The people who currently build houses would build houses. Who else would you expect to build them?
How do you think they determined the balance of what was needed and who had what ability in the Book of Acts from where that quote is taken?
I will need that chapter and verse , my memory is failing to lead me to it.
If I were a carpenter , I would want some pay to come from my work, not based on what calories were needed to keep me alive , but based on the quality and quanity of my work and the fact that you arn't getting my work if you pay too little.
Who am I going to trust to determine what I need ? I like McCain , I even trust him , but not nearly that much. How am I goiing to feel when the government is run by people I can't vote for? This happens now and then you know.
Acts 2:44-45
44 All who believed were together and had all things in common;
45 they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one's need.
Acts 4:34-35
34 There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale,
35 and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.
And to answer Rich, it amazes me that this is 2008 and anyone who calls himself a follower of Christ would not subscribe to a system where "There was no needy person among them."
A church can still do this , a few still do .
If you really like the system you are free to join one of them , or found one.
But one thing that absolutely did not happen was an abolishment of private property.
It was a volentary system , read the last words that Annanias heard , he could have given any part or kept the whole , but he stood condemmed of giveing part and calling it the whole .
I have absolutely no objection to Churches however big or small throwing large or small amounts of resorces into a common pot and living in communal splendor .
I have extreme objection to abolishing private property on non volenteers.
Someone who gives much or even all in service of his faith and his brethren has done a good thing , someone who takes from his brethren what they are unwilling to give has to justify this theft.
Can you adress the other side of this ?
Proverbs 16:26
The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.