Socialism and the Early Church

Have you ever thought about the similarities between the precepts that the early church lived by and the tenets espoused by socialism? Of course, there are major differences. For one, the church declares that a theocracy is the ultimate goal, with God ruling and everyone joyfully following his every command. In socialism, no one person is the "boss." Everyone is equal in socialism. There are other differences, but I want to focus on some similarities.

Socialism recognizes the inequities of life--especially for the poor and marginalized. It seeks justice and equity for all. The early church did the same. We read that they sold all of their possessions and had all things in common. We read that those who were being pushed to the side were to be given special attention and cared for. We read that they strove for equality (2 Corinthians 8). We also read Jesus admonishing us to give food, drink and clothing to the "least of these" (Matthew 25).

I know that in various churches, these verses are qualified. In other words, we recognize the history behind the narrative. When it says that they had "all" things common, we "know" that they didn't really sell "everything"--some people still had homes and other forms of wealth. And I am certainly not a proponent for ripping scriptures out of their context in order to fulfill my own agenda. But I do believe that we are missing something in the modern American (Western) church.

We focus on church growth and all things "powerful." We love a great experience in our church services, and it seems that most evangelical churches teach some form of a prosperity doctrine--to one degree or another. "If you give, God will bless you." "If you live a holy life, God will bless you." "If you are faithful, God is faithful, and (again), He will bless you."

What a sad commentary on those in the early church who obviously weren't faithful or giving enough, because they suffered a great deal. Many died cruel and unimaginable deaths. Of course, we know I am being sarcastic to make a point. They were faithful, and their giving puts us to shame.

I know that many churches give "a lot." I know that many individuals give "a lot." But how many give to the point that their lifestyles change because they want there to be "equality?" Will the wealthy in the suburbs give up their homes and move to the inner city so that those in the inner city can be raised up out of poverty? It has been my observation that many who give until it hurts are those who are already hurting. I am sure someone can give one or two examples of wealthy individuals who gave up their privilege to serve the poor, or to provide opportunities for others. But that is not the story of the modern American evangelical church as a whole. That is the exception (wonderful, though it is). When will this modern church turn back to the spirit of that early church? When will we give up our wealth, our large ornate buildings, or our church growth capital campaigns, and start using that money to lift up the downtrodden and outcasts in our society?

I am not one to judge others, or even to sit in judgment over the American church. But as I see the poor getting poorer and the rich getting richer, and our churches getting bigger, I see a problem. We need to collectively examine how we are doing church, and ask some really hard questions. And start making some very radical changes. I think that's what Jesus would want--at the least.

I am not a socialist--yet. But I am also not looking to Republicans or Democrats to save us. I also don't want to look to Wall Street or the corporate world to save us. I understand that capitalism "can" help many people, but it isn't playing out that way as the gap between rich and poor widens. We have to set a different standard in the church. We have to approach the problems in our society in a different way. If we are going to get involved politically, let's get involved to the extent that most people benefit. At least socialists (that I am acquainted with) are focusing daily on changing things for "the least of these." What is our focus as a church in America? Matthew 25 gives some pretty good guidance.