ringo writes:
Jesus lived in poverty and advocated an austere lifestyle. I agree that that doesn't necessarily make Him a communist.
I think the real question is: Was Jesus' message, "Sell what you have and give to the poor," meant to be universal? If everybody sells what they have, who do they sell it to?
It seems to me that He wasn't saying, "Don't be rich." He was saying, "Don't be
too rich."
He was advocating redistribution of wealth, not equality of wealth.
The redistribution of wealth is or will be destined to become a controversial topic among Christians, both globally and domestically. I see nowhere that Jesus advocates that we become venture capitalists, so that we can give to the kingdom and write it off on our taxes. That being said, I dont think that I should have to pay higher taxes
and give more to the poor if I myself feel myself becoming poor also. Jesus and I should have a little talk...I feel that I am not a worthy Christian.