The Nature of Democratic Socialism

Democratic socialists often present themselves as champions of “the people,” but in practice, their ideology is built on populism and demagoguery. Historically and biblically, this type of leadership has frequently aligned with the spirit of division, pride, and rebellion—the very qualities Scripture warns us about as coming from Satan.

As Christians, we believe that everyone—regardless of their past—has an opportunity to repent and find God. However, when individuals or entire movements reject God and His moral law, they inevitably create chaos, and their decisions often harm generations to come.

Faith cannot be forced; salvation must be a personal, voluntary choice. That is why Christianity opposes forced conversions and warns against censorship—even of those we disagree with. When Christians and Jews call for censorship of their enemies, they step outside the trust God commands us to place in Him. As Psalm 34:21 (KJV) reminds us:

“Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.”

Applying Biblical Principles to Modern Conflicts

This verse applies broadly. If Israel were to commit atrocities, God Himself will bring justice. Likewise, if Christians do evil, they will face His judgment. Justice belongs to God—not to us.

That principle is also a warning: when believers try to “play God,” we risk falling into pride and hypocrisy. This same error is visible in the conduct of public figures who claim moral authority while dividing people through careless or inflammatory rhetoric.

The Yves Engler Controversy

This brings us to Yves Engler, a federal NDP leadership hopeful, whose past writings have caused outrage. In 2017, Engler published a blog post that downplayed the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda—an atrocity in which up to one million men, women, and children were slaughtered.

In his post, Engler questioned the reported death toll and claimed the figures had been inflated to align with “Washington, London, and Kigali’s interests.”

The reaction from Rwandan-Canadian organizations has been swift and severe. The Humura Association—an organization of Tutsi genocide survivors—released a statement, co-signed by B’nai Brith Canada, condemning Engler’s remarks.

“Downplaying what happened in Rwanda in 1994 is not only unacceptable, but also dangerously harmful,” said Pascal Kanyemera, president of Humura.
“Such comments are akin to killing survivors twice—once physically, and again emotionally by invalidating their suffering.”

Engler’s Response

In response, Engler dismissed the backlash as a “smear campaign” and accused B’nai Brith of twisting his words, while doubling down on his accusations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

His dismissal has only deepened the controversy. Richard Robertson of B’nai Brith Canada called Engler’s position “appalling” and unfit for a person aspiring to lead a major Canadian political party.

The Larger Problem with Democratic Socialism

This situation illustrates why democratic socialism is inherently divisive. Instead of uniting people through truth and accountability, it often produces leaders who attempt to control narratives to fit their ideology. They:

• Attack groups they perceive as threatening
• Rewrite history to serve political goals
• Use censorship, regulation, and force as tools to impose their worldview

These patterns are not new. From Scripture, we know that idolatry and authoritarianism always go hand-in-hand. Those who reject the Kingdom of God will create their own “kingdoms” built on power and ideology, even if it leads to conflict or war.

Division Leads to War

This is why, throughout history, socialism and its various forms have caused unrest. By censoring opposing voices and refusing to allow people to tell their own stories, leaders like Engler risk escalating tensions rather than healing wounds.

Even Christianity is divisive in its own way—we make no secret that we do not accept Sharia law, forced collectivism, or state control over personal liberty. But the difference is that our foundation is one of freedom, repentance, and responsibility, not compulsion.

When socialist leaders try to impose their narratives through control, they may temporarily gain power, but they ultimately create more resentment and hostility.

What Comes Next for the NDP?

For Yves Engler, these remarks will likely follow him throughout his leadership campaign. They raise a critical question: If a politician aspires to unite Canadians, why begin by sowing division and rewriting history?

Christians understand that true unity cannot come from ideology alone. It comes from humility, accountability, and a willingness to allow truth—however uncomfortable—to be spoken.

Final Thoughts

The lesson here is simple:

• Words have consequences.
• Censorship and forced narratives lead to deeper division.
• Leaders must allow for free discussion, even when that discussion challenges their beliefs.

Whether in Rwanda, Israel, Canada, or anywhere else, truth and reconciliation cannot be built on denial or manipulation.

And as Christians, we remind everyone: Consider making Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior today. Only through Him can true justice, mercy, and peace be found.