I finished reading Jesus for President a couple of weeks ago and I’m about done with The Irresistible Revolution, and these two books have me really focused on the Kingdom of God and cultivating community. The seeker in me wonders what life would be like if we really lived out what Jesus preached and what the early followers of The Way were inspired to demonstrate with their very lives. When the early Believers lived the words of Jesus, something miraculous happened. Let’s read Acts 4: 32-34 with fresh eyes:
All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.
This is such a radical, counter-cultural community! These followers of The Way eliminated private ownership, unified under the banner of Community, and were blessed greatly as a result. As Shane Claiborne points out in Jesus for President, this subset of society eliminated poverty within their ranks. There was no government program. No foundation grant. No nonprofit assistance. No politician pushing promises. Because they decided to live the words of Jesus poverty became extinct. Now here’s the relevant question:
How many of us want to bring an end to poverty? (I’m betting on everyone on the other side of this screen raising their hands.) Good!
Now, how many of us – Believers – Followers of The Way – Disciples of Jesus are ready to start siphoning off our personal possessions so that everyone’s needs are met? (uh…he-…helloooooooooooo out thereeeeee….”cricket” “cricket”)
You do know that living within the American Economic System that poverty will never leave us don’t you? This mixed capitalism that we live under supports the unjust distribution of resources, selfishness, material gluttony, oligopolies, and political oligarchies. It just doesn’t line up with the words of Jesus. (i.e. “Whatever you do for the least of these you do for me” Matt. 25:40)
Our culture offers many grand words about our responsibility to those in need, but if you match our words with our actions then you’ll find we are much like the rich ruler that Jesus encountered who was curious about immortality. Let’s read this together with fresh eyes:
As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.”
“Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”
Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” [Mark 10:17-23 New Living Translation]
How many of us can say: No Murder? check. No Stealing? check. No adultery? check.
SELL ALL I HAVE AND GIVE IT TO THE POOR?! But GOD gave me this Benz!
Oh really. (Do you really mean this BENZ gave me my god?)
The Kingdom of God is obviously not of this world, but it is the only sermon that Jesus preached and when his earliest adherents lived it; they experienced remarkable miracles and blessings from God. There was joy, unity, food, and no lack among them. They were the Beloved Community.
I’m striving now to experience God’s Kingdom in my personal life and I’m starting with my stuff. I have too much. I’m not rich by the world’s determination, but in another sense I am. I had nearly 8 pairs of shoes, more clothes than I can wear, more “things” than I can classify and I drive past people in downtown Baltimore who are barefoot, half naked, and hungry. God created enough for everybody. Why are there people with nothing living alongside people with more than enough?
I took four pairs of my shoes out of my closet and to the Baltimore Free Store last Saturday. I watched with great joy as those who needed my brown loafers walked off with them without paying a dime. I thought I was going to tear up while giving up my Durango boots, but nope. I’m good. I have enough. And I have more that I’ll be turning over this Saturday.
This is the type of Christian communalism that my soul longs to see! I’ve had enough of Christian commercialism. I’m hungry now for the Kingdom of God.
Anybody up to searching for the Kingdom with me?
Related posts:
- The early Christians were Socialists. Why aren’t we? Part1 Perhaps they didn’t think of themselves as Socialists. Perhaps they...
- Jesus for President: The challenge to live, think, and act differently I’m making my way (very slowly) through this amazing book...
- Rally for PEACE at Baltimore’s War Memorial Sunday was a long day for me – as most...
- Youth Ministers Must Broaden Their Ministries I read Dan Rodericks’ lastest piece in The Baltimore Sun...
- A Day for Darfur Pt.3 Joe Madison is testifying for the Senate Budget and Taxation...
‘Get rich or die trying’ The theme of that movie is the overarching theme in the lives of too many Americans today, including Christian ones. Christians have bought wholesale into capitalist principles, which are diametrically opposed to the principles of God. On the other hand too many Christians have set God’s principles completely aside when it comes to when is enough or when it is time to share the bounty.
