether it is true or not, but the concern is that with the socialization of government and society is that religion in all forms will outed. The perception is that the more marxist the society and government becomes, the more hostile both will be towards religion. That is the fear that I hear. Whether it is a warranted fear is another matter.

GOSH... i could have told you the Index was leading everyone towards socialism Meanwhile Duane is likely preparing delicous bass for all of those in attendance.

Honzo, I believe it's important to recognize the distinction between Socialism and Communism. Socialism is an economic system that is typified by some goal of financial equality for all people, and the public ownership of some or all industries. It has nothing to do with religion. Communism, as embodied in the 20th century by Russia and China, is a political system that combines socialistic principles with harsh restrictions on personal freedoms, including the freedom of religion. This latter part, however, has as much to do with socialism as, say, banning gay marriage has to do with capitalism.

Was this a current edition of the xchanger, or one from the 1950's? Might also try a google for John Birch Society. Just a hunch. Matt

socialism is not a political system - it is an economic system. i believe you mean communism is a political system. also, Kyle, socialism and communism are related -- in the sense that marx suggested that a government evolve from feudalism to democracy and capitalism then to socialism and communism. but, neither are religions. however, i think you can argue that socialism, communism, and christianity are all worldviews or philosophies... in which case, i think you can compare all of these on that level.

Kyle, did you listen to what I wrote? I did not evaluate the claims, I only explained them.

I'm sorry if my comment came across wrong, Honzo. I realized that what you wrote was not your own opinion. By addressing you directly, I was showing that I was referring to some things you addressed, not necessarily trying to argue against you. I see now how you would interpret it that way, though. "me": I believe I did refer to socialism as an economic system and communism as a political system. And Marx was wrong. Communism doesn't have to be the logical progression from socialism.

i actually think communism and socialism are really at odds with each other & baffles me why so many confuse the two. good observations danny and kyle, funny how the current administration is streamlined "god-fearing" republican. and i also find it interesting how the title puts god on one side and socialism on the other as if they're polar opposites. http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1025-25.htm http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1104-01.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socialism

I think Karl was right. His goal was Communism. In order to get there, a country would need to industrialize, socialize and then it was ready, with the structure in place for communism. Thinking that Marx thought socialism must lead to communism misses the point. Marx was talking about how to transition into Communism. It is the people on the right that erroneously think that giving into socialism in any form must lead to communism.

Would you guys be happy if the ad would have said "Away from God towards Secualr Socialism"? I think a valid point can be made there. If you talk about secular movements, then I can see his point more clearly. I imagine that he has secularism in his mind. (But don't think that I agree with him or anything - just trying to understand what he is meaning)

If he really just had secularism in mind, then he would say "Away from God towards Secularism."

A lot of people get those two mixed. They shouldn't, but they do.

"Would you guys be happy if the ad would have said "Away from God towards Secualr Socialism"?" no, because it's a false assumption. "Away from God towards Secularism." right, he's moving from a religious belief to a political stance. god = good socialism = satanic

i am introverted, so most forms of socialism aren't too comfortable for me.

There is no "opting out" of socalism. In capitalism or the socialized form of it that we have today, you have the choice to form socialized groups if you want to. In socialism/communism, you don't have that choice. If you want to try to make it on your own, keep what you earn, don't accept the social benefits, too bad, they make you join in. By a measurement of freedom, socialism is more limiting than capitalism.

"Away from God towards Secualr Socialism" is not a false assumption. Instead it is the opposite, it is a futher qualification. It denotes the type of socialism that is secular and opposed to religion in its various forms. The false assumption is that all brands and aplications of socialism are the same. To distiguish between the various brands is simply adding clarity.

I saw the ad in the paper too and it made me laugh out loud. How can a country who is hell bent on privatizing prisons, the welfare system, the military, schooling and various other institutions that once were the domain of government be headed toward socialism. Socialism, as I understand it, is a system of managing resources that puts control of the management of those resources in government hands. For instance, highways in the United States are, for the most part a socialistic enterprise. Social Security is, for now, a socialistic solution to the problem of geezer poverty. We are, in this country, moving away from socialism. One other thought: The right wingers are so used to their persecution complex that they can't shed it, even when in power.

Heath, Good to hear your opinion on this--I would guess that a civics teacher would have more right to be angry about this ad (or to find it humorous) than a semi-educated stay-at-home-mom. Thanks for stating frustration with precision.

Hey Sara, I've been thinking about my last post. The thing I'd like to add the most, besides a question mark, is more balance to the issue. I had only been thinking of this problem in one way, naming programs that have been privatized recently by the government. They have been de-socialized, in words that help us stay linked to our overall topic. What about those institutions in society which are actually becoming more socialized? President Bush's Faith Based Initiative promises to socialize many churches. The Halliburton Company and their ilk are getting a whopping pile of money from the government. No doubt the socialized Iraqi police force are wishing for some socialized American weapons when we pull out our socialized American Armed forces out of Iraq. What's socialism and what's not may just depend on whose ox is being gored.

yeah, I think that it does exist in our churches.