You’re right – if it was simply a voluntary sharing that would not be socialism. But the sharing of all is the socialism part and it is the best economic possibility if your interest is in eliminating poverty. We humans, and sadly in particular, we Americans are far too greedy to go for it, but just because something is unlikely to happen doesn’t mean it’s still not the best option and what you should encourage.

One, I don’t think your points about the scripture in Acts do anything to deter my belief about it, Hefe. Sure it was voluntary and sure it was among a community of believers. Does that mean it cannot be the best option? Of course not. If anything, to me, that shows that it clearly was the best option and that we Christians should not only embrace it and follow it, but encourage our non-Christians to see the wisdom and good results of it, too.

Two, Byron, I didn’t “dance around” anything. You’re predetermined to not like the idea of socialism and we both know that. Frankly, a utopian dream to me is WAY more than enough a reason to support something. If it is a utopia, why wouldn’t you want to see it come about? You may feel you need more than that to want to support this, but I do feel this issue really is as simple as the fact that we can eliminate EVERYONE from living in poverty in exchange for no one living with excessive wealth. Very simple to me.