Rediscovering Christian Communal Roots

Pooling Commitments in Fellowship

I grew up in a Presbyterian church and always felt there was something much deeper to the fellowship I found there. It wasn’t until much later I found that Christianity's early traditions were deeply rooted in communal living and shared resources, practices akin to the indigenous systems of rotating labor and commitment pooling that I see around me today in Kenya.

These early Christian communities exemplified mutual aid, collective support, and an egalitarian ethos that fostered communal well-being. However, as Christianity became institutionalized and aligned with state and imperial interests, these communal traditions were systematically suppressed. Over time, Christianity was repurposed as a tool to suppress others, facilitating the rise of colonial scrip, wage slavery, and modern nation-states with their centralized national currencies. This article explores the suppression of these early traditions and advocates for a return to Christianity's communal roots through modern fellowship and commitment pooling.

Early Christian Communal Traditions

In its infancy, Christianity was marked by a profound sense of community and mutual support. Early Christians practiced a form of collective living where resources were pooled and shared among the community. The Book of Acts describes this practice vividly:

"All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need" (Acts 2:44-45)​

This approach mirrored indigenous systems found all over the world - like Mweria, a rotating labor association common in East African communities. In Mweria, community members take turns working on each other's projects or farms, fostering reciprocity and mutual support without monetary exchange​.

Suppression and Transformation

As Christianity spread through the Roman Empire and later through European colonialism, its egalitarian practices were increasingly suppressed. The Roman state, recognizing the organizational potential of Christianity, began to incorporate it into its control mechanisms. The communal aspects of early Christianity, which emphasized equality and shared resources, were seen as a threat to the hierarchical and centralized power structures of both the Church and the state​.

The conversion of Christianity from a persecuted sect to the state religion under Emperor Constantine marked a significant shift. The Church adopted hierarchical structures that mirrored the Roman state, and doctrines were developed to justify obedience to ecclesiastical and imperial authorities. This transformation was further solidified through the medieval period and into the colonial era, where Christianity was used to support the expansion of European empires​.

n.b. Despite historical suppression, the resilience of communal traditions within Christianity highlights an enduring capacity for mutual support and collective empowerment.

Christianity as a Tool for Control

During European colonial expansion, missionaries played a crucial role in extending colonial control by converting indigenous populations to Christianity. This often involved replacing local communal systems like Mweria with Christian structures and colonial monies that supported colonial governance. Religious instruction was used to instill obedience and acceptance of colonial authority, further entrenching systems of exploitation and control​.

This religious framework paved the way for the development of colonial scrip and wage slavery. Enslaved people and colonized subjects were often paid in scrip, a form of currency that could only be used at company stores, and then forcibly taxed thereby controlling their economic and social lives. This system evolved into the wage slavery seen in modern nation-states, where national currencies and centralized economic systems replaced communal labor and resource-sharing practices.

n.b. While recognizing the historical role of Christianity in colonial control, it's essential to also acknowledge the faith's contributions to social justice movements and community-building efforts globally.

Reclaiming the Communal Ethos

Modern Christians can draw inspiration from these suppressed traditions to foster a renewed sense of fellowship that echoes the communal practices of early Christianity and systems like Mweria. Commitment pooling, where resources and labor are shared among community members, can serve as a contemporary form of these ancient practices. This approach promotes mutual aid, reduces dependence on centralized monetary systems, and fosters a stronger sense of community.

Fellowship, viewed through the lens of commitment pooling, encourages Christians to return to their roots of collective support and egalitarianism. By participating in communal efforts and sharing resources, modern Christians can reconnect with the foundational principles of their faith that prioritize the well-being of the community over individual accumulation​.

Reviving early Christian communal practices in modern fellowship of commitment pooling can provide a robust framework for addressing today's social and economic challenges through collective action and resource sharing

Christians today are called to reclaim the communal ethos of their faith by embracing fellowship as a form of commitment pooling, reminiscent of early practices and indigenous systems that prioritize collective well-being over individual gain.

The early traditions of Christianity, characterized by communal living and resource sharing, were instrumental in fostering strong, supportive communities. These practices were suppressed as Christianity became a tool for imperial and colonial control, facilitating systems of exploitation that persist in modern economic structures. By rediscovering and embracing these communal roots, Christians today can build stronger communities, challenging the centralized systems that have long overshadowed the communal spirit of their faith.

References

• Early Christian Communal Practices

• Christianity and Roman Authority

• Christianity and Colonial Expansion

• How To Make A Negro Christian

I don’t think there is a more importance time than now in revisiting and revitalizing the communal practices of early Christianity and many of our ancestors - to address the breakdown of our social infrastructures and foster a more equitable and supportive society.