The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum An Economic question

In the OT Israel was intended to be a theocracy. They were God's chosen people. However they held property and possessions individually. We read of the prosperity of Job, Abraham, and others.

In the NT we read that the early church held everything in common (Acts 2:44,45). This Spirit filled covenant community sold their possession and shared everything in common with fellow believers and their families. This was a powerful expression of love for God and neighbor and we read that the Lord added to their number daily those who should be saved.

When you take that principal and apply it to society at large it becomes something else. You can call it socialism or communism but history shows us what happens next. Unfortunately there will be those who lie and cheat to get the benefits of this program without feeling responsibility for others. Just like social programs today in America. They will tell you that it's their right to do this because it's the law of the land. Just like it legal to abort your child, practice homosexuality, and gamble. Without morality and accountability it becomes a corrupt system.

Fortunately the church has overseers to guard against such sins. Churches today do not practice holding everything in common as the early church did. However we do respond to the needs within our congregations by ministering to one another and through the ministry of mercy which the Deacons perform. Every person must remember that he is responsible to love his brother as himself. This is a far cry from socialism which radically disturbs the present system of private property and taxes one to provide the presumed needs of another.


Wes