I’m assuming you forgot the sarcasm tag for that comment.
If not, please read scripture, particularly the words of Jesus Himself.
You are absolutely right that he spoke to people as a group, particularly his pointed condemnation of those in authority who had twisted scripture for their own good. Matthew 23 is full of woes to the scribes and Pharisees.
But his gentle teaching and parables were aimed at individuals, sometimes in crowds, but touching willing hearts. He encouraged them to lives of faith and responsiblity toward their neighbors. Love the Lord thy God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself.
Even when faced with death, Jesus refused to get involved in politics or government.
Read it if you haven’t already. If you have, read it again with fresh eyes.
These people are perverting scripture, and I want no part of them.
That “bunch of isolated individuals” you mention is also known as the church. It’s not a building (Acts 17:24) but a brotherhood of believers, to which “the Lord added daily those who would be saved.”
“It is written: ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘Every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.’ So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Romans 12: 11-12
Each of us. Individuals. Not some collective speaking for me or for you.
No disagreement from me ... Jim Wallis and his cohorts poison the gospel with their socialist clap trap. True Christian faith knows nothing of looking to the state to accomplish its mission or goals.
All I was pointing out it that "me and Jesus" is a western rational perversion of the gospel as well. God has always been about a people ... made up of individuals yes - but to try to live Christian faith out outside of the context of community is missing the mark all together.