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Did the Early Christians practice Socialism? For some reason, there has of late been a spread of the half-wit idea that the early Christian church practiced socialism. Many of those who raise this argument cite the example in the Bible where it says that the early church had all things in common. Although this might seem like a valid and believable argument, there are flaws.If we look at the true intent, it was not to benefit society, but rather was a charitable effort on the part of the church to help those in need. Socialism, quite the opposite of charity, demands that state own and control all means of production and dictates who can use what, and where. The acts of the early church were voluntary. The state or even a supreme religious leader did not dictate them; they were voluntary acts of kindness that were not forced upon them. In a truly godly society, Christians should practice acts of kindness. It is the church's job to do charity; not government funded and regulated 'welfare' programs. In addition to the scripture being taken out of context, it has been thought that, on account of that reference, God is in fact, in favor of Socialism, when in fact, by looking at the overall message of the Bible, nothing near socialism is suggested. Why Capitalism promotes economic and social justice Capitalism promotes economic and social justice by opening up the economy. By opening up the economy, Capitalism allows people to buy and sell the way they want. Besides things that break laws, the economy is open for buying and selling. Socialism is a state controlled and regulated economy. By restricting how much people can earn, socialism kills the incentive to work. Why work when the government will provide for all your needs? Why should the upper class work for their money when they can't keep it? With socialism, economic injustice is inevitable. When the state controls all economic production, you have a double standard of justice. One standard of justice for the state, (who can do whatever they want) and one standard for the overall society (who is restricted in every economic freedom available). By having the double standard, the state is exercising unfairness on the people.By: Addison Todd
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