The “Social” Gospel

Our Society (including the religious bodies of it) would almost unanimously agree….  That it is the “Work of the Church” to: Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, educate the illiterate, prepare the underpriviledged, provide childcare & recreation for families, and champion political causes.  This commonly referred to as the “Whole Man” or “Social Gospel” approach.

The Movement of “Religion” into the Social Spectrum The Movement of “Religion” into the Social Spectrum of Operation began slowly.  But has experienced a “boom” in the last several years.  It has become the criteria by which religious bodies are judged and selected by most of the populous.  We often get calls wanting to know what kind of “programs” we offer. Is it proper for the Church to operate this way?

Or, on the otherhand, is it wrong:  to condemn other religious bodies who are “seeking to better man by bettering his environment”?  Thereby “giving him greater opportunity to succeed physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually?” Perhaps we can answer these questions with a clearer understanding of John 6.

Clearly understanding a few terms may be helpful: “Social”- “of or relating to human society, the interaction of members of society” “Social Gospel”- “the application of Christian principles to social problems” “Religious Bodies”- “denominations, Christian or otherwise” “The Church”- “the Lord’s Body exclusively”

Now, let’s notice a couple of important points from John 6:  Jesus saw and met the physical needs of the people that day, vv >He had been healing their sick, v.2 >He felt compassion for them, cf. Mt.14:14; Mk.6:34 >His compassion prompted Him to act to meet their needs, both physical & spiritual, vv.27ff  The hard-hearted might say that He only did so to prove who He was, v.14. While the miracle did just that, it does negate the fact that Jesus saw and met their phsyical need. We ought not try to deny it!

But also notice from John 6 that:  Changing (improving) the Environment or Condition of Man is not the Solution to His Spiritual Delimma: >vv Filling their stomach did not help their understanding of who He was. >vv Jesus understood what was really necessary, and told them so. >vv.41ff They ate the fish and bread- but not the “bread of life”. >vv Even many of “His disciples” would no longer “walk with Him” because of this.

Now, the big question: Why were they no longer willing to follow and listen to Him? Because He gave them what they needed instead of what they wanted! Think about it… -They said He was “the Prophet” v.14. -What does a Prophet do? Preach God’s Word! -But they tried to make Him “King”! v.15

Again, “Why?” If they thought He was “the prophet” predicted by their beloved Moses (Dt.18:18)…. 1. Why did the want to make Him “King”? Jewish theologians had not understood that the prophet & the Messiah were one! 2. If they wanted Him as “King,” why did they reject Him as the Prophet/Messiah? Jesus explained it clearly, v.26.

In other words….. They were carnally rather than spiritually motivated! >They wanted a “King” who could feed and heal them to deliver them political bondage from the Romans…. >Rather than a “Prophet” who could deliver them from spiritual bondage from sin by, teaching them God’s Word! John 8:32 & Rom.1:16

Now, What’s the Difference: Between the Jews wanting Jesus to meet their physical (including political) needs & wants then, And people today wanting Jesus and His Church to meet their physical, social, recreational, and political needs & wants today? Nothing!

One Final Point: Does this mean that we should unconcerned and refuse to help our fellowman? Absolutely not! Luke 10:25ff teaches otherwise. But, remember this- >Jesus was/is the perfect example for how we as individuals should think, feel, and act. >The Church has limited responsibilities, 1Tim.3:15 (also Rom.15:25-27; 1Cor.16:1-3; 1Tim.5:16).

Conclusion Spirituality is not dependant upon physical or social provision, cf. Heb.11: As individuals, we must “love our neighbor” and do what we can to provide for their needs, Mt.25: But if we make the Church an institution for physical & social provision for the world, it has lost its power to save souls! 1Tim.3:15