Capitalism teaches one to get all you can in deference to the needs of others and leaving something for someone else. It provides the impetus for why we do what we do and are seemingly never satisfied no matter how we have been blessed. God has opened the windows of heaven already, I hear most churches quote those scriptures during the offertory service, yet the majority of the bureau drawers, closets, basements, attics, garages, outside utility and remote storage places in many Christian homes are already full to the brim. In other words God has already done it, and Christians are trying to figure out how to get more
Most Christians in this regard buy into conservative republican economics, i.e., ‘trickle-down’, ala some crumbs will eventually fall from the rich man’s table. Simply giving to the poor is not enough, reducing what you have and take in order to provide a permanent lift to ones fellow man is what God had in mind. Americans and the church by itself could eliminate poverty and help to provide employment for every American in one years time – if God’s people who are called by his name, would revert to Godly principles, as opposed to following worldly principles, or even Christians can continue in the pursuit of getting rich or to die trying. Godliness with contentment is great gain – God put enough here for every person, animal, insect or other organism!
Thank you Reverend Brown
During the activist 60′s in America, the battlecry that was often heard at black-American rallies was, white power to white people, green power to green people and black power to black people, but n’ghs are afraid of revolution.
Your piece is brilliant, but we must also keep in mind that Jesus found only a limited number of true revolutionaries in his time who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to bring about dynamic social change!
On the other hand multitudes followed Jesus just to get what they could get for themselves, feeding, miracles and a promise of hope! Americans in the churches today prefer the status quo, they are afraid of the term social and its extension, socialism; they have been taught to be afraid of what Jesus and his followers embraced, socialism!
This is truth. I feel like we try to tie Christianity to Capitalism to achieve a political agenda and the Kingdom suffers because of it. I’m glad to hear that I’m not the only one who feels convicted of tremendous social injustice.
My only criticism is with this sentence: “Why are there people with nothing living alongside people with more than enough?” And I understand what you mean; however, I believe the problem lies in that we DON’T live alongside those with nothing. As Shane points out in The Irresistible Revolution, if we DID live alongside of them, we couldn’t help but give them our clothes and satisfy their needs. We wouldn’t be able to help seeing Jesus in them. As it is, our culture gravitates towards hiding the poor so we can forget about them and live out our ‘American Dream’, free of guilt.
As Dorothy Day put it (I believe she said this anyways): “If you have two coats and you meet someone with none, you have stolen his coat.” By giving to the poor, we are doing no favors–only that which by all acounts should flow naturally from us. It’s not good that we give other people what they need–we’re doing what we owe them.
Great point, Craig! And I agree with you – we don’t live alongside “the least” and our culture does attempt to place them in marginal seclusion so as not to disturb the conscience of the comfortable.
Keep preaching the truth!
I agree with what you’ve said about Christianity becoming a prop for Capitalism rather than a critical voice against competition and self-betterment.
My question, however, is what does our faith say to those on the margins? Those with their backs against the wall?
We still operate – even in our most “radical” thinking as the strong interceding on behalf of the week. We still promote a gospel that speaks only to the “haves” and their imperative to intercede on behalf of the “have nots.” In our most sensitive, compassionate, and radical moments we still advance our own worldview… a view from the top.
How then – do we allow for a faith that is of the perspective of those not on top… of the perspective of those whose diginity is trampled everyday?
The prosperity movement has blinded, misled, tricknolorized and fleece ALL people. True love for our brothers and neighbors have been obliterated by the false, hateful and most of all, selfish doctrine. I submit to you that if you get rid of T.D. Jakes, Creflo Dollar, Juanita Bynum, Frank Reid, Jamaal Bryant and all of those who preach the moneychanger gospel, and replace them with holy, bible-based teaching(not twisting bible words to support your trickeration), and leaders who actually love God and fear God, then we would have something. I truly belive more men would come to Christ. Say what you will about black men, the majority have a inner sense when someone is trying to pull the wool over their eyes as these charlatans do oh so well.
the trouble is no bodys totaly wrong and nobodys totally right if we adopt the give everything away and equally share theorey who would go out and build the schools and hospitals and invent new useful and life saving technoligies and feed the world because lot of these woundourous inventions came too being out of need or wanting too be rich or greed which is right wing capitalization greed war mungering ect on the other hand the more caring and sometimes less energetic or less greedy left wing politics if taken too extreme also tend too attract minorities and revalotionaries seem too side with prochoice legal marjuwana gay marriage more . from one extrem too another neither really a christian example we have too meet somewhere in the middle idnt vote fore who i want cause how can one of two parties totally satisfie three hundred peoplei just make sure i dont vote for the party i totaly dont want based on more than one issue
Okay, so say everybody in the United States adopts this socialistic point of view. Everybody shares the wealth in common, and Socialism becomes are societal structure. Everything is great, right? Not exactly.
