This was off topic over in the "politics and government" forum:
So do we have evidence for Jesus being a "social reformer"?
Maybe Jesus just wasn't the "social reformer" type.
That is very hard to believe. Jesus was very interested in social reform. Remember, the gospel is good news for the poor. Now for some mysterious reason, some Christians seem to think this has nothing to do with the grinding poverty of this present life, but rather refers to "spiritual poverty". Well, such a distinction is pure invention, I assure you.
The gospel is not only about "going to heaven when you die" - it is news of a new kingdom here on earth with Jesus at the head. So, of course, this new kingdom shapes the social landscape. Or it should, at least.
Where does he set out his schemes for social reform?That is very hard to believe. Jesus was very interested in social reform.
Where does he say people should organize to achieve such and such results in society?
Where does he say how society should be governed?
As far as I know, the teaching of Jesus we are given is more along the lines of personal ethics. I guess "personal ethics" if followed could play out to result in social reform, but it's far from clear (to me at least) that Jesus had such a vision.
Jesus could have "cared" about the poor, without having a vision of social reform.Remember, the gospel is good news for the poor.
You are probably aware that one strand of thought in the study of the "historical Jesus" is that he was an "apocalyptic prophet". As a fan of NT Wright, you reject that picture. But if it's correct, then the idea of the "kingdom" that Jesus had would not fit with him being interested in social reform.The gospel is not only about "going to heaven when you die" - it is news of a new kingdom here on earth with Jesus at the head. So, of course, this new kingdom shapes the social landscape. Or it should, at least.
So do we have evidence for Jesus being a "social reformer"?