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To: anniegetyourgun

Jesus was not a socialist. He was a REALIST. 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.


5 posted on 12/24/2009 7:25:21 AM PST by Ev Reeman
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To: Ev Reeman
As humans, we throw names and titles around. Some would be offended at calling Jesus a capitalist. But lets look at some facts.

John 1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made...
14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

So Christ is the Word of God. So EVERYTHING in the Bible is from Christ, NOT JUST the words he spoke while a man on earth.

The words telling of the rewards for searching for and living by wisdom.

The consequences of foolishness.

The reward of hard work and dilligence. The result of laziness and sloth.

That a good parent LEAVES an inheritance to his children.

That a bad parent doesn't provide for his own.

A wise man builds his house upon a rock, so WHEN the storms come, it will withstand.

A fool builds his house on sand, and WHEN storms come it is destroyed.

The word also tells us of a woman who gets up early, to prepare for her children, husband AND servants.

It tells us leave some grain in our fields for the poor.

It tells us the story of the good Samaritan.

It tells us that GOD IS THE SOURCE of all blessings.

The Word tells us that those who bless others, will themselves be blessed.

We are commanded to help the poor and sick and orphans and widows.

But never does it tell us that we should all have all things equally.

Like you said, Jesus was a realist. The reality is that Jesus was the one who implemented what we call capitalism. But his "capitalism" is one of responsibility and blessing.

14 posted on 12/24/2009 8:22:52 AM PST by mountn man (The pleasure you get from life, is equal to the attitude you put into it.)
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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: Ev Reeman
That is very true,and Jesus told his disciples at least two Parables on the subject.

One I'm thinking of off hand is the one where the master who called his three servants and gave one 10 talents another 5,and the last 3 talents to take of care while he was away.

26 posted on 12/24/2009 9:16:20 AM PST by painter (No wonder democrats don't mind taxes.THEY DON'T PAY THEM !)
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