The funny thing about Socialism is that it does not create incentive. Anybody with a basic knowledge of economics knows that individual interest is the primary source of innovation, thus leading to the creation of jobs and wealth. Without this incentive to create and innovate, society stagnates and large scale theft begins to occur. From there, it can only get worse because those who put themselves above the law prosper, and those who attempt to abide by the socialistic laws are crushed.
I understand that in theory, socialism is the best idea since sliced bread. I also understand that in reality, socialism is not effective.
Capitalism, on the other hand, creates incentive for the individual to make something of themselves – to do what they love. Although money is definitely a motivating factor, it doesn't have to be. Most people I know have the job that they have because they enjoy it and they are good at it. Capitalism gives EVERYBODY a chance to choose their path. Therefore, most people who are without employment either have really bad luck, or they are just mooching off taxpayer dollars. As it is said in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, "For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: 'The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.'"
What Capitalism also allows people to do is give FREELY of their own God-given will. For those who are less fortunate, there is always help. Now, I know some of you are going to try to up-end my point by saying, "But Socialism already takes care of the poor!". While I do acknowledge that there may be a brief initial appearance of success to the whole scheme, it crumbles very quickly due to the human condition. If you let people be generous, then the result will be very good. Not only will the poor be helped, but people will have the opportunity to change their own hearts (and possibly come to know Christ if they have not already).
We all know that no method is entirely effective at eliminating poverty. Jesus knew this, and told his disciples in John 12:8, "You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
I have attached a video to this post, and I hope all of you here will watch. I mean no offense to this community, I am just doing my best to be salt and light in a community that has obviously become confused about the Christian faith. God bless you all.
[youtube RWsx1X8PV_A http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWsx1X8PV_A youtube]
Jesus' teachings and commands in the Bible were not necessarily socialistic. Why is it that every person who wants the bible or Jesus to be socialist, only points out the story to take care of the poor and the early church selling their possessions to take care of each other… what about all the other Parables Jesus taught about individual responsibility and the commands from the apostle and old testament prophets to be productive. In Jesus' parable of talents, which servant is cast out, for this topic would you say it was the capitalist or the socialist? 2 servants worked very hard to multiply their investments and one servant was idle waiting for something to happen. The servant who did very little and did not invest was cast out and his talents were given to the servant who invested wisely. Notice also that each servant was given a different amount of money. We are not treated equals and therefore God gives more to some than others for He has his reasons. We should never expect to all be equal as socialism strives for, but has never accomplished. Talents can mean many things to many people from money to physical work, but regardless, it was the idle servant who was cast out of the kingdom.. Salvation is based on the individual. We will be judged or I should say rewarded as Christians individually. If a Christian person is relying on others to give him his home, food, welfare, then is he being productive or idle? Is he contributing to the body of Christ? Is he multiplying his talents?
The problem with socialism is that it takes away incentive and human nature is sinful and can be very lazy. Given the chance most people would chose to be lazy if they were getting food and shelter for free. We are asked to bear good fruit through the spirit. Charity and kindness are fruits of the spirit and we should help our brothers in need until they are able to stand on their own. The parable of the good Samaritan. The Samaritan helped the man in need UNTIL he was well enough to stand on his own.
There are also many Biblical references and Warnings Against Idleness 2nd Thessalonians 3 is one.
6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching[a] you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat. 11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.
14 Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.
So if everyone is commanded to EARN the food they eat… that is not socialism, but in some ways a form of capitalism. personal responsibility, earning a living rather than waiting around and letting others work hard to give you a living. If each individual Christian is working hard to contribute to the body of Christ then there is no need for socialism either.
Ephesians 4:25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to
his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26"In your anger do
not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do
not give the devil a foothold. 28He who has been stealing must steal no
longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that
he may have something to share with those in need.
1 Thess 4: 11Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own
business and to work with your hands, just as we told you,
12so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so
*that you will not be dependent on anybody.
( life during the millenium talked about in Isaiah 65:21-22)
21 They will build houses and dwell in them;
they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
22 No longer will they build houses and others live in them,
or plant and others eat.
sounds like No more welfare!
