Love Thy Stranger, by Bart D. Ehrman,

 Love Thy Stranger: How the Teachings of Jesus Transformed the Moral Conscience of the West

by 

Bart D. Ehrman, 

 

Robert Petkoff (Narrator)

Love Thy Stranger: How the Teachings of Jesus Transformed the Moral Conscience of the West

by 

Bart D. Ehrman

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This book posits that Christianity was the originator of the concept that moral ethics includes concern and action taken to relieve the suffering of people who are poor and sick. It claims that prior the Christianity there were no hospitals, orphanages, poorhouses, homes for elderly, governmental assistance, or private charities. This book says this Christian concern was inspired by teachings of Jesus Christ, but also points out that the Christian church’s interpretation of his teachings differed from what Jesus actually said. 

After a beginning discussion of the difference between altruism and egoism, this book provides a summary description of Greek, Roman, and Hebrew concepts of ethics. Greek and Roman philosophers primarily explored ways to achieve eudaimonia. Hebrew religion did have some concern for the poor which was the source upon which Jesus taught things like loving your enemy and giving away all ones money to the poor.

The ethic of loving one's enemies was aspired to by Christian doctrine, but the goal of giving away all your money to the poor was modified to accept the more practical admonition to give of one's excess and ability. The Church leaders recognized that continuation of alms from rich people were necessary in order to pay the preachers. 

The book also points out that Jesus’s teachings regarding forgiveness of sins differed from the teachings of the Church. Jesus said “repent” and you will be forgiven (no strings attached or temple sacrifice needed). Later Christian theologians believed that “atonement” through Christ’s death was necessary for forgiveness of sins. 

Indeed, after Christianity became established as the religion of the Roman Empire, the ethic of charitable giving to the poor was promoted as an aspect of a moral life. That ethic has continued to our present understandings of good and honorable living. Society today generally expects government assistance in a variety of ways.