At the heart of Communist ideology is the idea that wealth should be distributed equally among all people. In theory, the redistribution of wealth would reduce large gaps between the rich and the poor. The Soviets used the state-run command economy to reduce the economic gap. However, this method failed to provide a stable economy and, along with huge military spending, was the major cause of the collapse of the Soviet Union. But in capitalist economies the gap between rich and poor still exists, and in some places the gap is widening. Should capitalist countries try to narrow the income gap? Why or why not? What kinds of policies do you think would work? What are some of the effects of poverty? Can you see evidence of the income gap in your community?

Rist was baptized in the jordan river by john the baptist. baptism with water, practiced since the beginning of the church, represents admission into the christian community and is essential for salvation. "truly, truly, i say to you, unless one is born of water and the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of god." (john 3: 5) in christianity, baptism is a sign of “repentance and forgiveness of sins” (mark 1: 4) and the beginning of the life in christ within the church. christians are baptized in the name god: “father, and the son and the holy spirit” (matt. 28: 19). as well, through baptism christians associate with the death, burial and resurrection of jesus: “and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you […] by the resurrection of jesus christ.” (1 peter 3: 21)