Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
+Acts 2:44, 45.
Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
+Acts 4:32.
You will share all things with your neighbor. You will not call things your own. For if you are partakers in common of things that are incorruptible, how much more [should you be] of those things which are corruptible.
+St. Barnabas (c. 70-130, Eastern).
We who used to value above everything the acquisition of wealth and possessions, now bring what we have into a common stock, and share with everyone in need.
+St. Justin Martyr (c. 160, Eastern).
All things therefore are common, and not for the rich to appropriate an undue share. Therefore, the expression, "I possess and possess in abundance; why then should I not enjoy?" is suitable neither to the man, nor to society. But more worthy of love is this: "I have; why should I not give to those in need?" ...I know very well that God has given to us the liberty of use. But only so far as is necessary. And He has determined that the use should be common. For it is monstrous for one to live in luxury, while many are in need.
+St. Clement of Alexandria (c. 195, Eastern).
[Addressed to Pagans:] Family possessions, which usually destroy brotherhood among you, create fraternal bonds among us. Being one in mind and soul, we do not hesitate to share our earthly goods with one another. All things are common among us, except our wives.
+Tertullian (c. 197, Western).
The above quotations were compiled by David W. Bercot in the book, A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
I read Thomas Moore's Utopia when I was a teenager and was very moved by it. In fact, I called myself a communist during those years and did not stop doing so until I realized that most communists were materialists, in fact even greater materialists than the capitalists they rejected.
Beyond the obvious good of sharing with others, I am struck by the loneliness of individual ownership. How much more joy there is in sharing a possession than in hoarding it!
I am also struck by how many grown men live without real friends--though women seem to be less likely to fall into this. We are not meant to live in this isolation.
Dave,
Are you familiar with Distributivism?
No, I'm not, but when I get a few minutes I will check out your link.
Sorry not to be posting more actively now. Classes just began and I'm still working like crazy at Kaplan. The pressure should let up soon.
Frankly, I'm not familiar with it either. I have only recently heard of it. It claims to be an economic theory opposed to both socialism and capitalism, which I find interesting.
Interesting enough that you would vote for someone who advocated it?
I wouldn't vote for anyone simply because they advocate something I find interesting.
Interesting to know.
Post a Comment