Page "Christian communism" Paragraph 98

In addition, communistic attitudes and implications can be found in Leviticus 25: 35 – 38: " If one [...] becomes poor [...] help him [...] so he can continue to live among you.

Do not take interest of any kind from him, but fear your God [...] You must not lend him money at interest or sell him food at a profit.

I am the your God, who brought you out of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God.

" and Acts 4: 32 – 35, " All the believers were one in heart and mind.

No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had [...] there were no needy persons among them [...] the money [...] was distributed to anyone as he had need.

" As well as Acts 2: 42 – 47, " They devoted themselves to the apostles ' teaching [...] to the breaking of bread [...] everyone was filled with awe [...] all the believers were together and had everything in common [...] they gave to anyone as he had need.

Every day they [...] ate together with glad and sincere hearts [...] " Most significantly, this is part of the Law of Moses, and as such is commandment rather than exhortation or airing of opinion.

This fact bears heavily upon subsequent discussion of the question of compulsory or voluntary relinquishing of riches, either as a possible entry requirement to Christian grace or as a means of achieving divine intentions for human social order.