The Bible and Redistribution of Wealth

After Barack Obama came out in support of the kind of graduated tax system that the US has had for nearly 100 years, and in fact, the exact same tax levels the rich enjoyed less than a decade ago, and which at that time John McCain supported, McCain and his running mate Sarah Palin began to taunt the Democratic candidate with the idea that he was espousing socialism. 

The US was a socialist country for almost 100 years?  Who knew?

But we remembered a passage in the Bible that specifically deals with such a society.  I thought people might like to know what the Good Book says about it.

We join the Apostles and new believers in Jerusalem shortly after the Pentacost (in the 4th chapter of Acts I):

 31. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

 32.  And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

...

34. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

 35. And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

King James Version Copied from Bible Gateway

So, interestingly, the Bible actually supports socialism.

And you may want to notice, also, that the years of the progressive tax collection in the US have been its most powerful, and affirmative of human rights.

The two latest periods of "trickle down" economics, in  fact sent the economy into some pretty bad woods.

I think we can say that, at the least, a progressive tax code, as espoused by Barack Obama, should do fine, just like it did during Eisenhower's, Kennedy's terms, and Clinton's terms.

This information is being offered for those who are Christians but never heard of this support for socialism, or those who aren't but have Christian friends, family, and/or loved ones who fit that category. 

Use at will.  This section is often downplayed or hidden by our current churches.

tags: eisenhower  kennedy  clinton  socialism  barack obama  

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