sebastiansdreams said:
If one were to argue that, one would be following the mistake that a great deal of people make in interpreting the teachings of Jesus: the idea of moderation. The first two scriptures you quoted both say "the love of money" is evil. Jesus is not saying that money is bad. He recognizes that it is a part of life, and that it is simply used for us to purchase goods and food and such (remember "Give unto Ceaser what is Ceaser's, give to God what is God's"). However, then as it is now, money was held far too precious by far too many. Jesus is arguing that anytime something comes before more important things, and especially when something comes before a relationship with God, it is a hinderance because one is then worshiping it (or making and idol of it). Therefore, if you love money, you're going to put it as a higher priority in life than it ought to be. Rather, Jesus was against the effects money has on people. And that is why I suggest to you that Jesus said it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle (or however you would like to interpret that) than it is for a rich man to get into heaven. Because, in His eyes money can be an addiction, if given more weight than it's worth. It is not necessary, neither Biblically or in principle, to completely abandon something that is fine in moderation. I argue that Jesus was just stating the importance of moderation and the evils of excess.
One could interpret the bible to mean that. Or in my opinion, rationalize it. But if we look at three points:
1. In Jesus' Sermon on the mount he said, "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin. And yet I say unto you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” The gist is that we should not worry about accumulating worldly possessions, as God will provide for his followers.
2. Jesus overturned the tables of the money-changers and cast them out of the temple. Seems to me like Jesus had a problem with a house of worship engaging in commerce and accumulation of wealth.
3. Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
It would seem that he's either pushing Francis of Assisi form of poverty or a communist form as the parable in Acts goes:
ACTS 4:35
And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
4:36
And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
4:37
Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Acts, Chapter 5
5:1
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
5:2
And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
5:3
But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
5:4
Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
5:5
And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
5:6
And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
5:7
And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.
5:8
And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.
5:9
Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
5:10
Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
5:11
And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.