What would you call a system in which the ruling power decreed that no one could lose his land permanently and no one could amass huge estates? A system in which, if people fell into financial trouble, they could sell their land but only for the short term . . . because every 50th year, all such property returned to the families that originally owned it?
I think a lot of people today would label that as ungodly socialism and wealth redistribution, but that was the law God wanted the people of Israel to live under (Leviticus 25). It was probably never completely carried out, but it was the ideal held up in the Old Testament as the godly way for a nation to live.
And this doesn’t even take into account the way the early Church lived, sharing all things in common and selling their possessions to give to anyone who had need. (Acts 2)
So how can we believe that now God favors “wealth creation” and capitalism above all things? Has He changed his mind or his priorities?
We no longer live under religious rulers as the ancient Israelites did. Nor do most of us live in Christian communes. But we do live in a democracy in which we the people ARE the source of government power. So why doesn’t the government voted in by a “Christian nation” mirror the priorities shown in Leviticus 25 and Acts 2?
5 comments:
All very good points!
My God is a socialist, too! I've long been amused by people who spit out the word as a slur. Nice summation/explanation, Ruth.
Thanks, Billie
Because we obviously don't really believe God knows what He's doing! Eve didn't either and she didn't get to keep her garden home!
Your god is a vapid, simpering, prim Stuff White People Like git.
Rather like 99% of those in Mainline Protestant churches: middle-class, middle-aged and middle brow.
NPR at prayer; you and the Fundiegelicals deserve each other.
Next time you or Robertson have brilliant ideas what the Reality-Based Community should do with our money, keep it to yourselves.
You want to waste millions on talking to someone invisible? Great. But keep your hands off my money and don't involve my taxes in your fantasy life to ease your consciences.
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