All Things in Common: The Economic Practices of the Early Christians

by Roman A. Montero

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 relationships" 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.

Genres: Religion, History, Christianity, Theology

146 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Dan Tillinghast · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best treatment I've read on early Christian economy. He makes a case that is well-backed, using scripture, early Christian writings and other sources from the time. His conclusion is not necessarily that they were in communities like the Bruderhof, but there was a strong moral obligation for every Christian to be generous, to an extent that you can call it having all things in common; that the passages in Acts to do with this should not be seen as temporary, small scale or experimental, but they set an example for what we ought to do today.
The one difficulty I find in the book is his use of the word communism to define what they were doing. Somewhere early in the book, he defines communism as "from each according to his ability, to each according to his need". I think this use of the word would only make it harder to explain to anyone what the practice was.

[Stephen Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent study. Concise and well researched.

[Alfie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes me want to read more about debt

[Brandon Lighty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book overall was really well done but generally I’m just tired of this vulgar trichotomy of “hierarchy, exchange, and communism” that was utilized.

I also think it’s important, and something students of Graeber rarely do, to reckon with the fact that two sentences before Marx’s “from each according to their ability to each according to their need” quote he specifies explicitly that the creation of communism requires unequal distribution of wage labor and the continued exploitation of the wage worker so that those participating in unpaid but socially necessary labor can still continue surviving without having to enter a wage labor market

[Jonathan Puddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Roman Montero's detailed examination of the first century church, and the radical sharing of goods which was embodied in their community. His discussion of Jesus bringing the Jubilee Kingdom was especially fascinating. I intend to ruminate on this for years to come. Highly recommended.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great explanation on the economicPractices of early Christians

Started off a little slow but middle and ending of book is very good how author teaches that Bible supports the sharing of property for good of all , drew me closer to the Word and to God!

[Jessica Liang · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible argument for the efficiency and grace of communism within the body of Christ. insightful and practical. a must read for every believer!