The Difference between the modern Social Justice and Justice from God's perspective.
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Christ’s Call to Justice Starts with the Bible
Christ’s Call to Justice Starts with the Bible
“Christianity thinks that a great many things have gone wrong with the world that God made and that God insists, and insists very loudly, on our putting them right again.” C.S. Lewis
Justice is a Biblical concern and therefore it must be the Christian’s concern.
Micah 6:8 (CSB)
8 Mankind, he has told each of you what is good
and what it is the Lord requires of you:
to act justly,
to love faithfulness,
and to walk humbly with your God.
The Scriptures Call Christians to work and act justly.
14 Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but you are to fear your God; I am the Lord.
15 “Do not act unjustly when deciding a case. Do not be partial to the poor or give preference to the rich; judge your neighbor fairly. 16 Do not go about spreading slander among your people; do not jeopardize your neighbor’s life; I am the Lord.
God calls us to treat the needy with mercy and compassion, not contempt.
God accomplishes that through equality under the law not equity in outcome for all.
God calls us to work responsibly for the good of others as a community.
The difficulty I face as a Christian comes in the fact that I agree with a number of things those concerned with Social Justice say they want. I agree with a number of their diagnosis. I also agree that overall there is an apathy in many people that doesn’t lead to any meaningful solutions. We’ve had the war on poverty for almost a century now and we don’t seem to be making any headway. I thought we were moving beyond racism a few years back, but we seem more divided.
But, I don’t see the modern woke movement as truly helpful towards bringing about a just society. That doesn’t mean that I think we should not make effort or work to care for the poor, the needy, orphan or the widow. I believe those are areas the church can shine. If we are not careful, we can let confusion or feelings of guilt lead our minds astray and betray our convictions.
The current cultural movement says it wants similar results as we see in the Bible, why should Christians be concerned?
In examining the current social pressure and movements, we need to look beyond vocabulary to their dictionary and ideology.
14 “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey. He called his own servants and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent, depending on each one’s ability. Then he went on a journey. Immediately 16 the man who had received five talents went, put them to work, and earned five more. 17 In the same way the man with two earned two more. 18 But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.
19 “After a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five talents approached, presented five more talents, and said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I’ve earned five more talents.’
21 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.’
22 “The man with two talents also approached. He said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I’ve earned two more talents.’
23 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.’
24 “The man who had received one talent also approached and said, ‘Master, I know you. You’re a harsh man, reaping where you haven’t sown and gathering where you haven’t scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’
26 “His master replied to him, ‘You evil, lazy servant! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered, 27 then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and I would have received my money back with interest when I returned.
28 “ ‘So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have more than enough. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 30 And throw this good-for-nothing servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
In Biblical formation of justice, God rewards people for their Character and Competency.
10 In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.”
29 Do you see a person skilled in his work?
He will stand in the presence of kings.
He will not stand in the presence of the unknown.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
In modern ideology, ANY real or perceived difference gets blamed on a system or oppressors.
I believe Voddie Baucham commented that
Woke ideology would likely label God as an unjust oppressor in the parable of the talents.
In an article July 29, 2022, 7:43 AM EDT
By Chantal Da Silva
Reported on Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito
He was delivering the keynote speech at a conference on religious liberty in Rome last week that was hosted by the Notre Dame Law School.
During his address in Rome last week, Alito said that "despite this temptation, I’m not going to talk about cases from other countries."
"All I’m going to say is that, ultimately, if we are going to win the battle to protect religious freedom in an increasingly secular society, we will need more than positive law," he said.
Alito also lauded U.S. efforts to protect religious liberty around the world, saying: "Religious liberty is an international problem, but I do think that we Americans can take special pride in our country's contribution to the development of a global consensus at least on the level of international agreements in support of this fundamental right."
"Religious liberty is under attack in many places because it is dangerous to those who want to hold complete power," he said, adding: "It also probably grows out of something dark and deep in the human DNA, a tendency to distrust and dislike people who are not like ourselves."
See the CRT issues
I want to give Sean McDowell and Dr. Thaddeus Williams for their thoughts and study on these crucial issues.
The Scriptures call God’s people to do works of justice so we can’t ignore the call, but we must discern the spirit behind any movement.
3 This is what the Lord says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from his oppressor. Don’t exploit or brutalize the resident alien, the fatherless, or the widow. Don’t shed innocent blood in this place.
Quoting the prophet Isaiah, Jesus declared his assignment,
18 The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me
to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to set free the oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
Christians desire to see the hungry fed, orphans rescued, racism banished, injustice eliminated, oppression ended.
