The early Christian Church practiced a form of communism. People joining the Church were required to give all of their possessions to Church leaders. If they failed to do this, and kept some back for themselves, they would be murdered. This is documented in Acts of the Apostles.
2007-03-01 11:31:40 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Damn Christians.
2007-03-01 11:34:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 5⤋
* Do People know that the Christian Church was Socialist? *
Yes, however most folk ignore or deny that because of the stigma attached to the words socialist or communist.
It was thief and murder by Peter.
Ahahaha,so pious.
That particular story sounds just like theives, robbing
and murdering that poor couple.
The property was theirs and so was the money.
If they choose not to give it, so what.
It is amazingly exceptional how some can justify murder
and thief in the name of the so called lord.
Some was not good enough for old Peter he wanted it all.
The Bible Acts 5: 1 - 11
Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself,
but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet.
Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God." When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her,
"Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?" "Yes," she said, "that is the price."
Peter said to her, "How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also."
At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.
Have a pleasant day.
2007-03-01 20:19:01 · answer #2 · answered by zurioluchi 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
2Ti 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Put the Bible into its proper divisions. These were Jews. and once the gentiles came on the scene you did not see this practice. The apostle Paul gave the Church its doctrine. Study it!
2007-03-01 20:07:57 · answer #3 · answered by Creepy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are either relying on what someone told you and haven't actually read the Book of Acts, or if you have read it you have very poor reading comprehension skills.
There is an old Chinese saying that if a man does not speak, no one will know just how much of a fool he is.
The husband and wife that you are referring to had lied and didn't have to. Why try to lie to God? That is extremely stupid.
They didn't have to sell their property if they didn't want to. It was the lie that got them into trouble. Go read it.
God bless and may God open your eyes, mind and heart to His truth.
As far as Socialism and Communism in comparison to Jesus and Gods word, you are severely mistaken to even claim a connection, or similarity. The Bible does teach of compassion and generosity, but not any type of forced giving of income to be redistributed. Socialism and Communism are total failures in govt. and no country on Earth that has tried this govt. has succeeded. Examples are Germany, France, England, Russia, etc... It leads to high unemployment, a struggling economy and mediocre health care.
As far as the Catholic Church, they did not represent God and Christ Jesus, they represent themselves and their own desires and political goals.
If you hate God and Jesus and just want to slam Christians, then be honest and just say so. And if that be the case, may God have mercy on your soul.
2007-03-01 19:43:43 · answer #4 · answered by celticwarrior7758 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
What do you mean was? It still is. The church demands the personal wealth of is followers, and offers a small distribution of that to provide equality. Yet the head of the church lives in the luxury of the wealth obtained.
I know that a lot has changed over the years, but the concept of rich man not getting to heaven is still a wide spread belief. While death for not offering proper tithe has changed, the way they handle money has not.
Before I get the hate mail, I know that a many sects do not practice this, but the majority still do, and it needs to be changed.
2007-03-01 19:39:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
the motivation is not the same.. in Chrstianity one trusts God to supply them and as a result can help others by leaning on GOd to provide your needs... this can happen in many environments even with Christians living under Captialism
and is a resault not of compulsion but of the heart and faith
BOTTOM LINE >>>> not the same, in early Christianity sharing propperty was voluntary and promoted a strong work ethic... GOd love a cheerful giver...Notice what Peter said to Ananias and Saphira, it was their CHOICE whether or not to sell their property and give to the poor... it was not mandatory
In contrast, the socialism of today is not voluntary
and instead of redistribution of weath is often a redistribution of misery and a destruction of wealth in the long run
the socialism of today is more a form of humanistic atheism... christianity is motivated by a heart fealt love of truth and God as people glorify GOd, leaning on the work of Jesus on the cross
2007-03-01 19:38:40 · answer #6 · answered by whirlingmerc 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The Christian Church has always been socialist. Jesus Christ taught Socialism.
Some historians think that the basics of Communism was copied from the early Christian faith.
2007-03-01 19:41:08 · answer #7 · answered by Fatima 6 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Since there was nothing called "socialism" until the 1800's - I must call "foul".
But as for communal living in the first century Church? Of course. It's right there in The Acts. Is this some sort of a revelation for you??
2007-03-01 19:35:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 3⤋
Where are your proof texts. Church Doctrine is established when two or three confirm an issue. So I hope that there are a few more scriptures to establish this fact, or are you reading something into it.
2007-03-01 19:38:04 · answer #9 · answered by michael m 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
A reasonable form of socialism is great. I have nothing against it...but communism is a different issue altogether.
2007-03-01 19:42:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
you are mistaking christianity with catholcism....and if you are reffering to the Annanais in acts this was voluntary...they volunteered to give their possessions to the apostles to build a church...they were punished because they volunteered and promised to God and lied....wrong again
2007-03-01 19:36:14 · answer #11 · answered by Robert K 5 · 6⤊ 2⤋