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Where do communism and Christianity overlap?
ROLAND BOER talks to Mike Quille about the season for giving and sharing

What are the Biblical roots of Christian communism?

Let us begin with the socio-economic situation, because Christianity, like most religions, is a response to economic injustice and oppression in this world. 

In the eastern Mediterranean, Rome’s imperialism was reshaping peasant agriculture, and the burdens of taxation and debt were growing, deeply affecting local economies, village communities, cultures and health — malaria, for example, was rife.

In this context, many Gospel parables and stories are revolutionary. They focus on feeding everyone, on healing from multiple diseases, on the devastation of chronic poverty. 

How did this “communist” tradition continue, and how was it suppressed and co-opted by the ruling classes?

What examples of Christian communism have there been in the West?

What examples of Christian communism have emerged in other parts of the world?

So there seems to be quite a lot of evidence, throughout history and across the world, that Christianity and communism can be mutually supportive — although clearly there have also been times when they have been deeply opposed! What are the lessons for Western socialist politics, and political parties?

Finally, do you have any other thoughts for our readers, relevant to this Christmas season?

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