Context and Terms
Where social justice and Biblical justice part ways is when justice is “undertaken from a framework that is not compatible with the Bible, [thereby] hurting the very people we seek to help” (Dr. Thaddeus Williams).
12 There is a way that seems right to a person,
but its end is the way to death.
Within the unbiblical framework of Social Justice ideology, you’ll find liberation theology, wokeism, and critical theory to name a few. You’ll hear terms like “identity politics,” “political correctness,” and others.
Ideologies that are unbiblical yet make up much of the social justice worldview/ideology today often fall into the “Critical Theory” category. This includes Race Theory, Gender Theory, Queer Theory, Intersectionality, and more.
In its simplest form, the unbiblical framework comes down to works-based salvation. In other words, true Christianity is social justice (instead of salvation by grace through faith alone in Christ). Salvation then is the oppressed’s deliverance from or overthrow of an oppressor. Put another way, salvation by revolution.
It all comes down to ideology and worldview—the social justice ideology (worldview) versus the Biblical worldview. How do we discern and discover the true gospel?
Seven Ways current social justice diverges from God’s revelation (taken from an interview with Sean McDowell and Dr. Thaddeus Williams that explores the topic of Social Justice and Biblical Justice.)
1. The Social Justice ideology blames all evil on external systems of oppression while ignoring Scripture’s assertion that all human hearts are filled with sin and evil (Jeremiah 17:9-10).
The Biblical worldview agrees that there will inevitably be injustice in specific systems that must be confronted and eradicated (Jer. 22:3). But there’s more. Sinful hearts created injustice in systems (Gen. 6:5; Pro. 14:12; Jer. 7:24). The human heart’s evil and madness is the problem (Ecc. 9:3; Mark 7:20-23). Social justice activism will not cure it. Therefore, any justice will not last unless human hearts are redeemed, transformed, and lavished with the love of God through the gospel (Eph. 2:8-10).
2. The Social Justice ideology deconstructs relationships into hierarchies and “power differentials.” Justice then is to expose all hierarchies as evil and do away with all power differentials in the name of "equity.”
-Wicked human’s abuse of power does not automatically mean that the system is evil and needs to be abolished. Evil people can use systems intended for good.
The Biblical worldview fully condemns abuse of power (Ex. 22:21; Pro. 16:12
12 Wicked behavior is detestable to kings,
since a throne is established through righteousness.
; Jer. 22:3). However, human abuse in these areas should not warrant destroying these relationships outright. In an imperfect and chaotic world, order and leadership are needed making “power differentials” part and parcel of reality and human flourishing (2 Sam 23:3-4; Rom. 13:1-6). The same can be said for hierarchies. In Scripture we see hierarchies of parent and child, teacher and student, pastor and congregation, boss and employee, and more as part of God’s design for order and flourishing (Acts 6:1-15; 1 Tim. 5:1; Eph. 6:1-9).
3. The Social Justice ideology REDEFINES truth and reason in light of group identity (i.e., race, gender, sexuality, etc.). Absolute truth become abandoned so relative truth can be wielded to advance the agendas of group’s claiming victim-hood, real or felt, unopposed and unquestioned.
Pictures of Martin Luther King Jr. and Frederick Douglas.
King Jr. while very aware of the plight that does befall ethnic groups, did not advocate radical division, but a call to lift each other up.
In the Book 1984, the powers
The Biblical worldview holds that our identity is in Christ alone (Gal. 2:20 ). We are a people redeemed to be one family from every tribe, tongue, nation, and language (Rev. 7:9). In Christ there is “neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28). Moreover, our thinking is anchored in loving the Lord our God with all our mind (Matt. 22:36-40). We are to have a mind transformed to Christ and not conformed to the pattern of this world (Rom. 12:1-2), that evaluates ideas and stances based on their Biblical legitimacy and truth-value, and not based on group identity (2 Cor. 10:5).
20 I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
4. The current iteration of Social Justice ideology seems to inflame rage and resentment rather then build bridges and engender community.
The Biblical worldview calls us to love our enemies (Matt 5:44), pray for those who persecute us (Matt. 5:44), overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:21), not retaliate when insulted, or threaten revenge (Is. 53:7; 1 Peter 2:23). Rage and resentment rarely change anything or anyone’s minds, but rather entrenches. If there is any change, it tends to be unhealthy and unsustainable because it was gained through emotion and tone, and not dignity and Truth.
5. Focusing on group identities, breeds suspicion, hostility, offense, labeling, victim-hood, and ends up encouraging obsession with one’s individual feelings and desires. (It’s a paradox that should make people question the ideology of group identity).
