So the Pope is a marxist.... (wait for it)

[kandrathe]

As far as the Pope being socialist, the book of Acts has a clear reference to living in a commune. The early American Puritans tried to establish a commune of the faithful in some of the early colonies here ... with mixed results at best.
...

"As you have treated the least of them, so have you treated me."
That's a core bit of scripture supporting the general Christian ideal of taking care of those whose condition is less than ideal.

Which is why Christianity doesn't advocate any form of government, other than every person being subservient to the will of God. Monarchy, democracy, communism, theocracy, benevolent dictatorships would all fit. Another often misinterpretation of the message is much more about self sacrifice, and purely altruistic. As Mother Teresa said, "Give until it hurts." and Matt 5:10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." I don't think that means we should seek persecution. More that we should do what is right, without regards to the consequences should we become persecuted for doing the right thing.

For me (Randian influence, I guess), I can't accept that either. If my neighbor is starving, I will share what I have. But, my family and I will not go hungry, and we will have our share too. The latter being my responsibility, and the former being goodness (righteousness if you will). I do adhere to the idea of a responsibility to self-interest or what according to Poor Richard would be "God helps those who help themselves", which according to Obama's WH is not actually in the Bible after all. In fact, it's quite the opposite. According to scripture, we are all helpless, and only God can save us, or help us... spiritually.