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To: Ev Reeman
Jesus’s values and philosophy never even approach that of socialism. In fact, if anything, Jesus was a capitalist. Jesus was a carpenter by profession and trade and it is that how he made his living. It is only later in life where he became a preacher and teacher of Christianity. But Jesus lived by the precepts of Christianity long before he began preaching about them. Of course back then there was also a barter type system, an exchange of trades and services rather than currency.

That's patently false. The Romans had a system of currency for centuries before Jesus. There are numerous bible stories and parables about coins. What about the Widow's Gift? (The poor woman who puts a few coins in the poorbox.) Jesus and his contemporaries used currency, not barter.

I think it's impossible to argue either side: that Jesus was socialist OR capitalist because it's absurd, and a little sacrilegious, to try to apply modern-day political labels to universal, spiritual teachings like his. He of course did say "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." And for "capitalist" teachings of course there's also Matthew 20:1-15 and 25:14-30. But I would really think twice before saying such a stupid statement like "Jesus was a capitalist."
15 posted on 12/24/2009 8:24:29 AM PST by fours
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To: fours

While currency certainly existed, those who were poor or destitute used the barter system if they had any skills such as carpentry or other skill which they could trade evenly, service for service.


32 posted on 12/24/2009 9:53:29 AM PST by Ev Reeman
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