Beyond the Pews: How Jesus' Teachings Call for Action, Not Just Belief And Praise

Throughout history, few figures have embodied compassion, humility, and radical change as profoundly as Jesus of Nazareth. His teachings, actions, and relationships with the marginalized continue to serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of love and justice. Contrary to sanitized portrayals of Christ as distant or austere, the historical Jesus was a revolutionary force, upending societal norms to embrace those who lived on the fringes of society. His life and ministry reveal a profound commitment to befriending the outcast, advocating for the oppressed, and challenging the systemic inequalities of his time.

Among the most striking aspects of Jesus’ ministry was his willingness to engage with those considered untouchable or unworthy by the societal and religious standards of his day. The Gospels recount his friendships with individuals who were ostracized, such as sex workers, tax collectors, and the homeless. In Matthew 21:31, Jesus declares, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you,” addressing the self-righteous religious elite. This profound statement illustrates his radical inclusivity and willingness to elevate the dignity of those scorned by society.

In first-century Judea, sex work and homelessness were not merely moral issues but symptoms of systemic injustice. The Roman Empire imposed crushing taxes, forcing many into poverty and exploitative circumstances. Women, in particular, were often left with few choices, resorting to sex work to survive. Rather than condemning them, Jesus offered compassion and acceptance, as seen in his interaction with the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1–11). When faced with a mob ready to stone her, he famously said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” By confronting the hypocrisy of her accusers, he not only saved her life but also restored her humanity.

Similarly, Jesus’ relationship with the homeless reflects his deep concern for those left behind by societal structures. He himself was born into humble circumstances, laid in a manger because there was “no room at the inn” (Luke 2:7). Throughout his ministry, Jesus lived as an itinerant preacher, relying on the hospitality of others and identifying with the struggles of the poor. His teachings, such as the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37), consistently emphasized the importance of caring for those in need, regardless of societal or ethnic divisions.

Beyond personal acts of compassion, Jesus demanded systemic change, particularly in the redistribution of wealth. He repeatedly denounced the hoarding of riches and the exploitation of the poor. In Luke 12:33, he instructed his followers, “Sell your possessions and give to the poor.” His encounter with the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16–22) underscores the incompatibility of excessive wealth with the pursuit of spiritual integrity. When the man asked how to attain eternal life, Jesus responded, “Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” The man’s sorrowful departure reveals the grip of material wealth on the human heart and its capacity to hinder true discipleship.

Listen up…

You are not obligated to give to a church every time you attend a service. (Or every tithes and offerings day for Mormons). Instead, consider directing your generosity toward nonprofits and organizations that provide face-to-face, daily assistance to the causes you hold most dear. These "boots-on-the-ground" efforts often make an immediate and tangible impact, addressing critical needs in communities that might otherwise go overlooked.

If no existing organization aligns with your vision, take the initiative to create your own program. Whether it’s a large-scale operation or a small, once-a-year event, every effort counts. Starting a food drive, organizing a community cleanup, or offering skill-based workshops are just a few ways to make a difference. True change stems not from the size of your contribution but from the intent and compassion behind it.

Philanthropy does not need to follow a traditional model. While churches and religious institutions often serve as conduits for charitable giving, studies have shown that…

direct donations to community-focused nonprofits frequently result in higher efficiency and targeted aid.

… According to Charity Navigator, grassroots organizations often allocate a greater percentage of funds to programming rather than overhead, ensuring your contribution reaches those in need.

Take time to reflect on where your heart feels most drawn. Is it hunger relief, environmental conservation, mental health advocacy, or supporting victims of injustice? Allow your passion to guide your actions. By putting your resources directly into the hands of those doing the work, you become a part of the solution, amplifying your impact beyond a simple monetary gift.

The world needs active participants in its healing. Whether through your financial contributions, spare goods, or volunteer efforts, your involvement is a powerful testament to your values. Trust in your ability to make a difference, no matter the scale, and let your soul lead the way toward meaningful change.

Now onto economic and political related points…

… Jesus’ teachings challenged the economic and political systems of his time. His proclamation of the Kingdom of God was not merely a spiritual concept but a vision for a just society where the last would be first, and the hungry would be filled (Luke 1:53). We shouldn't wait til this Jesus guy comes back before we do such things. We are supposed to be Gods hands right? What the fuck happened with THAT idea?

This vision directly opposed the Roman Empire’s exploitation of its subjects and the complicity of religious leaders who benefited from the status quo. By overturning the tables of the money changers in the temple (Matthew 21:12–13), Jesus symbolically condemned the commodification of faith and the oppression of the poor in the name of religion.

The early Christian community took these teachings to heart, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles. In Acts 4:32–35, believers shared their possessions and ensured that “there were no needy persons among them.” This radical communal living exemplifies the redistributive principles that Jesus espoused. Their actions were not merely acts of charity but a reimagining of societal values, prioritizing human dignity and mutual support over individual accumulation.

