jdj55611@ihuxk.UUCP (06/22/83)
I came upon an interesting trait of the original church ( that of the time of the apostles ) which told something of their socio-economic organization. The first verse if found in Acts 2:44-45: "And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need." This indicates that the early church practiced a version of communal living not far different from that of the infamous Jim Jones. It sounds like all who called themselves Christian participated in this organization. It is again mentioned in Acts 4:34-35: "Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessers of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need." This indicates that there was a very distinct communal organization among the original Christians; something that made them distinct in their day. This seems to indicate that the original Christian was involved in more than just the religious aspect of the event but that it permeated every facet of his life. I have never heard this preached from the traditional Christian pulpit; is it something else that got lost between then and now? Are there any religious entities which still practice this? J. D. Jensen ihuxk!jdj55611 BTL Naperville Il