The Biblical worldview champions Biblical love. It’s a love that holds Biblical Truth above subjective feelings (Eph. 4:15; Phil 4:8; 2 Cor. 10:5). A love that unites through patience and longsuffering (1 Cor. 13:4-7); and by rejoicing in Truth and not wrongdoing (1 Cor. 13:6). A love that bears the fruit of the Spirit—joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).
6. The Social Justice ideology seeks to force behavior modification through different tactics such as pressure and intimidation, speech codes demanding “others” to be re-educated ideologically.
Right to free speech 'is the dread of tyrants', Douglass says
Right to free speech 'is the dread of tyrants', Douglass says
Douglass lamented that instead of protecting the speaker, the authorities had chosen to cast aspersions on the nature of his speech, thus parting with an earlier statesman from Massachusetts:
No right was deemed by the fathers of the Government more sacred than the right of speech. It was in their eyes, as in the eyes of all thoughtful men, the great moral renovator of society and government. Daniel Webster called it a homebred right, a fireside privilege. Liberty is meaningless where the right to utter one’s thought and opinions has ceased to exist. That, of all rights, is the dread of tyrants. It is the right which they first of all strike down. They know its power. Thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers, founded in injustice and wrong, are sure to tremble, if men are allowed to reason of righteousness, temperance, and of a judgment to come in their presence. Slavery cannot tolerate free speech. Five years of its exercise would banish the auction block and break every chain in the South. They will have none of it there, for they have the power. But shall it be so here? (Douglass 1860)
Douglass proceeded to say that “There can be no right of speech where any man, however, lifted up, or however humble, however young, or however old, is overawed by force, and compelled to suppress his honest sentiments.”
Douglass says right to speak is accompanied by the 'right to hear'
Douglass says right to speak is accompanied by the 'right to hear'
In a point that may be applied to present-day controversies where crowds try to drown out speakers with whom they disagree, Douglass pointed out that the right to speak was accompanied by “the right to hear.” (See Right to Receive Information and Ideas)
He elaborated: “To suppress free speech is a double wrong. It violates the right of the hearer as well as those of the speaker. It is just as criminal to rob a man of his right to speak and hear as it would be to rob him of his money.” He observed that “When a man is allowed to speak because he is rich and powerful, it aggravates the crime of denying the right to the poor and humble.” Douglass further explained that “A man’s right to speak does not depend upon where he was born or upon his color. The simple quality of manhood is the solid basis of the right—and there let it rest forever.”
The Biblical worldview seeks heart redemption and life transformation by the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18), Scriptural Truth (John 8:32; 2 Tim. 3:16-17), and the local church community (Acts 2:42, 44, 46; 2 Cor. 10:5). Instead of seeking behavior modification as the hope for human flourishing in our world, the Biblical worldview’s mission is for believers to be salt in the world to preserve society from rotting away into evil (Matt. 5:13), and light in the world to expose injustice and bring hope (Matt. 5:14-16), and to fulfill Jesus’ Great Commission to reach the world for His glory and the joy of all people (Matt. 16:18-20).
7. The Social Justice ideology reinforces that one’s meaning and purpose is defined solely by himself/herself, thereby making anyone who differs an oppressor.
Romans 8:28 (CSB)
28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
The Biblical worldview teaches that one’s meaning and purpose is defined by our Creator God (Gen. 1:26-28; Gen. 2:24; Phil. 2:12-13; Rom. 8:28). The refusal to live according to God’s meaning and purpose actually recoils on us bringing oppression, bondage, confusion, and chaos upon our lives and those around us (Gen. 3; Prov. 14:12; Rom. 8:5-12; Rom 1:18-32; Eph. 2:1-3). Ultimate reality is not defining ourselves and following our desires. Instead, God (through His Word) defines us and gives us His heart to follow. It means dying to ourselves and carrying our cross (Matt. 16:24-26). God brings true liberation and authenticity in our lives.
Final Thoughts
True justice is Biblical justice. Any other ideology and/or worldview will ultimately fail to bring justice and joy to all people, especially to the oppressed. In fact, instead of freedom, comes bondage; instead of justice, comes chaos.
Compared to the Social Justice ideology/worldview, the Biblical worldview is dignifying, respectable; glorious and beautiful. And powerful. The Biblical worldview ultimately brings the freedom, healing, and flourishing that we long for (Psalm 1; Num. 6:24-26).
Today, enter into a time of reflection and prayer for your hearts, the needy, those hurting, and those who see us as enemies.