Jesus’ emphasis on the redistribution of wealth and his solidarity with the marginalized remain deeply relevant in today’s world.

Economic inequality, homelessness, and the stigmatization of vulnerable populations continue to challenge societies globally.

In reflecting on Jesus’ life and teachings, we are called to examine our own values and systems. How do we treat those who live on the margins? Do we perpetuate systems of exclusion and exploitation, or do we work to create a more just and compassionate world?

In championing the rights and dignity of sex workers and the homeless, Jesus offers a timeless example of radical love. His demand for the redistribution of wealth challenges us to confront the disparities in our own time, not as a political agenda but as a moral imperative rooted in the belief that every human being bears the image of God. By embracing his vision, we move closer to a world where justice and mercy prevail, and where all are welcomed into the kingdom of love he proclaimed.

By not embracing this vision and instead merely acting and pretending it's embraced, we perpetuate all the many monsters that choke out the good… and classism is one of those giant monsters.

Classism, as a system of social stratification that privileges certain groups while marginalizing others based on economic status, is one of the most pervasive and toxic forces in human history.

Classism fuels societal inequality, perpetuates systemic injustice, and undermines the intrinsic dignity of individuals.

The teachings of Jesus of Nazareth provide a profound lens through which we can examine and confront this deeply ingrained issue. His life serves as a timeless example of radical love, challenging us to dismantle class-based prejudices and create a more equitable world.

At its core, classism is a toxin because it erodes the foundational principle that all human beings are inherently equal.

In a classist society, the worth of an individual is often measured by their material wealth, social standing, or occupation, rather than their humanity!

This creates a hierarchy that devalues those in poverty and glorifies wealth, leading to systemic oppression. Jesus’ ministry directly opposed such principles. He befriended those society deemed "lesser," such as tax collectors, sex workers, and the homeless, restoring their dignity and affirming their value. By challenging the wealthy elite and advocating for the redistribution of wealth, Jesus confronted the toxic power dynamics of his time, which were designed to keep the marginalized in their place.

Classism is particularly harmful because it perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality. The wealthy often benefit from systems that exploit the labor and resources of the poor while blaming them for their circumstances. This dynamic was evident in Jesus’ time, where the Roman Empire imposed oppressive taxes, forcing many into poverty and desperate circumstances. Rather than addressing the systemic causes of this suffering, the religious elite often used moral arguments to justify the status quo. Jesus' response was revolutionary...

In Matthew 19:16–22, he confronted the rich young ruler, illustrating the moral and spiritual cost of excessive wealth. His teachings demanded systemic change, not mere charity, and he called for a redistribution of resources to ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable were met.

In modern society, classism continues to manifest in many forms, from wage inequality and housing instability to the criminalization of poverty (every time I see an abatement, it makes my stomach churn!). The stigmatization of individuals based on their economic status fosters exclusion, deepening the divide between the "haves" and the "have-nots." This marginalization is often compounded by other factors such as race, gender, and disability, creating an intersectional web of oppression.

Jesus’ radical inclusivity serves as a model for dismantling these barriers. His teachings remind us that transformative change begins with recognizing the humanity of those society seeks to exclude and advocating for systems that prioritize equity and compassion.

Resolving the deeply entrenched issue of classism requires a multifaceted approach. First, we must challenge the societal narratives that glorify wealth and demonize poverty. This begins with education and open dialogue that exposes the systemic roots of economic inequality.

ALSO… individuals and communities must reimagine the concept of generosity. As I said before, philanthropy need not flow exclusively through religious institutions but can be directed toward grassroots organizations that address critical needs on a local level. These efforts ensure that resources reach those who need them most and empower communities to create sustainable solutions.

On a systemic level, governments and institutions must implement policies that address wealth disparities, such as progressive taxation, universal healthcare, and affordable housing initiatives.

However, true change requires more than policy shifts… it demands a cultural transformation.

We must adopt a mindset that prioritizes collective well-being over individual accumulation, much like the early Christian community described in Acts 4:32–35, where members shared their possessions to eliminate need among them. This ethos challenges the materialism and individualism that underpin classist structures.

Any way… those in positions of privilege must use their influence to amplify the voices of the marginalized and advocate for systemic reform. This is not merely a political act but a moral imperative rooted in the belief that every human being deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to thrive.

Jesus’ life serves as a reminder that faith without action is hollow. His example calls us to be active participants in the healing of our world, confronting the disparities and injustices that classism perpetuates.

…… classism is a deeply toxic force that undermines societal cohesion and human dignity.

By drawing inspiration from the life and teachings of Jesus, we can confront this injustice with compassion, humility, and a commitment to systemic change. His emphasis on radical love and the redistribution of wealth challenges us to reimagine our priorities and work toward a society where every individual, regardless of their economic status, is valued and included. Through intentional action, both on an individual and collective level, we can move closer to this vision of justice and equity.

-Aubs