Taste of Raushenbusch

Not many people outside of theological circles know Walter Rauschenbusch. Yet, he was a major force at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th. He is credited with being one of the major leaders in the "Social Gospel" movement, which called the church to be active in alleviating social injustice.

In a very small way, let me introduce you who read this blog to him by sharing some quotes:

Christianity is in its nature revolutionary.

Every generation tries to put its doctrine on a high shelf where the children can not reach it.

Whoever sets any bounds for the reconstructive power of the religious life over the social relations and institutions of men, to that extent denies the faith of the Master.

Sin is a social force. It runs from man to man along the lines of social contact. Its impact on the individual becomes most overwhelming when sin is most completely socialized. Salvation too, is a social force. It is exerted by groups that are charged with divine will and love ... A full salvation demands a Christian social order which will serve as the spiritual environment of the individual.

The saving of the lost, the teaching of the young, the pastoral care of the poor and frail, the quickening of starved intellects, the study of the Bible, church union, political reform, the reorganization of the industrial system, international peace - it was all covered by the one aim of the Reign of God on earth.