Distinct differences between certain philosophical views have been debated and argued over for thousands of years throughout human history. One particular view, called collectivism, was first written about by the Swiss philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, but officially introduced by the Dutch social psychologist Gert Hofstede. This branch of philosophy emphasizes the ultimate good of the community over the needs of the individual.
Collectivism is very important in countries such as India, China, Indonesia, Japan, Guatemala, and others. Positive aspects of how collectivism has influenced these cultures are strong family bonds, a deep understanding of community, and keeping its own unique culture, language, and art alive despite how much technology changes culture. A negative aspect of how collectivism influences these cultures is the pressure on an individual to conform to a certain group expectation, no matter what they themselves desire for their own life path. For example, if a young man or woman desires to become a musician, writer, or teacher when their parents are expecting them to become doctors or engineers, there will be a conflict that could cause family ties to be broken.
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How Does Collectivism Contrast with Individualism?
A good historical example of an individualist philosopher is Soren Kierkegaard. Though Kierkegaard believed that the body of Christ was quite diverse all around the world, ultimately, he believed one’s own salvation between the individual and Christ was far more important than the needs of the collective. In this context, Kierkegaard was a big proponent of individualism and wrote many existential works about how someone must work out their own salvation with fear and trembling.
On the other hand, collectivism as a philosophy focuses on the interconnectedness of individuals within a community, prioritizing the needs, goals, and well-being of the group over individual desires. This approach often shapes cultural norms, traditions, and decision-making processes. In collectivist cultures, personal ambitions may be secondary to fulfilling roles or responsibilities that benefit the community as a whole. For instance, decisions about career paths or major life choices might be heavily influenced by familial expectations or societal needs rather than personal interests or preferences.
Collectivism as a philosophy shapes an entire culture or community, whereas individualist philosophy is important in the context of one’s own wishes, desires, dreams, and goals in contrast to the cultural norms of a certain community. A good example of the contrast between individualism and collectivism is someone deciding to follow a particular vocational path rather than the one that is expected of them from the community in which they grew up.
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Are There Examples of Collectivism in the Bible?
A good example from Scripture of how collectivism correlates with Christian values is the beginning of the early church in the first century. These different converts from Greek, Egyptian, Spanish, Jewish, Palestinian, Roman, and other ethnic and religious backgrounds all came to know the agape love of Christ. They found themselves being filled with the great hope and joy that only Christ provides and that transcends time and culture.
These Christians shared everything, as they were taught to love Christ and their neighbor. Acts 2:44-45 describes this beautifully: “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” They helped the poor, needy, and broken who were ostracized from society at that time by providing food, care, shelter, prayer, and sharing the good news of the gospel. This living out of agape love baffled many who worshiped the Roman gods, other deities, or the Roman emperor because the early Christians did not just look after their own but showed compassion to people from all different walks of life. Their radical generosity and unity demonstrated the transformative power of Christ’s love in a deeply divided world.
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Does Collectivism Align with Christian Values?
St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians, which is dated between 61 and 62 AD, gives the church great encouragement by saying in chapter 2: 3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
This proclamation by St. Paul goes directly against the worship of money, social status, and pride. Before St. Paul’s conversion to Christianity, he persecuted Christians, viewed them with contempt, and worshipped his own ego. After Paul came to know Christ on the road to Damascus, he dedicated his life to teaching, spreading the good news of the gospel, and helping others on their spiritual journey. St. Paul found himself living in a collectivist context as he sought to be a mentor to young brothers and sisters in Christ who needed encouragement and guidance on their spiritual journey.
Christians are taught by Christ to love Him with all their heart, mind, and soul, and to love their neighbors as themselves. When the early church did this, as mentioned in Acts 2:44-47, they were proclaiming the resurrection of Christ and the hope that is offered to all people searching for hope and meaning. This is the hope that everyone is looking for, and Christian communities still proclaim it to this day.
In a collectivist context, Christians are called by Christ to love one another in unity to help bring about the kingdom of God in the here and now, which gives a glimpse of what is to come when Christ comes back to reign in justice and truth. Then every tear will be wiped away, joy will be in abundance, and all will be made right at the marriage of heaven and earth.
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What Are the Potential Challenges of Collectivism for Christians?
Though collectivist ideologies are good for inclusivity and diversity, it could lead to a confusing view that different religious and spiritual groups worship the same God. This contrasts with the claims of Jesus claiming to be the way, the truth, and the life. As Christians, we are held accountable to God for sharing the good news of the gospel with humility and kindness while also challenging cultural claims of all religious or spiritual paths leading to the same end.
In 1 Peter 3:15, we are instructed to be able to give a reason for the hope of Christ that is within us, "but treat the Messiah as holy, as Lord in your hearts; while remaining always ready to give a reasoned answer to anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you—yet with humility and fear.” This type of apologetic approach goes beyond mere rational arguments for Christianity and emphasizes the importance of living out one’s faith by grace. Faith in Christ is a divine gift from God, and yet the human choice of free will is still there, which is also a gift from Christ—a paradox of God’s sovereignty and human decisions.
Collectivism could also lead to the exclusion of individuals who are not part of a certain culture and find it challenging to become assimilated. For example, in the early church, there were some intense cultural issues between some of the Gentile and Jewish converts to Christianity. Similar issues still occur today within the church, which has a diverse range of converts from different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
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What Can Christians Learn from Collectivism?
Although one’s salvation is a personal relationship with Christ that should include private times for contemplative prayer and scripture reading, we are called to worship in community with other believers through the sacraments, liturgy, the reading of Scripture, and serving the community around us. Other great ways Christians can learn from collectivism are by being part of a small group community, helping out at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter, and being the hands and feet of Christ wherever there is a need.
Every Christian has a unique personal relationship with Christ. At the same time, it is important to be part of a Christian community and partake in the liturgy and the Eucharist. This worship of Christ in unison through the work of the Holy Spirit is how the early church had such a profound impact on culture and millions of lives.
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Originally published Friday, 03 January 2025.