That's a nice title, and should set the cat amongst the pigeons!
There's a long history of Christian communism, going back way before the modern secular and often atheistic or anti-theistic communism with which the word is usually associated today. Many have argued that the various forms of Marxism were born out of the Christian ethos.
Here are two obvious examples of the kind of Biblical extracts used by Christian communists to make their point:
Acts 2: 42, 44, and 45:
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and in fellowship ... 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things in common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Matthew 19:16-24
16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17 And he said unto him, Why do you ask me about what is good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. 23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
(both King James Version)
You can see the similarity between the first and the basic principle of all communists: "From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs".
I think that Christian communists/socialists can draw very strong arguments from the teachings of Christ.
So the topic for discussion is what the title says:
Was Christ a communist? And I'd like to hear the opinions of both Christians and others on the subject. The implications are that if he was, then all Christians should, of course, be communists.
(Admin. If this passes as a topic, I suppose "social and religious" issues is the obvious place, but which of the sub-sections, I don't know. Biblical studies are involved, of course).
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