Jan 15 2008
King and Communism
Where did Dr. King stand on Communism? This is why I love Crooked Timber:
The international Communist movement (corporate world headquarters in Moscow, later with rival franchise based in Peking) was indeed materialistic, yes. But would King have opposed communism, tout court? “From each according to his ability, to each according to his need”?
I doubt that very much: “And all that believed were together, and had all things in common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” (Acts 2:44-45)
Communalism, yes. But we should be careful about playing the Scripture Scramble, because it leaves too much for interpretation. Let’s look at this passage in broader context:
They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s needs. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people.
Me thinks Mr. Marx would’ve taken issue.
Take a look at Engels on early Christianity. The idea that the original church was in some ways a prototype for what he and Marx were doing isn’t a matter of Scrabble strategy.
I have read Engels, so to what are you referring?
Engels also wrote a lot about the family being the first "prototype" of capitalist possession in Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State. It was this subjugation that created the system he and his drinking buddy were out to destroy.
Does this mesh with the Bible? No, not really. My point, as it stands, was that not all expressions of communalism are the same as ideological communism.
I am referring to the essay "On the History of Early Christianity," which quotes with approval Ernest Renan’s comment, ""If I wanted to give you an idea of the early Christian communities I would tell you to look at a local section of the International Working Men’s Association."