Micah 4: 3 He will judge between many peoples
and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide.
They will beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore.
4 Every man will sit under his own vine
and under his own fig tree,
and no one will make them afraid,
Notice that in God's kingdom we will have our own properties. That is Not socialism or a result of socialism, but of God's grace and our individual hard work. There will always be those in need and we should share with them when we have abundance, but those who are in need and poor should understand that they are called to be productive too and God wants them to have abundance as well. Therefore God does not want them to remain idle and poor, but to rise up and to become a person who can contribute and helps others in need too.
By the way… please don't get me wrong. I believe this bloggers heart is in the right place, but to look down upon or to be judgemental of Christians who are wealthy can lead to sin. It can become a form of jealousy and envy. Remember that when God blessed those in the old testament such as Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, David, Solomon, etc etc… they all had wealth as part of their blessings so that they could be a blessing and help others. The church needs the generous and wealthy. That is what builds our churches and sends out and supports our missionaries. To automatically think that being a wealthy Christian makes you a greedy and selfish person is being narrow minded.
I have met many poor people that are greedy with $10 dollars. It is all about the heart issue regardless of your financial standing.. Those men and of course many modern day wealthy Christians do love the Lord with all their heart mind and soul. Think of all the things the Church needs to accomplish and think about how to do it with no donations from well off Christians. it would be a lot more difficult.
This blogger is using a reference out of context that so many who call for socialism do … that we are to sell ALL our possessions and give it to the poor, so we should all be poor??? Jesus at the time was talking to a man who was following "The law" and thought his salvation was based on works. The man wanted to know what else he could do to be sure that he had eternal life, since according to the Law, he had done all the things Jesus recommended. Remember, the great mistake many jews were making was to think that obeying all the laws and works was the way to salvation, rather than faith. Jesus knew the mans heart, so he told the man that to be perfect that the man should sell all his possessions and give it to the poor and then FOLLOW JESUS, the man walked away sad and did not want to follow Jesus or sell his possessions. The man failed his test. Then Jesus said it is harder for a rich man to get into heaven than a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, because Salvation is NOT based on works. Matt19: 25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” It's all about the heart, regardless of your income….
Gosh..I’m from Australia and am searching online because I am totally baffled by American so-called Christianity and its aversion to socialism. I believe it is one of the BIGGEST stumbling blocks to people understanding the gospel from outside the Church. It amazes me how so many Christian evangelicals in North America contextualize scripture according to their socio-centric ideological and cultural norms.
Lets get one thing straight, the parable of the talents has nothing to do with money, its a metaphor for ALL the abilities God gives us and how we use them! Using this parable as an argument against socialism is as absurd as Nicodemus interpreting to be ‘born-again’ to mean literally that.
Secondly if the church in Acts gave to all who had need.. do you think in theory if one of the Apostles had been promoted politically at the time he would have just gone, o.k. that agenda just stops here?? Most American Christians are dead sold on ‘the traditions of men’ i.e. ‘the constitution’ etc and giving precedence to economic theory only INVENTED BY MEN in the eighteenth century as though it was a part of the Bible! Charles Finney the revivalist criticized this idolatry of the constitution in his own day. Finney’s own social work actually financially rivaled the Federal government’s at the time. That is a scathing comparison for the ‘Ned Flanders’ middle-American status-quo Christian of today.
A distinction many American’s fail to make is that Marxism is just ONE type of socialism..historically it grew up among MANY others. So in view of this I think American Christians have there cultural blinkers on.. The early church in the book of Acts and Christ’s disciples..freely gave..yes..BUT.. almost ALL did..in fact the very fact that Ananais and Saphira lied about giving shows you how they wished to buy into a false pride of ‘prestige’ in giving so endemic in the church as a micro social group. A giving that had totally enveloped the church.. American Christians if anything should stop preaching the rhetoric of the culturally man-made invention of the American dream and attaching it to scripture..thus distorting its demands..and if anything see Marxism as satan’s means of counterfeiting the job the church which should be pushing and changing governments to go full throttle out of compassion for the poor! Otherwise the lost will only see the socialist unbelievers as the bearers of genuine compassion and reject a church that produces politician’s like Michelle Backmen and Rick Perry who oppose the just taxing of the wealthiest members of society in the name of the free-market ideology invented BY MEN in the eighteenth century Enlightenment.