Communism In The Bible

Miranda will not be pigeonholed by the academy. It is to be strongly hoped that he is taken seriously, for there is in his writing the kind of discernment which may reform and renew Scripture study. Walter Brueggemann, Professor of Old Testament, Eden Theological Seminary This book, like the liberation theologies generally (Latin American, Black, feminist), challenges traditional 'intentional misunderstandings' of the Scripture by established powers. It allows familiar biblical passages, such as the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, to speak out with their original force and clarity--and the message sounds astonishingly new! An excellent translation by Robert Barr. Madeleine Boucher, Associate Professor of New Testament, Fordham University Jose Miranda's book is an extremely valuable statement, which advances the discussion of biblical economics to a new stage. Miranda minces no words in exposing the exegetical sleight-of-hand attempted by 'conscience-tranquillizing theologians.' His passionate and informed defense of 'Christian communism' will have to be reckoned with by all who have professed a willingness to be obedient to the Gospel. Richard J. Mouw, Professor of Philosophy, Calvin College A scholarly study in biblical teaching--brief, direct, powerful--which puts the burden of proof on those who would deny that original and authentic Christianity is communistic (not, to say, Marxist). This is vintage Miranda--erudite, passionate, persuasive, and above all, disturbing. Robert T. Osborn, Chairman, Department of Religion, Duke University

An introductory text explaining the nature, relevancy, coherency, and structure of the moral law as revealed throughout the Bible, with discussion of the Ten Commandments as a moral rubric and a subsequent application of each commandment to Christian living.

Should Christians be involved in political issues? This comprehensive and readable book presents a political philosophy from the perspective that the Gospel pertains to all of life, including politics. Politics—According to the Bible is an in-depth analysis of conservative and liberal plans to do good for the nation, evaluated in light of the Bible and common sense. Evangelical Bible professor, and author of the bestselling book Systematic Theology, Wayne Grudem unpacks and rejects five common views about Christian influence on politics: "compel religion," "exclude religion," "all government is demonic," "do evangelism, not politics," and "do politics, not evangelism." Instead, he defends a position of "significant Christian influence on government" and explains the Bible's teachings about the purpose of civil government and the characteristics of good or bad governments. Grudem provides a thoughtful analysis of over fifty specific and current political issues dealing with: The protection of life. Marriage, the family, and children. Economic issues and taxation. The environment. National defense Relationships to other nations. Freedom of speech and religion. Quotas. And special interests. Throughout this book, he makes frequent application to the current policies of the Democratic and Republican parties in the United States, but the principles discussed here are relevant for any nation.

Reprint. Originally published: Maryknoll, New York: Orbis, 1974.

All Things in Common gets behind the "communism of the apostles" passages in Acts 2:42-47 and 4:32-37, using the anthropological categories of "social relationship" espoused by David Graeber and other anthropologists. Looking at sources ranging from the Qumran scrolls to the North African apologist Tertullian to the Roman satirist Lucian, All Things in Common reconstructs the economic practices of the early Christians and argues that what is described in Acts 2:42-47 and 4:32-37 is a long-term, widespread set of practices that were taken seriously by the early Christians, and that differentiated them significantly from the wider world. This book takes into account Judean and Hellenistic parallels to the early Christian community of goods, as well as the socioeconomic context from which it came, and traces its origins back to the very teachings of Jesus and his declaration of the Jubilee. This book will be of interest to anyone interested in Christian history, and especially the socioeconomic aspects of early Christianity, as well as anyone interested in Christian ethics and New Testament studies. It would also be of interest to anyone interested in possible alternatives to the ideology of capitalism.