Christian Socialism the Major Tenets

Christian Socialism

The major tenets of Socialism are a community of goods, the redistribution of wealth, and public ownership of certain means of production. These tenets essentially mean that our society, as a whole, should care for one another so that no one goes without the basic necessities (brotherly love?). In The New Testament, examples abound to support these tenets. Upon reading the New Testament, it becomes abundantly clear that Jesus Christ was a Socialist. There are so many passages that relate to the basic tenets of socialism that His ideological views on the subject seem irrefutable. Further, He was not just a Socialist in theory; His actions supported his beliefs time and time again.

First and foremost, who has not heard "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35)? These famous words are known throughout the world and are recognized by people of every religion. If one is in possession of some good, and then gives it to someone else, have they not redistributed wealth? Jesus further taught that if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? (John 3:17) What better example than (2Corinthians 8:9) where it is written, "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich?" One of the more poignant passages regarding redistribution is (Luke 3:11) wherein it is written, "And He answered them, 'Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.'" Yet another memorable, passage regarding redistribution is (Corinthians 8:13-15) where it is written, "For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. As it is written, 'Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.'"

There are also several passages which point directly to goods being held in common. For example, it is written in (Acts 4:32-35), "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need." And again in (Acts 2:44-45) it is written, "And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need." Then again we see this same concept of communal goods in (Proverbs 1:13-17) where it is written, "We shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder; throw in your lot among us; we will have one purse."

This is not to say that He was advocating a society of slackers, nor does Socialism. This is evidenced in (Thessalonians 3:10) where it is written, "For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: 'If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.'" Ideally, each person contributes what they can to the well being of everyone else. This is further evidenced in (Ephesians 4:28), where it is written, "Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need."

Public ownership of certain means of production is supported in (Isaiah 65:21-22) where it is written, "They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands." The lesson seems clear that one should not labor on behalf someone else, unless, of course, they are in need, but labor should be for the benefit of society, rather than an individual.

There are also passages where His messages appear to be warnings to those who do not heed the above lessons of sharing and brotherly love. In (Luke 6:20-24) it is written, "And He lifted up his eyes in his disciples and said: 'Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.'" There is also a passage in (Acts 5:1-10) where a man sells his lands and then delivers only part to the Apostle's rather than sharing it. Because he failed to contribute all of the proceeds, he was punished by death. Throughout the New Testament one sees a continued emphasis on sharing.