I'm confused about the lack of connection between evangelical Christianity and anti-communism?

Question

In the minds of many Americans, atheism & communism are indelibly linked and political actions opposed to communism have long taken the form of strengthening America's "public" Christianity.
It was thus that the American government made “In God We Trust” the national motto & put it on money in the late1950s. It was also for this reason that “under God” was added to the Pledge of Allegiance.
Acts has two explicit passages regarding the very communistic nature of early Christians:
All that believed were together, & had all things in common; & sold their possessions and goods & parted them to all men, as every man had need. (Acts 2:44-45) look these up too (Acts 4:34-37) (Ex. 16:16-18)

Is it possible that Marx’s famous line “From each according to his ability, to each according to his need” took its inspiration directly from the New Testament? Immediately following this second passage is a very interesting story about a couple, Ananias and Sapphira, does anyone know this story?

the second passage I refer to above is this:
There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
(Acts 4:34-37)

but there does seem to be a call to level assets.
I'm referring to the very interesting story about a couple, Ananias and Sapphira, who sold a piece of property but only gave the community a portion of the proceeds, keeping some of it for themselves. When Peter confronts them with this, they both fall down and die - leaving the impression (for many people) that they were struck dead.

Killing bourgeoisie land owners who fail to give all of their money to the community? That’s not merely communism, that’s Stalinism.

I'm not saying communism is good or that I want it as a form of government. I'm saying that evangelical christians are not right when they link Christianity and anti-communism - the Bible doesn't back it up.

You not understanding - I'm saying that the tenants of Christianity and anti-communism don't jive. Communist leaders made they state atheist - no where is it written that socialism has to go hand in had with atheism - thats just a decision made by leaders.
The bible is clearly anti-capitalism

Jenny- why do you judge me so? I was raised a christian and have read the bible- you needn't preach it to me.

I am a capitalist Jenny- I have 3 jobs! I am saying that your Bible is pro-socialism- so your the ding-bat because you don't even understand my question- I think someone needs to read their Bible. Give me the Evangelical-capitalism link honey- come on GIVE IT TO ME!

Answer 1

it isn't just the notion that "communism is atheist" that drives the fundamentalist hatred of communism. They believe in a moral scheme that requires harsh competition, not kindness and sharing, because winning the competition is supposed to be your "reward" for being "good". They fear that socialist-style systems breed weakness and laziness, and feel that it removes their primary moral yardstick. I believe you are right in pointing out that this is NOT in keeping with the spirit of the Gospels, but in point of fact that isn't what matters to them.

Answer 2

Communism is basically atheistic. In the early years of the Cold War, America was still strongly Christian, so that 'Godlessness' was seized upon as a reason to oppose Communism that was more visceral and easily grasped by the average American than the relative merits of Karl Marx and Adam Smith. Thus the change to the Pledge of Allegiance, for instance.

Christianity does council Charity, but that is a long way from the enforced egalitarianism of Communism. Charity is a voluntary act, and, for it to occur, one must be prosperous, and another in need. In a Coummunist society, the state aportions resources, so no one will be prosperous or in need compared to someone else. Thus any act of Christian Charity (or the giving of alms, one of the Pillars of Islam) would be counter-revolutionary.

Answer 3

The examples you show to not support Communism. These are examples of Christian Charity and Christian Brotherhood not examples of a communist government.

"All that believed" were followers of Christ, not just citizens. The first scripture shows how society should be. Instead of Socialist and Communist government entitlment programs, the Church takes care of All Men, not just their own members.

And it was done willingly, not forced. Which was the point of the section about Ananias & Sapphira. It was there's they didn't have to give it, but they lied about it.

Acts 4 should start with the 32st verse:

32And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

33And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

34Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold.

35And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

36And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

37Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Again, these were believers sharing their wordly goods. Not the government.

The Ex. example was when God sent manna down from Heaven to feed the children of Israel. They were told to only take what they could eat.

You will have to try a little harder to support your liberal beliefs. Do not try to pin them on Jesus, His Apostles, and early Christians.

I hope your 'confusion' has left you.

Answer 4

i presumed Evangelical grew to become into the popular-day *definition* for anti-intellectualism... --"intellectualism as you cite is secularism. no longer condoning isn't the comparable as anti" -- i could have understood that in case you had utilized some grammar --"Evangelism is only bringing new sheep into the fold the place they belong interior the 1st place. The Shepherd knows of they're lacking" -- yet who's the Shepherd? He looks to have long previous away, leaving his flock to wander blindly and hopelessly

Answer 5

The problem isn't with the principles of communism (i.e. community property), after all, a family is a miniature Communist community. The problem is (at least in America) the government forcing it upon us. You are free to sell all of your earthly belongings and give them to the needy. You are free to join a comune. But these must be your choice and not things that are legislated or forced upon those that are unwilling to participate.

Galatians 5:13 says it best, look it up.

Answer 6

Communism and the ideal of a utopia actually calls for an absence of religion. And, Christianity does teach sharing with the less fortunate, charity for all, and giving to others - but it does not call for a "levelling" of assets. It does not call for an ordered state dictating a person's job according to abilities, nor does Christianity believe in total absence of government and law.

Answer 7

you are not the only one, so am I