Communal for Christ

[Offline4Better.]

Hello folks. Today we will be analyzing Acts and Community, which is a companion post to the news article below.

Could Vienna’s approach to affordable housing work in California?

Wow, $600/mo for a two bedroom apartment in a city where one does not need to own a car? The downside, you have to speak German, which has harsher phonetics compared to English. After the article summary, there is this cool 9 minute video that explains why German sounds so harsh. Here is the...

www.christianforums.com

Date​	June 3, 2024 | Communal for Christ​
Verse​	Acts 2:44-47 (NIV): "All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." 2 Corinthians 8:13-15 (NIV): "Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: ‘The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.’" Matthew 19:20-21 (NIV): "Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’"​
Explanation​	These three passages from the Bible emphasize the importance of community, generosity, and equality among believers. Let's explore each passage and how they relate to building communities as Christians. Acts 2:44-47: This passage describes the early Christian community in Jerusalem, where believers sold their possessions and shared their resources with one another. They met daily to break bread and praise God, forming a strong bond and enjoying the favor of all the people. The Lord added to their number those who were being saved, indicating the spiritual growth and unity that came from their communal living. 2 Corinthians 8:13-15: Here, Paul encourages the Corinthian church to practice generosity and equality, sharing their resources with those in need to ensure that everyone has enough. Paul's goal was not for some to have abundance while others suffered but for everyone to have enough, creating a balanced and harmonious community. Matthew 19:20-21: Jesus teaches that to be perfect, one must sell their possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. This call to radical discipleship also emphasizes the importance of caring for one another and putting community needs above individual wealth.​
Societal Relevance​	The concept of co-habitation, where individuals live together in a shared community, can be seen as an extension of these biblical principles. A hybrid between private and communal living, such as Vienna's co-owned condominiums, can help create a balance between personal space and community connection. This model can positively impact society by fostering stronger relationships, reducing social isolation, and promoting sustainability through shared resources.​ The potential impacts on mental health could include increased feelings of belonging, reduced stress, and improved overall well-being. By sharing resources and supporting one another, individuals in a communal living arrangement may experience less financial anxiety and more opportunities for social interaction and emotional support. Lastly, Christians in the modern world can bestow community instead of individualism by practicing generosity, sharing resources, and forming intentional relationships with others. This can be done through volunteering, joining community organizations, or simply engaging in meaningful conversations with neighbors and friends. By focusing on the needs of others and putting community first, Christians can create a more compassionate and interconnected world.