Original scientific paper

Elements of Alived Solidarity According to the First Christian Communities

Ivan Dugandžić ; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

This article researches solidarity according to two aspects. Firstly, an attempt is made to reveal elements of a lived solidarity in term of thinking and action. Secondly, considering the author has purposely limited himself to the New Testament early Christian communities, these elements are shown so as to become an inspiration and stimulus for today's Christians. The first Christian communities were structured as lived fellowship, in which Jesus' command to love played an important role. Even though a community of material goods was not something commanded of the Christian communities, as for example in Qumran, it was often voluntarily practised, according to the accounts from the Acts of the Apostles. Many voluntarily placed their possession at the disposal of the community before entering the Christian community. Freely and consciously choosing humble servitude and renouncement of all higher rank in the community, Christians were much further ahead in Antic world of all previously known models of community. Paul nurtured a spirit of community and solidarity in his assemblies through the free practice of collecting alms for the Jerusalem community. In the New Testament there is a certain amount of solidarity with respect to slaves, even though the theme of slaves as a social status is nowhere to be found. The slaves in the Christian community who embraced the Gospel were considered in all things to be equal to other Christians. This equality was based on the common inveteracy of all in Christ (cf. Gal 3:28; Col 3:11).

Keywords

solidarity; fellowship; command to love; humility; charity; communal goods; solidarity towards slaves; alms

Hrčak ID:

25620

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/25620

Publication date:

3.8.2004.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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