How do Christians feel about communism?(#2)?

Question

Just some scriptural reference.
"The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no
one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles,
and they were distributed to each according to need."
-Acts 4: 32-35

I'm talking about the concept of communism. Not necessarily Marxist or Leninist communism. I'm definitely not talking about the crazy authoritarian pseudo-socialist nations that call themselves communist.

I think the film "The Mission" shows what I'm getting at best.

1:What was your income last year?
2:Last year, 125,000 escudos.
1:And how was it distributed?
2:It is shared among them equally. This is a community.
1:Yes, there is a French radical group that teaches that doctrine.
2:Your Eminence, it was the doctrine of the early Christians.
1:Well...I am inexpressibly impressed by your achievement, Father.

Answer 1

I think that communism is very Christ-like.

I also think that communism does not work outside the commune.

My church (an unprogrammed Quaker meeting) essentially works as a commune on all Meeting-related things - no hierarchy, no voting (100% consensus is needed), etc.

And it is worth it to point that the successful communes of the world tend to be religious ones - monasteries, convents, and similar groups in various religions (though there are areligious ones too of course).

And if you think about it, a family is a perfect example of communism in a commune - "from each according to his ability, to each according to his need." Anyone here think parents should not feed their kids until they are old enough to earn food? It's a communistic setup.

They're a good thing and an example of Christian sharing and love.

But to implement communism on a larger society means implementing it where some don't want it (instead of starting a commune and then people come in only if they want to). Which means coercion of some kind. Which is then subjugating the will of the people anyway - so its self-contradictory.

I think we should leave communism to the communes, and recognize that in a pluralistic secular setting a republic (rule by majority except for some fundamental rights that cannot be overridden) works best.

~ Lib

Answer 2

Most Christians (at least in America) think Communism is evil and that Jesus was some sort of Capitalist. Honestly I think the teachings of Jesus are contrary to Capitalism and lean toward true communism. True communism being totally different from Marxism. In true communism, everyone would be equal and share everything. Kind of like a big Christian hippy commune (minus the free love/sex).

Communism has become just as corrupt as capitalism, however capitalism by nature is the worship of money and is therefore the root of all evil

Answer 3

the key verse is 32 "All the believers were one in heart and mind."

You see, they wanted to be together and help each other. They were all on the same sheet of music. They did this of their own free will, not because the government told they had to. They were not forced to believe or disbelieve something.

Communism as we know it in the world today, is forced on those who live under it. They have no choice. Did you see the show about North Korea on Friday night with Diane Sawyer, they brain wash these people all day long while working in a sweat shop for 20.00 a month. That is in no way, anything like the Christian community you see in Acts chapter 4.

Answer 4

Good question and you picked an applicable verse.

As you infer, communism as we know it today is largely an attempt to create a utopian, humanist society devoid of religion. Our opinion, then, is obvious.

What the early Christians were trying to do was altruistic, but it ultimately didn't work. They were probably looking for the rapture within days and weeks and never considered they would have to support themselves for the rest of their lives. IMHO, sharing is great and the bible calls on believers to support one another, but communism as an economy will fail every time because in the true application thereof, I can work my fingers to the bone or not at all and still eat the same food and wear the same clothes. Why work? Why take any risk with what little capital I have to attempt to create more capital?

Answer 5

Democracy is not part of the Christian religion. Most political standpoints are not part of the religion.

One of the few things the bible does say about this is that Christians are to obey the laws of their respective countries.

Since most Christians exist in a democratic government, and since most communist governments have historically banned religion, Christians probably don't think that highly of Communism.

That doesn't mean their actual religion conflicts with it...just circumstance and reality.

Answer 6

Heaven if you think about it would probably be a perfect communist model. The problem is that humans cannot implement communism because people are very corruptible. Absolute power corrupts Absolutely. Its the same message as in Animal Farm. They eventually become the corrupt leaders that they revolted against.

Answer 7

If you are trying to promote Jesus as a socialist....you are dead wrong. He is a Capitalist...he makes me work for a living every day.
So get a job and get with the program>

Answer 8

I am glad you put that disclaimer in... Cos I do like the concept, but I know in reality too many people struggle with greed but in a perfect society where we don't just look out for ourselves, but look out for every body... All our resources would be heaps better used.

Answer 9

There are Christian Communists on our planet . They are probably content in life .

Answer 10

jeez, gary got it wrong again. read your bible, jesus was a socialist