God help us, as Christians and the church, to move beyond complacency, not merely believe the Biblical worldview, but to live it out and to apply it in loving service to the glory of God, our good, and other’s joy (1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17).
God move us to pray. Pray, knowing that “we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12).
God give us courage. Keep us mindful that “though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…” (2 Cor. 10:3-5).
God empower us to love Truth and stand for Truth (1 Cor. 13:6). Jesus called Satan “the Father of lies” (John 8:44) who disguises himself as an angel of light to deceive, delude, kill, steal, and destroy (2 Cor. 11:14; John 10:10). Help us discern the enemy’s messages of “light” and seductive schemes. Lord God, give us valor to hold the line. (1 Cor. 15:58).
God break us. Break our hearts to love and weep for our culture, and not deride it (Jer. 29:7). To love our culture enough to be voices of Truth and love crying out in the cultural wilderness pointing to the glory, wisdom, beauty, and hope of God in Christ.
In Jesus’ Name.
Amen.
Mohler article in World Magazine. I think only women can get pregnant.
CRT and WOKENESS diagnosis some problems that we would see as wrong Biblically.
racism. oppression. Human rights.
But then they put these lenses on steroids. These lenses then create more problems. Rather than bringing unity, it creates more categories to divide and destroy the fabric of culture. It makes an inroad to address issues that would would initially agree, we’d like to see that change.
Problem 1 with woke, CRT etc. Is that it moved from a tool that could lead to further investigation to be a mechanism for an agenda that undermines TRUTH and promises results that will never be achieved by brute force or policies.
People say we need policies, yes, but not ones that deny truth and creates a myriad of ways to feel offended and angry.
While systems can be oppressive, just labeling systems or things as “oppressive” and denying the human element and personal responsibility will lead only to different systems that will be destructive as well.
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1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
4 Jesus replied to them, “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and they will deceive many.
43 Why don’t you understand what I say? Because you cannot listen to my word.
14 “Write to the angel of the church in Laodicea: Thus says the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the originator of God’s creation: 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, ‘I’m rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,’ and you don’t realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I advise you to buy from me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be zealous and repent. 20 See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord,
I exult in my God;
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation
and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness,
as a groom wears a turban
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
5 “Look, the days are coming”—this is the Lord’s declaration—
“when I will raise up a Righteous Branch for David.
He will reign wisely as king
and administer justice and righteousness in the land.
8 Egypt rises like the Nile,
and its waters churn like rivers.
He boasts, “I will go up, I will cover the earth;
I will destroy cities with their residents.”
9 Rise up, you cavalry!
Race furiously, you chariots!
Let the warriors march out—
Cush and Put,
who are able to handle shields,
and the men of Lud,
who are able to handle and string the bow.
10 That day belongs to the Lord, the God of Armies,
a day of vengeance to avenge himself
against his adversaries.
The sword will devour and be satisfied;
it will drink its fill of their blood,
because it will be a sacrifice to the Lord, the God of Armies,
in the northern land by the Euphrates River.
11 Go up to Gilead and get balm,
Virgin Daughter Egypt!
You have multiplied remedies in vain;
there is no healing for you.
12 The nations have heard of your dishonor,
and your cries fill the earth,
because warrior stumbles against warrior
and together both of them have fallen.
13 This is the word the Lord spoke to the prophet Jeremiah about the coming of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon to defeat the land of Egypt:
31 because he has set a day when he is going to judge the world in righteousness by the man he has appointed. He has provided proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”
11 When the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who was not dressed for a wedding. 12 So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless.
8 Egypt rises like the Nile,
and its waters churn like rivers.
He boasts, “I will go up, I will cover the earth;
I will destroy cities with their residents.”
9 Rise up, you cavalry!
Race furiously, you chariots!
Let the warriors march out—
Cush and Put,
who are able to handle shields,
and the men of Lud,
who are able to handle and string the bow.
10 That day belongs to the Lord, the God of Armies,
a day of vengeance to avenge himself
against his adversaries.
The sword will devour and be satisfied;
it will drink its fill of their blood,
because it will be a sacrifice to the Lord, the God of Armies,
in the northern land by the Euphrates River.
11 Go up to Gilead and get balm,
Virgin Daughter Egypt!
You have multiplied remedies in vain;
there is no healing for you.
12 The nations have heard of your dishonor,
and your cries fill the earth,
because warrior stumbles against warrior
and together both of them have fallen.
13 This is the word the Lord spoke to the prophet Jeremiah about the coming of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon to defeat the land of Egypt:
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name?’ 23 Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers!’
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name?’ 23 Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers!’