Jesus was a communist!

Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity, was not only a spiritual teacher but also a revolutionary whose message challenges the foundations of modern capitalism. His teachings, as recorded in the Gospels, reveal an economic philosophy rooted in equality, collective ownership, and the rejection of materialism—core principles that align with communism. From his critique of the wealthy to his advocacy for the poor and his vision of communal living, Jesus’ economic plan can be seen as a blueprint for a society free from exploitation and oppression.

This article explores how Jesus’ teachings form the basis of an economic plan that embodies the essence of communism, showing that His vision was not just about spiritual salvation but also about creating an egalitarian society.

Jesus’ Teachings: A Communist Manifesto

1. Wealth Redistribution

Jesus made no secret of his disdain for wealth accumulation. He taught that the rich should divest themselves of their riches and redistribute their wealth to the poor. In Matthew 19:21, he said, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.”

This radical call for redistribution mirrors Marx’s dictum: “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.” Jesus’ economic plan demands that society prioritize the needs of the many over the greed of the few.

2. Common Ownership

The early Christian communities described in Acts 2:44-45 lived out Jesus’ teachings by practicing communal ownership: “All who believed were together and had all things in common. They sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need.”

This is not charity—it is a rejection of private property in favor of collective ownership, a fundamental tenet of communism.

3. Uplifting the Poor and Marginalized

Jesus consistently sided with the poor, the outcasts, and the oppressed. In Luke 4:18, he declared: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to bring good news to the poor.” His entire ministry was dedicated to dismantling systems that perpetuated inequality and ensuring that the downtrodden had their needs met.

A society based on Jesus’ economic plan would center the needs of the working class and the impoverished, redistributing resources to eliminate poverty and inequality.

4. Critique of Wealth and Capitalism

Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:24, “You cannot serve both God and money,” resonate as a direct critique of capitalism’s obsession with profit. He condemned the hoarding of wealth, warning in Luke 12:15, “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

Capitalism thrives on the exploitation of workers and the concentration of wealth. Jesus’ teachings reject this system entirely, advocating instead for a society where resources are shared and wealth is dismantled.

Key Features of an Economic Plan Based on Jesus’ Teachings

1. Abolition of Private Property

Jesus’ vision for society, exemplified by the early church, is one where private property is obsolete. Resources are shared collectively, ensuring that no one has more than they need while others suffer from want.

2. Worker Empowerment

Jesus valued labor and taught that every person has a role to play in building a just society. In Luke 10:7, he said, “The worker deserves his wages,” highlighting the importance of fair compensation and dignity for laborers.

3. Egalitarian Resource Distribution

Jesus’ parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) illustrates his belief in equal distribution, regardless of contribution. In his economic plan, all would have enough to thrive, regardless of their position or status.

4. Economic Justice as Moral Justice

Jesus equated economic justice with righteousness, declaring in Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” A society based on his teachings would ensure that the needs of the poor are prioritized above all else.

5. Global Solidarity

Jesus’ teachings transcend national boundaries, calling for a universal brotherhood. His economic plan envisions a world where all are united by their shared humanity, rejecting nationalism and imperialism—forces often used to justify exploitation and oppression under capitalism.

Jesus vs. Capitalism

A capitalist society is antithetical to Jesus’ teachings:

• Inequality: Capitalism thrives on inequality, rewarding the wealthy at the expense of the working class. Jesus, however, demanded a society where resources are distributed equally, ensuring no one is left behind.

• Greed: Capitalism incentivizes greed and profit over people. Jesus explicitly condemned greed, declaring it incompatible with a moral life.

• Exploitation: Capitalism exploits workers for the benefit of the few. Jesus called for the liberation of the oppressed and upliftment of the poor.

Would Jesus Support Communism?

Yes, in principle, Jesus’ economic teachings align closely with communist ideals. While he did not advocate for political revolution in the way Marxist theory does, his call for the abolition of wealth, collective ownership, and prioritization of the poor places him firmly within the framework of communist ideology.

Communism, like Jesus’ vision, seeks to create a society free from oppression, where resources are distributed according to need and humanity is valued over profit.

A World Transformed by Jesus’ Economic Plan

If the world were to adopt Jesus’ teachings as the foundation for its economy, it would resemble a communist society driven by compassion and solidarity.

1. The End of Poverty:

By redistributing wealth and abolishing private property, Jesus’ plan ensures that everyone’s basic needs are met.

2. Collective Prosperity:

Through shared ownership and mutual aid, society would thrive as individuals work for the collective good rather than personal gain.

3. True Liberation:

Jesus’ vision of justice would free humanity from the shackles of capitalism, replacing exploitation with equality and greed with generosity.

Conclusion: Jesus Was a Communist

Jesus’ teachings offer a radical economic plan that aligns with the core principles of communism: collective ownership, wealth redistribution, and prioritization of the poor. His vision challenges the exploitative systems of capitalism and calls for a society where equality and justice reign supreme.

By embracing Jesus’ teachings, humanity could build a world free from greed and oppression—a world that reflects the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth.

As Karl Marx famously said, “The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways; the point, however, is to change it.” Jesus, too, sought not only to interpret the world but to transform it, offering a vision of justice and equality that continues to inspire revolutionaries today.

Workers of the world, unite - in the name of Jesus!