Christian communism

Christian Communism

Christian communism is a form of religious communism based on Christianity. It is a theological and political theory that interprets the teachings of Jesus Christ as advocating for a society where property is communally owned, and wealth is distributed according to need. Christian communists believe that the principles of communism are inherent in the teachings of Jesus and the practices of the early Christian church.

Historical Background

The roots of Christian communism can be traced back to the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament, where the early Christians in Jerusalem are described as living in a communal society:

All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.

— Acts 2:44-45

This passage is often cited by Christian communists as evidence that the early church practiced a form of communism.

Early Christian Communities

The early Christian communities, as described in the New Testament, practiced a form of communal living. The Didache, an early Christian text, also emphasizes the importance of sharing and communal living. These communities were characterized by their collective ownership of goods and their commitment to helping the poor and needy.

Medieval and Renaissance Periods

Throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, various Christian sects and movements, such as the Franciscans and the Hussites, advocated for communal living and the sharing of resources. These groups often faced persecution from the established church and secular authorities.

Theological Foundations

Christian communism is grounded in the belief that the teachings of Jesus Christ are fundamentally opposed to capitalism and private property. Key theological concepts include:

• The Kingdom of God: Christian communists interpret the Kingdom of God as a society based on justice, equality, and communal ownership.
• The Sermon on the Mount: The teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, particularly the Beatitudes, are seen as advocating for a society that prioritizes the poor and marginalized.
• Love and Compassion: The commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself" is central to Christian communism, emphasizing the need for social and economic justice.

Modern Christian Communism

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Christian communism gained prominence through the writings and activism of figures such as Leo Tolstoy and Dorothy Day.

Leo Tolstoy

Leo Tolstoy, a Russian writer and philosopher, advocated for a form of Christian anarchism that included elements of communism. In his book "The Kingdom of God Is Within You", Tolstoy argued that true Christianity requires the rejection of violence and the establishment of a society based on love and equality.

Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker Movement

Dorothy Day, an American journalist and social activist, co-founded the Catholic Worker Movement in 1933. The movement promotes social justice, hospitality to the homeless, and communal living, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Jesus and the early church.

Criticism and Controversy

Christian communism has faced criticism from both religious and secular perspectives. Some argue that it misinterprets the teachings of Jesus, while others claim it is impractical or incompatible with modern economic systems. Despite this, Christian communism continues to inspire individuals and movements seeking to align their faith with social and economic justice.

See Also

• Liberation theology
• Social gospel
• Christian socialism

External Links

• Catholic Worker Movement