The statement suggests that the teachings and principles attributed to Jesus are highly transformative and challenging to conventional norms, more so than any other form of revolutionary thought or teaching encountered by the speaker. In essence, it emphasizes the radical nature of Christian doctrine as perceived by its interpreter.
When delving deeper into this quote, we can consider several dimensions of what makes Jesus's teachings particularly revolutionary. First, his message often challenged the religious and social hierarchies of his time, advocating for compassion, equality, and moral righteousness above adherence to strict rules or rituals. His emphasis on loving one’s enemies and turning the other cheek was a significant departure from traditional views on justice and retribution. Additionally, Jesus's teachings about forgiveness and mercy, along with his call for personal introspection and change, were profoundly subversive in their day and continue to inspire profound social changes centuries later.
Lincoln Steffens, the author of this quote, was an influential American journalist and writer who lived from 1866 to 1936. He is well-known for his muckraking journalism during the Progressive Era, where he exposed corruption in politics and business. His work often aimed at promoting social reform through exposing societal issues and advocating for transparency and accountability in government and industry. Steffens was also known for his writings on socialism and his experiences with American governance, which earned him recognition as one of the most prominent figures of his time.
