The Problem with the Social Gospel

The Problem with the Social Gospel
“WWJD?” It's a virtuous aim for Christians to behave like Jesus Christ. Feeding and clothing the poor, caring for the orphan and widow are the command of Scripture, and a righteous pursuit of any disciple of Jesus Christ. But what about other social injustices like economic equality or racial equity? Is it the aim of the Christian to fight against child labor or unjust wars, or advocate for environmental protections or public education? If so, in what way and in what context?
What are the boundaries of Christian responsibility? Is our primary goal as Christians to pursue the establishment of a Christian ethic in our world? Or is it to preach the gospel in order to see souls saved? Today, provost of Living Faith Bible Institute, Brandon Briscoe, has invited Pastor Allen Shelby of Harvest Baptist Church, dean of the living Faith Bible Institute, to chat about the Social Gospel, a movement that has influenced the church for over 150 years now.
Pastor Shelby expounds key Bible passages in the gospels pertaining to the aim of the Christian, showing from Christ’s own words how the social gospel has led the church away from a scripturally faithful approach to ministry and world missions.
Visit www.lfbi.org/l...

[@katrinawarren7669]

Love the message! I’ve noticed in my own life that I needed the word in connection to the spirit for a heart change to take place. If we just deal with “symptoms” we miss the wonder working power of the gospel in a person life.

[@MrSeedi76]

Well, Jesus said that the second commandment is "like the first"! Which means "of equal importance".
Matthew 22:39 KJV
[39] And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
So clearly the "social gospel" is in the Bible.

[@thepostscriptshow]

Thank you for commenting. No, Jesus is not talking about the "social gospel" in Matthew 22:39. "Like" does not mean "as important". "Like" means "similarly". Jesus is saying that these two commandments are similar because they both focus on love. In fact, Jesus differentiates all other commandments from the first commandment (vs.37-38) by calling it the "first and great commandment". Jesus answers a question regarding that "great" (or chief) commandment and, it is undeniably found in verse 37, regarding loving God first:
Matthew 22:36-40 "Master, which [is] the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all they soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hand all the law and the prophets."
Making Christ Lord of our life and loving him most produces a righteous love for others. We hope this helps and we invite you to watch the full episode!