BM,

First let me address the issue of socialism being Satan's kingdom on earth.

My belief stems from my LDS (Mormon) upbringing which includes the teaching
that before the earth was created, two plans were presented to Father's
children who would inhabit the earth. Lucifer presented one plan, and Jesus
Christ the other.

In Lucifer's plan, he proposed that he would ensure that all of God's
children would return to God, for he would compel them to obey all of God's
commandments. "No one shall be lost," was his promise; and freedom would
not be. Furthermore, Lucifer would get the glory for accomplishing this.

In Jesus Christ' plan, he would allow men to have their agency to choose.
With that freedom came the possibility of failure and sin. But in his plan
he would provide a means by which sin could be propitiated for the
repentant. But salvation would have to be a choice.

There was a war in heaven over these two plans. Satan and 1/3 of the hosts
of heaven, as mentioned in Revelation 12, were cast out of heaven and came
down to the earth without the opportunity of gaining a mortal body and human
experience. They would be allowed to tempt the children of men, but not
above the ability to endure. The angels of God would make sure of that.

And so now the war continues here on earth. Freedom versus compulsion.

Socialism is the earthly manifestation of the plan Satan presented prior to
our incarnation here. It deems to accomplish by force of law/government the
taking care of one another, which is something that we ought to do by
choice -- with the opportunity to choose not to do this and sin therein.
Socialism takes away that opportunity, and the masterminds who implement
this program get all the glory, not God and the goodness he instills in our
hearts.

That is why I am against socialism.

As for "capitalism," it isn't the righteous counterpart to socialism. It is
based on greed and a competitive win-lose spirit, which is not of God.

Free enterprise is the preferred economic system for the present world
situation, and the idea, utopic system is 'consecration,' in which all of
our assets are voluntarily viewed as being given of God and belonging to
God, and we impart freely of them to those in need so that there are no poor
among us. No bureaucracy needed to make sure everyone is giving their fair
share. No overhead. Only great prosperity as each is able to pursue his
greatest talent, and none are put above another or viewed as "better"
because of their particular gift, but each is seen as being part of the body
of Christ contributing (voluntarily) to the betterment of the whole.

That ideal is similar in form to socialism with the difference that in
socialism it is forced, and in consecration it is a free-will offering. The
latter ennobles the soul, the former is damning to the spirit.

'Hope that helps.

Sincerely,

Sterling D. Allan

p.s. I posted your comment to
http://boardserver.mycomputer.com/read.html?u=greaterthings&f=1&id=432&threa
d=429



----- Original Message -----
From: SENBM...
To: sterlingda@...
Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2000 1:57 AM
Subject: Re: (no subject)


Mr. Sterling,

I have never come upon a person who thinks the way you do...in whole
or in part. I will have to think very deeply about this. Frankly, your
connection between Satan and socialism is unheard of to me. I could not say
I understand your argument.

Finally, Clinton believes in capitalism...I am sure of this. Perhaps
your definition of socialism is different from mine. I am not sure. I am a
third year law student who reads incessantly; I am puzzled as a result of my
encounter with you.

If you really think the way you do, then I am left with my mouth
agaped.

BM

BM