University of New Hampshire student Phil Boynton offers a compelling argument to refute a fellow scholar’s assertions that ” Jesus Christ was a socialist.”

The most recent column by my friend Mr. Daniel Fournier, is one that is certainly intriguing, especially with the Christmas season upon us. In his piece Mr. Fournier does not debate the possibility of Jesus being a socialist, but instead proclaims that yes, in fact, Jesus Christ was a socialist. Now, Mr. Fournier is entitled to his opinion and I do not intend to take it away from him, but instead to offer a different perspective that removes Jesus from the political debate. Honestly, both parties should refrain from using Jesus to push a particular cause. He is above politics and should never be dragged into the fray. Jesus is no more a socialist than he is a capitalist.

Socialism and capitalism are intertwined in political philosophies and place no bearing on religion in general. Religion is the basis for the core of a society’s morals. The justification of religion in the name of politics is a copout. Politicians from both sides, who attempt to use religion to push agenda items like health care or war are both misguided in their approach and taint one’s faith as something snared in the political fray. Returning to Mr. Fournier’s article, if he seeks to make an argument on socialism and why it is a better system for America, then I suggest he make a clear case for it, not use Jesus Christ as the sole reason and purpose for the abandonment of capitalism in order to promote socialism.

…Capitalism ensures freedom’s survival and that all men have the opportunity to maximize it.

Capitalism is innovation. The free enterprise system has succeeded in liberating more than one billion people worldwide from poverty. For if an economy is unshackled from government’s sticky fingers and the free markets are allowed to grow without restraint, then the outcome will always be success. The classical liberal theory of economics is sound and still works, and I’m not surprised, for it is more than a theory of economics, it is a working practice.

I realize that my opinions may not sway Mr. Fournier from his views regarding socialism, but I do hope my piece leaves food for thought. There is a fear among some that an unrestrained market will cause a calamity, but instead why not examine the success of capitalism and realize that, despite its critics, it does more good than harm and has made this country the richest nation and our people the most prosperous on earth?