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The Social Principles of Jesus
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As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
208 pages, Paperback
Published September 30, 2003
About the author
Walter Rauschenbusch
50 books6 followersWalter Rauschenbusch was an American theologian and Baptist pastor who taught at the Rochester Theological Seminary.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 2, 2012
I don't remember where I came across this book, but it was probably at a garage sale, thrift store, or flea market. I was intrigued by the title, as I have often been challenged by thoughts of how Jesus would live socially in our world today. This book was written in 1920, so I was also curious to see what the church teaching was about the social principles of Jesus at that time. The book is written as a college weekly bible study guide.
I put the book in my bed stand to serve as a night cap book, and a year later, I finally finished it. It didn't take a year because it wasn't interesting. It took a year because it was pretty heavy theologically! It was a lot to digest for such a compact book.
What I found most amazing about this gem was that it could have been written in 2013 rather than 1920. Most of the content was spot on. The principles are as applicable today as they would have been 100 years ago. I found quote-worthy content every other page throughout the whole book. Here's an example:
"Christians have never fully understood Christianity. A purer comprehension of its tremendous contents is always necessary. Think what it would signify to a local community is all sincere Christian people in it should interpret their obligation in the social terms which we have been using; if they should seek not only their only salvation, but the reign of God in their town; if they cultivate the habit of seeing a divine sacredness in every personality, should assist in creating the economic foundations for fraternal solidarity, and if, as Christians, they should champion the weak in their own community."
The words are powerful and challenging to Christians today. I enjoyed the book, primarily because it challenged my thinking. That's a plus.
I put the book in my bed stand to serve as a night cap book, and a year later, I finally finished it. It didn't take a year because it wasn't interesting. It took a year because it was pretty heavy theologically! It was a lot to digest for such a compact book.
What I found most amazing about this gem was that it could have been written in 2013 rather than 1920. Most of the content was spot on. The principles are as applicable today as they would have been 100 years ago. I found quote-worthy content every other page throughout the whole book. Here's an example:
"Christians have never fully understood Christianity. A purer comprehension of its tremendous contents is always necessary. Think what it would signify to a local community is all sincere Christian people in it should interpret their obligation in the social terms which we have been using; if they should seek not only their only salvation, but the reign of God in their town; if they cultivate the habit of seeing a divine sacredness in every personality, should assist in creating the economic foundations for fraternal solidarity, and if, as Christians, they should champion the weak in their own community."
The words are powerful and challenging to Christians today. I enjoyed the book, primarily because it challenged my thinking. That's a plus.
January 12, 2015
Social survival as a practicing Christian
As a Christian,I had been entrapped by many of the social temptations of the business and leisure world.
I have returned to my Christian roots and have dedicated my time to knowing God and my Lord Jesus Christ on a personal level. I have found that Jesus is about relationships more than religion.
This is a great study for any serious disciple of Jesus,regardless of social standing or education level. If you are on a quest for knowledge of practical Christianity this teaching will be invaluable.
As a Christian,I had been entrapped by many of the social temptations of the business and leisure world.
I have returned to my Christian roots and have dedicated my time to knowing God and my Lord Jesus Christ on a personal level. I have found that Jesus is about relationships more than religion.
This is a great study for any serious disciple of Jesus,regardless of social standing or education level. If you are on a quest for knowledge of practical Christianity this teaching will be invaluable.
December 5, 2017
Yes, 5 amazing stars because no "evangelical" would write this today, and certainly not a US Baptist one. Shorn of theological dogma and mystical clap-trap, Jesus and his teachings (since they cannot be separated) are presented in a rational manner that yearn for their implementation to eliminate social inequalities.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews