The Left
Christian socialism generally refers to those on the Christian Left whose politics are both Christian and Socialist and who see these two things as being interconnected. Broadly speaking, this category can include Liberation Theology and the doctrine of the Social Gospel. Christian socialists draw parallels between what some have characterized as the egalitarian and anti-establishment message of Jesus, who — according to Christian Gospel — spoke against the religious authorities of his time, and the egalitarian, anti-establishment, and sometimes anti-clerical message of most contemporary socialisms.Christian communism is a form of religious communism centered around Christianity. It is a theological and political theory based upon the view that the teachings of Jesus compel Christians to support communism as the ideal social system. Although there is no universal agreement on the exact date when Christian communism was founded, many Christian communists assert that evidence from the Bible suggests that the first Christians, including the Apostles, created their own small communist society in the years following Jesus' death and resurrection. As such, many advocates of Christian communism argue that it was taught by Jesus and practiced by the Apostles themselves (Acts 2:44-45 & 4:34-35).
Christian communism can be seen as a radical form of Christian Socialism. Christian communists may or may not agree with various parts of Marxism. They certainly do not agree with the Atheist views of most Marxists, but they do agree with some of the economic aspects of Marxist theory, such as the idea that capitalism exploits the working class by extracting surplus value from the workers in the form of excessive profits. Christian communists also share some of the political goals of Marxists, for example replacing capitalism with socialism, which should in turn be followed by communism at a later point in the future. However, Christian communists sometimes disagree with Marxists (and particularly with Leninist) on the way a socialist or communist society should be organized. In general, Christian communism evolved independently of Marxism, and most Christian communists share the conclusions but not the underlying premises of Marxist communists.
posted by Seeker at 6:24 PM
3 Comments:
I liked Blair's Faith Works speech.
At the heart of my politics has always been the value of community, the belief that we are not merely individuals struggling in isolation from each other, but members of a community who depend on each other, who benefit from each other's help, who owe obligations to each other. From that everything stems: solidarity, social justice, equality, freedom. We are what we are, in part, because of the other. I apply that idea here in Britain. I try to apply it abroad.
In early 21st century I believe it is not merely the right moral sentiment but enlightened self interest. I have tried to put it into effect these last 8 years. There is, however, still much to do. Together we can do it.
Also, Frank Zeidler, who was the Socialist Mayor of Milwauekee from 1948 until 1960 was also an active Luthern, teaching Sunday school.. I always felt it a bit odd because must of the other comrades were pretty militant non believers.
i'd love that pic on a t-shirt
mysterymessiah.blogspot.com
Christian socialism is a contradiction in terms. As true Christians, Quakers should have a healthy distrust of secular authorities, opting for citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven rather than the kingdoms of this world. Quaker pacifism flows from this doctrine, as in addressing Pilate Jesus said that "if my kingdom were of this world, my followers would fight. But as it is, it is not here."
Socialism requires not only that we attach ourselves to the affairs of this world rather than the Kingdom, but that we put an undue amount of faith in a government, trusting the government to take care of us as opposed to God. Yet the scriptures advise that we place our faith not in men, but in He that created men.
Indeed, we are all interrelated and our fates are connected, but that relationship should be founded on our ability to address each other's needs through a free market rather than the arbitrary dictates of a centrally-organized, authoritarian state. Human institutions are by their nature beset with the failings of fallen man -- and this includes the organized churches. Quaker organizational structure is such that Christ is to lead the society -- yet in liberal meetings this is not allowed to happen much anymore.
Jesus opposed the RELIGIOUS authorities of his days -- but bade his followers to give unto Ceasar what was Ceasar's. Yes, the disciplines lived communally after Jesus' death -- but that was possible only after Pentacost, when their hearts were transformed. Moreover, some would say these followers of Christ expected the apocalypse at any time. This was not an advocacy of a centralized socialist regime.
Those who see Jesus as a communist are guilty of bringing their secular politics to the scriptures and forcing them on the Lord.
It is amazing, as a distinct issue, that Quaker "pacifists" are drawn to a Che Guevarra, who was directly responsible for countless killings, executions and unjust imprisonments. Guevarra also advocated nuclear war! Is this the picture of a Christian socialist? Or is it the picture of one who would manipulate people by throwing around religious imagery to justify abominations?
Depicting a militaristic killer like Che with Jesus' crown of thorns? FOR SHAME. For shame.
In the Light of Christ,
~ Charles Rathmann
john4-14.blogspot.com
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