The Social Principles of Jesus

Walter Rauschenbusch’s The Social Principles of Jesus reimagines Christian teaching as a radical program for social justice, offering a powerful roadmap from one of the leading voices of the Social Gospel. Written in the early 20th century by a professor deeply engaged in church history and social reform, this work explores how Jesus’ moral vision translates into communal ethics and public responsibility. Rauschenbusch organizes his argument around core convictions—the value of life, the solidarity of the human family, and standing with the people—and develops a social ideal centered on the Kingdom of God: its values, tasks, and new standards for a transformed society. He confronts the recalcitrant forces that resist change, examines leadership for service, and probes tensions such as private property versus the common good. Throughout, the cross and the conflict with evil are treated as social principles with practical implications for religion and public life. Contextualized in the Social Gospel movement, the book bridges religion and philosophy to ask how faith can reshape economic and social institutions. Ideal for students of Christian social ethics, clergy, activists, and curious listeners of religion and philosophy, this audiobook invites thoughtful reflection on faith-driven social reform.