Humanitarian Jesus Book Review

The interconnected world in which we live today is absolutely amazing. It is possible to drink a cup of coffee grown in Uganda with a chocolate bar sourced from Brazilian cacao beans while ordering a sweater made in Bangladesh. This entanglement with the rest of the world is not without its shadows, however. The items that we so easily buy and throw out exploit laborers and resources from the farthest corners of the world. Even deeds that we feel are good for the disadvantaged people in the US and abroad, such as donating to Goodwill or providing monetary aid to Africa, have their own drawbacks as well. Living as a Christian in this globalized world presents challenges to Biblical values and requires thinking deeply about how our decisions affect ourselves and others.

Luke’s Gospel is a portrayal of Jesus as a model of social justice. Hence, the reader is empowered and influenced by the Gospel to be actively involved in social justice issues. The Catholic Church has sought to reach out to those in need, and Luke’s Gospel demonstrates this through injustices that Jesus challenged. In addition, mental illness, which is a current social justice issue reflects and appeals to problems that Jesus faced and reacted to in his time.

Fay, William, and Linda E. Shepherd. Share Jesus Without Fear. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999.

The ongoing war for social justice in all of its varying facets and regions throughout the globe demands the relentless commitment of a select few individuals whom voluntarily endure immeasurable trials to obtain justice and salvation for the afflicted individuals whom they represent. The willingness to accept criticism and hatred from their peers, the willingness to spend years of their lives in a cold, isolated prison, and the willingness to even sacrifice their own lives for these selfless pursuits grants these individuals the title: hero of faith-based social justice. The unyielding dedication of these heroes to these endeavors of social justice is truly remarkable and can be attributed to one common characteristic: an unusually devout faith in a higher power. I believe that faith can serve as a powerful inspiration for individuals to pursue social justice, and the dedication to one’s faith can influence their commitment to accomplishing their specific goal or mission in the realm of social justice. The acclaimed hero of faith based social justice: William Wilberforce clearly portrays this relationship in his own life experiences as a converted Christian who dedicated his life to the work of social justice.

The Social Gospel is the idea of social problems being looked and fixed with a Christian point of view. The Gospel will always stay the same and we should refer the Social Gospel as living out the Gospel. The goal of the Social Gospel Movement was to tie salvation and good work together. They thought people should live the life of a Jesus Christ. Classes, counseling, job training and libraries were provided by churches to act according to the Social Gospel. The origins and issues of the Social Gospel Movement, how the Social Gospel related to a Progressive Era, the work of Walter Rauschenbusch, and how Social Gospel relates to the Gospel will be covered in this essay.

UPMC Mercy’s Mission and Values statement clearly illustrates the principles of Gaudium et Spes, Part II, Chapter III, Section II: 72, “Christians who take an active part in present-day socio-economic development and fight for justice and charity should be convinced that they can make a great contribution to the prosperity of mankind and to the peace of the world.” (VI, 1965)

In our book “American Jesus” by Stephen Prothero, the chairman of the religious department at Boston University, has published an engaging book that explains how the Son of God “Jesus Christ” became the nation’s most known and forming celebrity figure. While the United States of America was founded on religious freedom, Prothero explains to us that America has more active Christians than any other nation in history. And while this nation has been somewhat of a hedonistic society, Americans are more interested in the figure of Jesus than their Puritan forefathers, who were, as Prothero writes, "a God-fearing rather than Jesus-loving people." But that’s no surprise; Prothero warns us that Jesus may rule the country, but the people in the country

I believe, after reading The Challenges of Jesus by N.T. Wright that Jesus had an agenda to save the first century Jew, and become the eschatology prophecy of the Old Testament.

Culturally speaking, Walter Rauschenbusch may have been years ahead of his time. From the very first chapter of his most famous work, Rauschenbusch’s passion for social justice is quite evident. He certainly had his finger on the pulse of his current generation, noting the compelling movement of the college students of his day to social service (3). It could be argued that the current generation shares this passion and perhaps even his theology. Unfortunately, while as believers we are called to “act justly and love mercy” (Micah 6:8), Rauschenbusch’s system of theology to uphold this love for social justice

One of the many things that puzzle people even today; is how Jesus was portrayed and how he became a part of history throughout the centuries. Fortunately, within the book Jesus Through the Centuries, written by Jaroslav Pelikan, readers are able to get a sense of what societies viewed Jesus as and how he was/is important to many aspects of the world such as; the political, social, and cultural impact he had left. As Pelikan discusses this very topic and theme in his book, we see how there’s a connection between his audience in this book and Jesus’s are closely similar. When he got his motivation to write about Jesus through the Centuries, Jaroslav had an open audience, which was intended for anyone of all ages, races, and beliefs to read

In the old testament the story of Moses includes the ten commandments rules given which have the basic standards of humans for example do not steal or do not kill, these rules being written into the bible really enforced them into catholic religion. In the new testament Jesus was a real show of social justice, he told stories and set example of caring for the ill and outcasted saying “blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right.” (psalm 106:3, bible). Social justice is constantly enforced in the bible and Catholic religion and because of this is enforced in the modern world. Caritas Australia is a catholic based charity that helps all over the world, their statement is to “end poverty, promote justice, uphold dignity”. Caritas Australia has changed many lives with education, food, shelter and more. Caritas Australia is an accurate example of catholic social justice being shown in modern world and most religions can show social justice through similar charities like the Islam

Suzanne Collins has awakened characters considered as minorities, to stand firm despite seemingly insurmountable opposition. Serving as a motivation to many with their assurance towards social change. Demonstrating that books are to engage, as well as to convey illumination of ethics to individuals all around the globe. Known for being supernaturally roused, the Bible, addresses how society is overwhelmed by social standards, which impact an alternate point of view of profound quality. As Jesus, the protagonist of the book, teaches he is regularly gone up against by the Pharisees, his opposition, with customs and consecrated ceremonies. Jesus brings understanding through an assortment of absolute opposites which challenge the weak

The Catholic Mission is to bring about the fullness of life for all people in all places and times as Jesus desired. For decades, Meals on Wheels has helped feed those who cannot cook for themselves, but what no one had thought of was creating a mobile laundry to wash the clothes of the homeless. This is what Nick Marchesi and Lucas Patchett did when they founded Orange Sky Laundry in 2014. In the Bible Jesus is recorded many times providing help to the disadvantaged and less fortunate and his call to help others remains as part of living a faithful life today. This essay will explore what Orange Sky Laundry do, how their work relates to scriptural passages in the Bible, the mission of Jesus and Catholic Social Justice Teachings.

Compassion is a well-known association based around Christianity; they strive to serve children, young adults & their families living in poverty, despite of their circumstances, beliefs or gender. In response to Jesus’ scriptures, Compassion aims to reveal hope to the hopeless, communicating the Gospel of Jesus Christ in an ethnic manner. Most importantly, Compassion aims for every child to get the chance to hear & respond to the Gospel message whilst discovering God’s incredible love for them. Through Compassion’s programs, children are supported through every stage of life, & are equipped to bring lasting change to their families and

Healthcare mission efforts have been an effective form of service and evangelism across the globe for many years. Healthcare missions can deliver such a major impact on a large community with a small budget. People can serve in a variety of ways without having to step out of the country. Christ Jesus, the most prominent figure in the Christianity’s history, was well-known for a similar type of action. Jesus’ most popular method of preaching was through healing the sick and the poor. As Christians, we should our resources to evangelize in word and across the world, glorifying God all the while. Healthcare missions are the most effective efforts and have the opportunity to leave the most substantial impact on a nation.