Does the bible encourage Socialism or 100% tithing?
Does the bible encourage Socialism or 100% tithing? by lcl
The Acts of the Apostles describes a vow to pool all monies of a group of the first church to help the needy and provide for their needs. Here is the situation.
Act 2:42 And they were continuing steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine, and in fellowship and in the breaking of the loaves, and in prayers.
Act 2:43 And fear came on every soul. And many wonders and miracles took place through the apostles.
Act 2:44 And all who believed were together and had all things common.
Act 2:45 And they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need.
Act 4:32 And the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul. And not one said that any of the things which he possessed was his own. But they had all things common.
Act 4:33 And the apostles gave witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power. And great grace was on them all.
Act 4:34 For neither was anyone needy among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
Act 4:35 and they laid them down at the apostles’ feet. And distribution was made to every man according as he had need.
This was the description of the first church after Pentecost and the unity that they felt with each other and with God. God honored that unity and many wondrous things were accomplished. Lets look at the agreement in detail.
The people were so unified that they agreed to share all things for their common good. They were not forced in any way to do this, and God blessed their unity. This specific group had set up rules and was to abide by them. There is no mention that these rules would apply to later churches or that government was involved in any way. The church members vowed to do this to honor God. To break that agreement ment that they had lied to each other and to God. That would not have been a good way to set an example of holiness and trustworthiness for others to witness. And, not a good way to approach a Holy God. Later, when a rich priest and his wife withheld some property, they died as their penalty.
No socialist rules, that I know of, encourage giving all wealth to the church, and no later church rules have been described as requiring tithing to be 100% instead of 10%. However, voluntary giving in a greater proportion is described as receiving a greater reward.
In the early gospels an account is given of when the Pharisees tried to trick Jesus into saying something against the Roman laws. His answer is important because He describes not giving all to the government, but only what is due. This would be counter to the requirements of Socialism.
Mat 22:17 Therefore tell us; what do you think? Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not?
Mat 22:18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why do you tempt Me, hypocrites?
Mat 22:19 Show Me the tribute money. And they brought a denarius to Him.
Mat 22:20 And He said to them, Whose image and inscription is this?
Mat 22:21 They said to Him, Caesar’s. Then He said to them, Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things which are God’s.
A third bible passage explains the need for each individual to support their own family. This would also not be allowed in Socialism where the government is to provide all the needs of the people in return for taking all they own.
1Ti 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel.
God desires that every individual come to Him trusting that He will be their provider and thus will have a relation with Him and give Him glory. Nowhere, does God describe government as receiving glory that He is due. The closest example of a socialist government would be when God told His leader of Egypt to collect normal taxes to provide grain storage for coming specific lean years. God desires a one-on-one contract with each person who is responsible for their own decisions.