We Need a New Sociology
How about we divide society into three types and then concede that all three are parts of everyone? In other words, we start thinking of individuals as a spectrum and not in terms that limit their freedom to be what they can be.
There is first the person who has no need of a physician, to use one of Jesus' phrases. Perhaps the largest bulk of humanity are those who function with a measure of responsibility, a measure of tolerance, a measure of helpfulness and a measure of democratic willingness to grant the same rights to all.
Next is the person Jesus designates as a sinner. He does not use this as an invidious designation. It is more a matter of fact acknowledgement that some, for whatever reason, engage in conscious wrong-doing. Some are compelled to do wrong. Sex workers. Child soldiers. Others - everyone actually - just does it.
Finally, there is the person who has power over others and misuses it, intentionally or not.
A new sociology would begin with a universal understanding based on the above. In other words, it would begin by positing ontological values that are universal and then observing how people relate to these values.
Take these as ontological values embedded in each person – non-idolatry, tolerance, democracy, helpfulness. The first sort above accepts these. The second sort will at least put on no airs, defer to others without judging, grant rights to all and offer a helping hand. The third sort will regard all this with profound skepticism. Nihilism is necessary protective garb for the powerful. Penitence is seen as an absurd exercise.
(Remember that at the start I said there is some of each of the three in all of us.)
The sociology that would rise from the above is simply an application of intelligent observation to the way things are. My own opinion is that Jesus provides the sociology we need to see things correctly and advance society.
