In part I, we looked at how the social gospel movement began. In continuation we see this movement particularly was emphasized by some during the first half of the 20th century. Indeed if you Google "social gospel" you will see a lot of info in regards to the 20th century though many claim the movement essentially died out around 1930. Though the public use of the term seemed to diminish around this time, the concept and ideas behind it are still with us today.
I contend that it can basically be boiled down to the use of Christianity and its principles without the person of Christ Himself. It can be described as the use of programs designed to improve the economic and social positions of the recipients. It is promoted as something Christians ought to be involved in because Christians certainly want to help their fellow man.
One problem with this way of promoting "Christian" values is that is does nothing to change the people on the inside. Therefore the results are essentially external. You may temporarily improve some conditions but society (people) are not really being improved. While many may have good intentions, the system becomes the ultimate user. It uses good sounding phrases and causes, but because the standards that Christ laid down are essentially ignored, almost anyone or any group can join in - usually bringing their philosophy and demands with them.
Christian values from a Biblical view start on the inside and work their way outward. Once the "Christ in you" begins to shine forth on the outside coupled with skill and the ability to get things done, you can indeed do just that - get things done. In this way the gospel can dramatically impact society.
So don't get the cart before the horse or the program in front of the programmer. Without Jesus, we will not have the good sense to implement or adjust any program so that it accomplishes the desired goal - especially as complicated as the world has made things.
Before the gospel can change society it must change the individual person. If programs are just used to get "stuff" to the people, what happens when the "stuff" runs out? Have you seen the mob scenes around the world when people think they are going to lose their "stuff"?
The gospel will not only change you on the inside, it will help you develop the skills to get more than enough "stuff". But that is a message for another blog.
So to answer did Jesus bring a social gospel: Jesus brought the gospel to individuals. If individuals embrace that gospel, it will definitely impact them socially.
