At the heart of Rauschenbusch’s theological vision is a profound commitment to the Christian concept of love, as exemplified in the teachings and deeds of Jesus. This love, depicted vividly in Matthew 25:31-46, serves as the foundation for Christian conduct both individually and collectively within the Church. Here, love takes tangible form through actions that heal the sick, feed and clothe the impoverished, offer hospitality to strangers, comfort widows and orphans, and transform the scourge of war into peace.

Rauschenbusch identified selfishness as the root of various societal ills, with capitalist greed being a significant contributor to poverty and its associated challenges such as substandard housing, inadequate sanitation, child labor, alcoholism, political corruption, and war. He argued that these issues stem from the actions of sinful institutions, particularly business corporations, laying the groundwork for later thinkers like Walter Wink in "The Powers That Be: Theology for a New Millennium." This perspective underscores an institutional critique that calls for systemic change to address deep-seated inequities.

Building upon the teachings of Saint Paul in 1 Corinthians 13, Rauschenbusch extended his critique to the Church itself. He lamented its failure to lead in addressing the social maladies he outlined. Condemning asceticism, monasticism, mysticism, and an excessive focus on ritual and dogma, he called for a shift towards social action. For Rauschenbusch, the true expression of Christianity was not in ritual observance or the contemplation of personal sin, but in active efforts to improve societal conditions. He posited that the pursuit of salvation and concerns for the afterlife should take a backseat to the immediate, pressing need for social reform and justice.

Central to Rauschenbusch's theology is an image of Jesus not as a preordained figure enacting a divine script, but as an individual engaged in a journey of growth and discovery. This portrayal emphasizes Jesus's deep social concerns, which were integral to early Christian life before the Church's entanglement with political power diluted its transformative potential.

Rauschenbusch's vision urges Christians to look beyond individual piety and to engage in collective action to establish the Kingdom of God on earth. His theology calls for collaboration with others in the struggle for social justice, underscoring that actions, rather than thoughts or rituals, are essential in realizing a world reflective of Christian love and compassion.