What is Democratic Socialism to the Christian?

Some say it’s “lipstick on a pig.” Others say it’s gospel economics.

Photo by Beck Harlan

ON NOV. 21, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution that Congress’ formal position on socialism is to denounce it “in all its forms.”

Certain sectors of Christian media are also denouncing socialism. Mark Creech, a pastor with the Christian Action League of North Carolina, wrote in The Christian Post that socialism is the political equivalent of “lipstick on a pig” because it preaches deliverance through the economy rather than salvation through Christ. The Federalist ran a piece arguing that pastors supporting socialist politicians automatically disqualify themselves from their ministerial roles. In 2020, conservative leader Charlie Kirk argued American Christianity needed a “new reformation” against socialism to secure the good Christian life for Americans.

Considering the above, a person could be forgiven for believing that socialism, Christianity, and democracy are completely incompatible.

My stand, however, as a Christian and a democratic socialist, is that my discipleship to Christ requires that I critique greed, the accumulation of private wealth, and exploitation of workers, using Matthew 6:24 as my guide: “You cannot serve both God and money.”

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An image of the November 2026 issue of Sojourners, titled "Face to Face." It features George Lakey on the cover
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