Wednesday 17 August 2011

Socialism -v- Christ Teachings

An article was posted called ‘The impossibility of a socialist Jesus” on an American blog. The post argues that socialism is a modern construct and not a biblical mandate. [1] The ideology of 'socialism' certainly as its roots in the Christ teachings. This is a great quote from Keir Hardy, the founder of the once Socialist Labour party.

"The outcast in his lonely broodings and his fits of remorse will get nearer to the heart of God than will those who observe all the rites of Christianity but are strangers to its spirit."

Christ lived in a spiritual commune like many did in those days and still do today. They also shared the purse. Although where the money came from to go into the purse is hardly mentioned. Remember the Apostles complained when money from the community purse was spent for the aromatherapy oils for his feet.

The big difference that I see between 'socialism' modern day, and the Christ teachings. Is that Christ never forced anyone to do anything. Socialism is a political ideology that people are forced to experience, even if they did not vote for it. It as become evident that many Americans associate socialism with taxes and redistribution of wealth. I have even witnessed them call it communism. In England, socialism is associated with education, healthcare, social housing and welfare state. 


However, I view it as a 'social experiment' in the UK, and the recent riots have shown you the outcome, due to those that did not live up to their agreements and promises. While the richer got richer, on the backs of the people that engineered the social experiment. The poor were used like a test tube experiment by the academics. Pawns in a game of chess. 

Christ did not have to force anyone to do anything, because he knew he was right, and that is all there was to it. His followers were seeking to be where he was in his state of consciousness. He told the rich man to give what he had to poor, and if he didn't then he could not follow him. Socialism is forced upon the people by socialists, and like Islam, it is political. 

However, Christ did warn people of what would happen if they refused to listen and do the will of his Father.

In response to the above, a Christian then posted passages from Thessalonians regarding idleness –v- work. [2] 


Even the British police force, politicians and the media, have been feeding the line that people are not willing to work. I could hardly believe my ears when a police officer claimed that the youth of today simply refuse to work. I wonder how many children he as met, that have sent off 500 job applications and not received a single interview? A country where there are 3,000 applicants for 300 jobs? A country where every two out of three jobs go to immigrants. 

Is that what you call social justice? Is that meant to keep the self-esteem of the nation high in positivity? 

We responded: Now perhaps you would like to explain what work they did because the true followers of Jesus were healers and spiritual teachers. 


As he said 'The Truth shall set them free'. In the teachings of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the mystics are paid their wages by those that live in earthly realities. As were all the prophets in biblical times. In return for their services, donations were given, and in those days spiritual people were highly valued. 

As far as paying for food is concerned. Christ did not pay for any of his food and ate what was offered to him, he told his followers to do the same. Hence, why they called him a drunkard and a glutton.
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” Matthew 11:19

As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep.

Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.

That indicates that the healers are not only given board and lodgings, they are given money and clothes as well. That's why when he sent them out they did not require any money, extra clothes or change of sandals.

POSSESSIONS

And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. Acts 2:44-46

Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Mark 10:21-22

Is a Christian legitimate if they have not done the above? How can they possibly be? They can't. 

One American poster wrote: “It sure scares the extreme right” and this comment was posted as well. "Would anyone in Jesus time have even thought of not taking care of their own? No, they would have been ostracized. What is the greater evil, man's inhumanity to his own blood or socialism?"

My view is this, due to the high cost of living and taxes, women were forced to go to work. Now they're forcing the sick, disabled and elderly to work, at a time when there are no jobs for the young, strong and able. 


The rich certainly do look after their own financially, the poor can't afford too and often manage somehow, I have witnessed it. The middle class are the middle class and I don't feel we can generalize on that one. 

However, when I was a child, grandmother looked after children, mother did part-time work to pay for extra's. Grandmother never had to work because grandfather supported her. Mother’s did not have to go to work, working class Father’s were able to support their wife and children on one salary. Of course, in those days, there were no possessions to speak of, there was no credit and no requirement for a bank account. The men were paid in cash. Were their loan sharks? Yes. However, most of the poor had the good sense to stay away from them. 


The poor did not seek to own property, renting was economical and within their means. In fact, it was a tradition in most European countries to rent in preference to purchase. Then it became the case that it was cheaper to have a mortgage then rent, so people purchased instead. That then created a new buoyant property market for governments to tax and profit from. 


The British government then followed by selling the public housing stocks; to those that had lived in them for most of their lives. Now there is a shortage of social housing, and there are plans afoot, to remove people from their family homes where they brought up their children. Homes where their children and grandchildren can spend time with their grandparents and stay overnight. 

Originally, American Indian children were brought up by grandparents who had the time, patience and wisdom to impart to the children. While the young and physically strong did most of the work. As society became more affluent and moved with their jobs. Children were not so close to their grandparents and extended families. Now affluent families are often spread all over the world. Hence, the breakdown of the small local community and traditional family values of sharing, that help to support the community. 

Now grandparents do not wish to look after grandchildren because they have had to work full-time all of their lives. I hear them say, 'I just wish to be free now.'

Biblically speaking there is not meant to be any profit on food at all. In the prophecies for the end, it also mentions not building houses for others to live in. House prices went up due to second homes bought as either investments or second homes. The rich often have houses in numerous locations. When some people cannot afford one to live in, let alone own. Did I sell my property and possessions? Yes in 1998. 

DISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH

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 4:34-35

At the time of the Christian reformation Christian mystics were kept by the Church, who in turn were supported by the people financially.

“The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. Luke 12:47 “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. Luke 14:21-23

“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Malachi 3:8-9


 ELIAKIM JOSEPH-SOPHIA 

  1. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/religious-right-now/post/the-impossibility-of-a-socialist-jesus/2011/08/16/gIQAEOAHJJ_blog.html

2. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search

No comments:

Post a Comment