Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 2.djvu/129

 CHRISTIAN SOCIOLOGY 1 1 5

that such a limitation was but a concentration. As the results showed, it was eminent sagacity that forbade the dissipation of energy and the extension of preaching by men not yet thor- oughly imbued with his own spirit. In the plans of Jesus the evangelization of Jerusalem was to lead to that of Judea and Samaria and ultimately of the uttermost parts of the earth. 1 But as a more immediate reply it would be sufficient to match the story of Zacchaeus 8 with that of the Syro- Phoenician woman; and the words to the Twelve as they went out to a final con- quest of the world with the advice given to them as they made their first experiment at heralding a disappointing Jewish Messiah.

2. It may be also urged that Jesus attacked the rich and educated classes and championed the poor. But such attacks and championings are rather proofs of his equalizing purpose. Princes were to be put down from their thrones and those of low degree were to be exalted, 3 not that in their new conditions they might perpetuate old distinctions, but that it might be made evi- dent that personality and not position or wealth is supreme Equality with Jesus was not to be attained by equalizing wealth or honor, but by the possession of a common divine life, the enjoyment of equal privileges, and the performance of equal duties. It is moral not material.

It is true that Jesus attacked bitterly the upper classes, and at times seemed unduly to praise the poor and needy, but it is a superficial study that does not discover that these attacks spring from his perception of the evident anti-fraternal, selfish, con- temptuous spirit of the Pharisees. In none of his words is there a touch of demagogism. A man was no more worse because he was rich than he was holier because he was miserable. Indeed, if there is anything that projects above the other teach- ings of Jesus it is the duty of every member of the kingdom of God to treat every man as his equal. This was to be not a mere social fiction but a test of devotion and character. "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye love one another." To be a neighbor to a man is not to belong to the

1 Acts 1:8. f Luke 19:2 iq. 3 Luke I : 52. Jobn 13 : 35.