quote:
Originally posted by dmm:
[b]
"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share."
That is "Christian communalism": From each, willingly, as an act of love and mercy (and also to gain eternal rewards -- God knows human nature!), according to how God has blessed; To each, according to his/her need (not want), as determined by individuals or by a local fellowship of people who know and love him/her and want the long-term best for him/her.
In practice, this is not an easy thing to achieve. Liberals err by trying to force everyone to "be nice" to everyone, regardless of circumstances or merit. Conservatives err by assuming that people will automatically "be nice" if only the government will stay out of it.
The only reason that "Christian communalism" can work is given in the exortation to "put their hope in God". A person can only truly give up there own self-interests when they know that their needs will be unfailingly met by the power of God.
In this is the greatest misunderstanding about Chritianity, both from the inside and the outside. Christianity is not a set of moral rules or a way to achieve enlightenment to make one group of people superior to another (though I have seen attempts to use it that way.) It is also not a get-rich-quick scheme, though there are those who attempt to use it that way, as well.
Christianity is a relationship with Jesus Christ. Those who follow Him should exhibit certain behavior traits as a positive reaction to what He has done, not in an attempt to win favor with God or others. That is why attempting to legislate "Christian" behavior fails. Without the relationship with Christ, there is no motivation to behave in a "Christian" manner.