No, it’s not. Socialism is government run. What the Christians did was take care of their own. So if you want to sell all that you have (which you don’t) and give to those who you think are in need (which you won’t), then go ahead and do so.
Any system we have is run by the government - capitalism/free market as well. But the biblical model for a society is a socialist one.
That's a great model for Americans to follow. We should take care of our own. The Bible talks about taking care of "the least of these". Do you think Jesus means only "the least of these" Christians, but if they're not Christians forget about them?
It doesn't work with just one person doing it - the group needs to do it for it to work. I believe we can do as much of this model as possible with everyone giving up some of what they have so that others who lack can also have.
No no no no no. I don’t know why you continue this untruth. Private property ownership, and the ability to do with it as one pleases is the biblical model. It’s not one in authority and taking from one group to give to another.
It is a great model. That’s not socialism, though. Especially not Bernie’s view of socialism.
I’m not against it. We do help those in need as we can. Paying off school loans, or free education is not helping those in need.
In Acts 2:44 it says "All the believers were together and had everything in common."
Yes, it is a great model. It is socialism, it is socialist. Not Bernie's view of socialism, I agree - Bernie is much, much more conservative; he is much less socialist than what is in the Bible. Bernie doesn't advocate pooling ALL our possessions.
You're against it when it comes to healthcare and education though. We don't help all those in need as we can. There are thousands who do not get the help they need. Helping with education is not only helping those in need but also helping society in general. But for sure universal healthcare can be achieved easily and at less cost than our current system but most of all it is the Christian thing to help those who need it simply because we are able to.
Yes, you're correct, it does. You bring up a good point that universal health care helps us abide by the commandments so it's even more Biblical that way.Great thing about a socialist healthcare system is it doesn't leave anyone coveting or stealing anything like they do with private insurance (insurance fraud, or people jealous of those with "better coverage").
And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. (Acts 2:45, ESV)
Correct - they were departing from what was their possessions and converting to have no individual possessions but rather redistributing the proceeds.
You are reading into scripture what isn’t there.
Like Hammster you seem to miss the point that it was the Early Church who did this. As for the Roman Empire they certainly did their own social programs, providing bread and circuses as they saw fit, but that's not relevant.
Actually, you are. I quoted it word for word:
Wrong. That's more like communism, for one thing. The Biblical model above is definitely close to communism. Unable to achieve that, however, socialism is at least a compromise where we aren't money-worshiping capitalists through and through.
No need, I have the Holy Spirit to help me discern Truth from God's Word.
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
