Theological political question: Is government welfare of God or Satan?

[richardhutnik]

Jumpin said:

It's not God or Satan, it's economics.  Although:

There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 
(Acts 4:34-37)

The although is important I believe, because to say "it is not God or Satan", but just economics, can be seen as saying God has nothing to do with economics.  Considering how important economics is, I would end up questioning that.

Also, if you go further into Acts, you can end up seeing the story of Anaias and Sapphira, who end up dropping dead because they said they would sell off land and give it all away, and then held onto some of the money:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ananias_and_Sapphira

That consequence is far worse than falsely reporting charitible contributions to the IRS.