Episode Details

Christianity brought a moral revolution the ancient world could scarcely imagine. In pagan thought, only the strong were close to the gods, pity was a weakness, generosity was calculated reciprocity, and envy ruled society. But Jesus overturned that entire order, teaching His followers to give freely, expect reward from God rather than from men, and show kindness even to those who could never repay. Early Christians shocked the pagan world by inviting the poor to their tables as honored guests. Yet today, drifting back toward pagan values, many believers ignore Christ’s commands regarding charity and brotherly love. We have made ourselves more comfortable but poorer in grace.