Commies for Christ

Just spotted a little argument from a few days ago on Dizzy Thinks. Dizzy points out that the Arsebishop of Canterbury is a 70s throwback, while some commentators retort that he is just advocating good Christian thinking. The thing is that they are both right. It is heading towards Communism and it is also good Christian practice following the actions of the Apostles, because the Apostles where Communists. This might not seem to fit with the rabidly Christian and rabidly anti-Communist Religious Right in the United States of America but when did they let the facts get in the way of a good televangelism marketing angle? If you don't believe me then just take a look through what the Bible says.

All that believed were together, and had all things in common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

(Acts 2:44-45)

or this passage:

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

(Acts 4:32-35)

Which sounds very much like the communist maxim of "From each according to their ability, to each according to their need". The Apostles also followed a Communist like doctrine of what to do with those that do not want everything held in common; that they should mysteriously end up dead in order to keep everybody else afraid and compliant.

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

(Acts 5:1-11)