Acts 4:32-36
The early church functioned as a true community; unifying each other, caring for each other, growing the community both in Maturity and Stature; from within and from without

Reading through the New Testament over the years, I have come to the realization that the early Church practiced a healthy form of socialism, or at least what we would consider socialist. Many members sold their homes and lands to distribute money throughout the church so that no one would be in need. Those who didn’t sell their homes made room in their houses for the traveling disciples to stay.

Why would they do this? The early church truly understood where their money came from and who it belonged to. They also truly loved their neighbors.

This understanding of money and neighborly love has been lost through the years, especially with the rise of capitalism and the individualist culture. In the USA, especially, we fight so hard to make sure that “our” money stays “our” money. I understand not wanting to trust our government with our hard earned money, but just as God gives us our money, He gives us our leadership.

The early church, and the culture surrounding it, was based on community. They truly followed the saying, “it takes a village.” When people died, the church was there in mourning. When people married, they were there in celebration. In both the good times and bad, the church was there for the congregation.

How does this translate to the community? The church gave to the poor and needy within and without the church. When we choose to follow Christ, He gives us the freedom to give generously as He gives to us generously. Just as we should give tithes, we should also give to the poor; We should help feed the hungry and clothe the needy. The church should do this, the individual should do this, and we shouldn’t be upset if our government wants to do this.(I’m not getting into arguments about the truly lazy.)

All of this being said, I don’t think we should go full Socialist or Communist, they each have their evils, but I think the Church and Christians should seriously consider the evils of Capitalism and why we praise it so much. We should also consider why those who vote conservative continue to vote for people who don’t help the poor and needy, but would rather look out for the interests of corporations.

James 2:6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? (James is discussing treatment of rich and poor coming into the church gathering)