Anarchist Communism and Christianity

[Haven]

Recently, I've become interested in anarchist communism (http://libcom.org/thought/anarchist-com ... troduction) (AC) as a political philosophy. While I disagree with some of its principles, I feel that it offers a very good, if somewhat utopian and unrealistic, vision for society. As I read through the principles of AC, I couldn't help but notice parallels to the teachings of Jesus and the early church, including an equal society, the eradication of poverty, sharing property in common, and the gift economy.

Despite these parallels, however, most anarchist communists, socialists, and leftists in general tend to be secular, while most Christians (at least here in the United States) tend to be conservatives who support neoliberal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoliberalism) economic and social policies.

Debate question: So, what do you think? Is anarchist communism compatible with the tenets of Christianity? If not, why? What about it is anti-Christian?

[GiddyUp]

Well... The Apostles had a community that shared everything between them, and they killed, or God killed and showed an example, of a couple that withheld property for their own benefit.

Sounds like anarchist communism to me. Too bad they abandoned it the moment they gained any power. Tells something about humans, says something about Christianity, doesn't it.

[Choir Loft]

Recently, I've become interested in anarchist communism (http://libcom.org/thought/anarchist-com ... troduction) (AC) as a political philosophy. While I disagree with some of its principles, I feel that it offers a very good, if somewhat utopian and unrealistic, vision for society. As I read through the principles of AC, I couldn't help but notice parallels to the teachings of Jesus and the early church, including an equal society, the eradication of poverty, sharing property in common, and the gift economy.

Despite these parallels, however, most anarchist communists, socialists, and leftists in general tend to be secular, while most Christians (at least here in the United States) tend to be conservatives who support neoliberal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoliberalism) economic and social policies.

Debate question: So, what do you think? Is anarchist communism compatible with the tenets of Christianity? If not, why? What about it is anti-Christian?

I voted no.

Your first paragraph reveals good analytic skills. Such traits are rare on debate sites where people shout illiterate opinions and textually stab one another in the back purely for entertainment. My belief is that secular nihilism isn't a practical approach to a socio-political solution for our time. It is, however, a convenient fall back position for those who wish to justify attitudes which are of personal advantage but socially destructive. No man is an island and modern morals are, after all, mostly dictated by the community however benign or tyrannical it may be.

Your second paragraph deserves attention as well. Jesus' ministry upon earth served one purpose only, to teach and deliver the Kingdom of God to the Jews. Most folks overlook this single simple point. The people of His day loved the message, but their religious leaders despised the fact that Jesus was stealing their thunder. If Jesus walked the earth today and preached the same message I dare say the religious potentates would have the exact same reaction.

"I kill you."
- Achmed the dead terrorist
Jeff Dunham

Although the tenants of the Kingdom of God have the flavor of popular dissent and hint at economic ideology contrary to capitalism, its teachings are based upon a philosophy that is not of the common socio-political form. They are based upon what Jesus would have us do, the golden rule as it were. They are also based upon the singular historic fact of the resurrection.

I do not understand your assertion that American conservatives are neo-liberal. On the surface your statement appears to be a contradiction in terms. Perhaps you saying that most American conservatives are slightly to the right of left. Do I read that correctly? If I do, then I agree with your assessment.

Unfortunately, most people (yourself excluded at this point) who inhabit these dark internet closets of dialogue and despair seem to believe that American Christians are right wing supremacists. I disagree with that. In truth the attitude is a humble one. Unfortunately it's coupled with an undeserved almost fanatical allegiance to our present post-constitutional form of government. I find their political stand disappointing if not unnerving. It is opposed to everything Jesus taught about applying the principles of the Kingdom of God on earth.

Anarchism is by definition a state of political transition. It never lasts very long and is evidenced by social unrest justifying every sin in the book. If you are suggesting the possibility of anarchism in America, the notion would be completely whimsical. We have already made our transition. We have left the advantages of a republican form of government and marched blindly and with great fanfare and public support into the next level. Many of our fellow citizens are beginning to understand the situation, they just aren't ready to put a name to it - fascism.