Jesus, The Revolutionary: Fighting For a God-Breathed Community

Christ came to give life. Capitalism takes life.

We live in a world flex now pay later. Commercials and YouTube ads pushing individualism and the relentless pursuit of wealth. However, the biblical and historical Jesus of Nazareth emerged teaching about God and community. Contrary to mainstream interpretations that often sanitize his radical stance, we must reclaim a vision of Christ as both savior a

AND an advocate for true community grounded in justice, equity, and compassion.

In America, comfort is a cherished value. We see it mirrored in the American evangelical church, which often prioritizes a desire for comfort and wealth over the teachings of Jesus. Evangelicals, while condemning the prosperity gospel that asserts faith leads to financial gain, frequently embody the very desires they denounce. Many churches support businesses that exploit the labor of others while wearing prosperity as a sign of divine favor. At its core, capitalism can be seen as the prosperity gospel realized—wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, acquired at the expense of the many.

Thou Art Crazy!

Let us ponder this craziness: how can evangelicals preach a doctrine of Original Sin while simultaneously suggesting that those who are wealthy will inherently act charitably? The narrative of capitalism, especially since the Industrial Revolution, has not been one renowned for compassion or support for workers. Business, as a general entity, excels in profit-making, often at the expense of community welfare. This is why when companies like Samkee come to rural places like Tuskegee, I am concerned. What looks like progress could be a cheap labor farm and a ecological disaster. The level of damage could grow exponentially ending on other components of infrastructure. The world’s most profitable companies not only enrich their shareholders but also pay some of the lowest tax rates, fueling a system that thrives on inequality. This is capitalism at work!

The repercussions of capitalism extend to the individual level, entrenching people in debt and fostering a culture of insatiable consumerism. The relentless pursuit of what is marketed as necessary plunges many into financial hardship. The sad reality is that debt has become a lucrative industry of its own, with payday lenders preying on the most vulnerable who struggle to navigate this treacherous landscape. Free-market capitalism perpetuates this cycle, promoting greed and aspiration while neglecting the basic needs of a significant portion of the population.

We Must DO Something New

It is both theologically and empirically naïve to assume that enriching a few will benefit all. James 2:6-7 captures this counterproductive belief, emphasizing that a lack of compassion for the poor undercuts the essence of faith. The Epistle suggests that individuals often require encouragement to support their neighbors, which leads us to recognize that taxation and collective responsibility can serve as vital tools for the common good. Such a position harmonizes with the biblical call to care for the marginalized.

Would socialism offer a more equitable solution? A system that aims to redistribute wealth from those with plentiful resources to those in need resonates with the heart of biblical teachings. It acknowledges the critical need for support structures that don’t rely solely on individual philanthropy but rather prioritize community welfare. When socialism emphasizes collective benefit, it directly counters the individualistic nature of capitalism that often sidelines the community, mirroring the relational emphasis evident throughout Scripture.

The preaching of hard work paying off through much discipline and skill is revealed as garbage. If the system is rigged and dollars are being replaced with cents, no amount of hard work or financial literacy classes will level the field. The system itself must be rewired. It must be rebuilt in a way that promotes Christlike equity. A righteous system. A humane system. Why do many blame the poor? Because we exist in a system that promotes the dehumanization and exploitation of the perceived weak or least. I say exist because as Marvin Gaye said, "This ain't LIVING!" This is not the grace that Christ preached. 

Jesus’ assertion that “the poor you will always have with you” was not a condemnation of those in need; rather, it called attention to the greed that keeps wealth concentrated among the elite while poverty remains rampant. His life and ministry criticized the super-rich, unveiling the injustices that ensue when wealth is hoarded. In this light, Jesus was not just a passive observer of social dynamics but an active voice against systems that perpetuate inequality. If we do not label Jesus as a socialist, we can certainly recognize him as an anti-capitalist, challenging structures that are incompatible with the radical love of God.

The kingdom of God envisioned by Jesus is not one of inequity and greed; it is a community of love, sharing, and mutual support.

I Am YOU And You Are ME

A God-breathed community embodies the call to care for one another, uprooting systems that prioritize wealth over the well-being of the many. This vision is rooted in the gospel's transformative power, urging us to forge communities that reflect divine justice and embrace genuine love for our neighbors.

As we grapple with the implications of Jesus’ radical message, let us become advocates for a new kind of community—one that defies the status quo, champions the marginalized, and embraces the collective good over individual gain. Let this be the movement that starts with us, transforming hearts and communities in the name of the revolutionary love embodied by Christ. Not the Red nor the Blue will do. The call is clear: it’s time to build a community that mirrors the heart of Christ—a true God-breathed community.