Could a society be structured solely on the teachings of Jesus?

[Just_me_Mike]

With what little we have that Jesus said himself, how difficult would it be to create a society that the people would love? Are there enough principles in his parables?

 

[AxisMundi]

With what little we have that Jesus said himself, how difficult would it be to create a society that the people would love? Are there enough principles in his parables?

No.

A society isn;t built on jsut "principles".

How would we address zoning laws, for example? Construction codes? Fire Codes? Police and fire services?

Todays world is a complicated place, and your Christs teachings pretty much deal with a relationship with your god mostly.

 

[Eliot Wild]

How would we address zoning laws, for example? Construction codes? Fire Codes? Police and fire services?

Jesus said that if one wanted to be a disciple of Christ's, then they should give away everything they own, pick up their cloak and their staff and follow him. If everyone were to do that, then wander around aimlessly preaching the gospel, why would we need zoning laws or construction codes?

Just kidding. I agree completely with AxisMundi.

Jesus' teachings, as far as I can tell, specifically dealt with moral and spiritual issues. He even seemed to go so far as to draw a sharp, clear line between God's Laws and Man's Laws, indicating that we are to give unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's and give unto God what is God's. While he was addressing a question about taxes, I believe he was speaking figuratively about a larger issue, IMHO.

Besides, with that pesky turn-the-other-cheek rule of Jesus's, what would become of all the lawyers?

 

[Just_me_Mike]

So when making zoning laws and so forth, is it not part of those decisions to do it morally and ethically?

Even so, I doubt we would need zoning laws if we tried it that way...

The first man who, having fenced in a piece of land, said "This is mine," and found people naïve enough to believe him, that man was the true founder of civil society. From how many crimes, wars, and murders, from how many horrors and misfortunes might not any one have saved mankind, by pulling up the stakes, or filling up the ditch, and crying to his fellows: Beware of listening to this impostor; you are undone if you once forget that the fruits of the earth belong to us all, and the earth itself to nobody. JJ Rousseau

 

[freeindeed78]

Wasn't society's codes for ethical behavior and governing set forth to the Patriarchs? Jesus' teachings focused more on the Morality of society, and not the governing of society.

 

[Rainbow Mage]

A true follower of Jesus wouldn't want to rule any society. Jesus said to let those with authority renounce it, and to be lowly and meek. That being said, I could argue Jesus advocated Socialism or Communism, and so does the book of Acts, by saying let everyone give away their things, and then you will be given what you are in need of.

 

[opuntia]

It is possible a society could be constructed on the teachings of Jesus, hence the word "theocracy."

 

[Rainbow Mage]

Well the NT does say to let the Church have courts for governing the people, but that's only in a Christian society, not in a secular society like ours today. In a secular society the church having courts would be inappropriate. I personally feel that in a secular society bringing any religious bias into government is inappropriate. If we lived in a Christian society it'd be a different story.

 

[freeindeed78]

Can you compare Humanity's attempts at Socialism to, for instance Jesus' teachings similar to Socialism? One relies on the fallible providence of man whereas Jesus' teaching asks us to rely upon a Benevolent God providing for us? I'm not an advocate for Socialism by any means, but would be more apt to accept Jesus' selling to me the concept of forsaking all for the benefit of all than I would for, let's say, our current administration.

 

[Rainbow Mage]

Well I'd argue the book of Acts teaches Socialism even more so. It says the believers gave their land, money, and food stuffs to the church, and the church shared it equally with everybody. It even seemed to carry a pretty severe penalty for withholding, like a Socialist government would. Remember Annanias and Sapphira? Peter said they lied to the Holy Spirit, and they dropped down dead, because they withheld some land for themselves.

 

[JMorris]

Well I'd argue the book of Acts teaches Socialism even more so. It says the believers gave their land, money, and food stuffs to the church, and the church shared it equally with everybody. It even seemed to carry a pretty severe penalty for withholding, like a Socialist government would. Remember Annanias and Sapphira? Peter said they lied to the Holy Spirit, and they dropped down dead, because they withheld some land for themselves.

that dosent sound like socialism at all. sounds like some kind of theocratic communism.

 

[Rainbow Mage]

Well yes, one could say Communism as well.

 

[freeindeed78]

Agreed, but this was not a governing body in the sense we apply to Socialist Countries now. This was the teachings of Jesus to "sell all that you have and follow me".....which is a far cry from the Socialism being sold in society today, which is no longer about the following of Christ, but the betterment of society. No longer is Christ the focal point, but now society.
I would agree that the teaching of Jesus mirrors some of Socialism, but I think the foundation is profoundly different.
This could also be a testimony of why I struggled with my high school civics class also!

 

[JMorris]

Well yes, one could say Communism as well.

there is no "as well" about it, what you described was what could best be described as theocratic communism, where the church takes place of the party. socialism is not nearly so authoritatively centralized. nor does it encourage "one church (party) systems".

 

[Smoke]

Could a society be structured solely on the teachings of Jesus?

I doubt it. After 2000 years, we have yet to manage so much as a church that fully supports the teachings of Jesus. To attempt the project with a whole society, and to add that restrictive solely to the mix would just be too much.

People don't like the teachings of Jesus. Especially, in my experience, people who claim to have a personal relationship with him.

 

[Rainbow Mage]

But I will say this- One thing I find funny is how some Christians in today's world oppose Socialism or Communism when we've shown in this thread that Jesus basically taught an idea like it.

 

[Thesavorofpan]

I don't think so. He didn't talk about running a country. He just talked about salvation and things like that. So no we can't run a country from the teachings of Jesus.

 

[Mister Emu]

But I will say this- One thing I find funny is how some Christians in today's world oppose Socialism or Communism when we've shown in this thread that Jesus basically taught an idea like it.

You can clearly show that Jesus taught personal responsibility for the poor/weak/hungry/cold/etc.

You have not shown that there is a demand for the government doing it... Government is inordinately inefficient. It is wasteful, and it often betrays the trust of the people...

 

[zenzero]

Friend itwillend,

Could a society be structured solely on the teachings of Jesus?

When it is possible to do the same with Muhammad's teachings; don't see why it is not possible with other prophets teachings.

Guess doing such could leads towards fundamentalism; as is the world experience. And another round of [UN]HOLY wars!

Love & rgds

 

[dogsgod]

Some of the Jesus teachings are down right silly.