Communal Living

[Alex Thornhill]

I came across this video on YouTube and it was a great representation of a vision I've had in my mind of what communal Christian living would look like and what it could do: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEeJkX9kmFA.

Has anyone here ever considered such an idea, especially since we see more difficult days on the horizon for the church, and since we know that there is strength in numbers and in unity? Should buying or selling be made difficult, self-sufficient communities could allow us to grow our own food and pool our resources. Christian communities could be seen as easy targets for persecution, however, on the flip side governments may be more careful with dealing with whole communities as opposed to persecuting already scattered Christians. Medical resources in a Christian community could also save us some of the future diseases that could spread as a result of biological warfare being unleashed on those within the government's care. Even in considering how to educate the next generation of Christians, within this community, the whole community practicing a sort of homeschooling/private schooling mix could help raise a well-educated generation of Christians with the pooled resources of all the adults in the community helping to teach and equip these children.

Thoughts?

-Bro. Alex

[David Huston]

Very interesting ideas, Alex. I do not discard them off hand, but at the same time I'm not sure I'm ready to jump on board. I do think this is a topic worthy of in-depth discussion. Keep your thoughts coming.

[Mike Hensley]

Hello Bro. Alex- I have mixed feelings after watching this. I see the benefits and practicality of this community, but I also see the need for families of a local assembly to be dispersive for the purpose of evangelism- at least until real tribulation begins. Then this concept begins to make more sense, but I suspect the adversarial powers that be would not allow this to exist.

[Mike Gibson]

Hi Brothers,

The idea of having all things common is established in the book of Acts.

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
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.
Acts 2: 42-45

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any [of them] that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors 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.
Acts 4:32-35

The controversy seems to usually be whether it means they all LIVED together or simply were together IN HEART.