Spirituality
14 Mar 10
14 Mar 10
1 edit
As many of you know by now, Glenn Beck has stirred up more controversy by urging people to leave churches that preach 'social justice.' He compared them to Nazis and Communists. Now he is getting a tremendous backlash from Christians who say that social justice is exactly what Jesus preached and that instead we should boycott Glenn Beck.
I have made my views on this topic known many times on this forum. I believe that social justice was the very heart of what Jesus had to say. Others, like Beck, apparently believe that Jesus was a capitalist and that social justice is nothing but commie talk.
Anyone have an opinion on Beck's comments and the role and scope of social justice in Christianity?
14 Mar 10
2 edits
Originally posted by rwingettOf course, Christ was about "justice", whether it be social or otherwise. However, it has been mixed at times with political dribble such as the Black Liberation Movement which mixes Marxism and the gospels. Is Marxism social justice? From my obeservation the answer is no.
As many of you know by now, Glenn Beck has stirred up more controversy by urging people to leave churches that preach 'social justice.' He compared them to Nazis and Communists. Now he is getting a tremendous backlash from Christians who say that social justice is exactly what Jesus preached and that instead we should boycott Glenn Beck.
I have made my ...[text shortened]... have an opinion on Beck's comments and the role and scope of social justice in Christianity?
It is my position that Christ came to change the hearts so that they would be a "light" by applying justice to everyone around them. This includes social justice and any other forms of justice on the books. This is a far cry from seizing political power and forcing people to do the "right thing" which is what Marxism is about. For example, so long as you get a hand full of people in power who want to do the right thing, you can presumably force everyone else to comply. I simply don't think that Christ would have advocated for such a system. After all, God has the ultimate power and who does he force to do the "right thing"?
Just to add a bit of flavor to the discussion, my pastor has uttered the words "social justice". Eeeks!! 😲
So does this mean that I will leave my church? Nope. From what I can gather, although he has not come out and said as much, I think my pastor favors comprehensive NHC, although he abhors abortion and would oppose previsions in teh bill that pay for abortion rights. However, what does this have to do with me in the church? He once gave a sermon about people within the church arguing over political matters. For example, some were arguing as to how people in the church could support a political party who favors abortion? However, what of the other political party? Are they not laden with sins of their own? He then said that we are niether Republican nor Democrat, rather, we are Christians. That means we do not defend either party when they will inevitably contradict the gospel of Jesus Christ. It then reminded me of the JW approach which is to not even vote so as not to be tainted with their "sins". Is this the right approach I wonder?
As for my own church, we have a free medical clinic and free legal clinic etc. However, this comes from my own charity of my own free will with nothing imposed upon me. This is a far cry from someone forcing me to give. In fact, if they forced me to give it would no longer be giving, would it?
No doubt, I could probably get into a very interesting discussion with my pastor about political matters, but it has nothing to do with our united efforts to spread the kingdom of God. So I guess Glenn Beck would be disappointed in me, however, I would love to know what ill is suppose to come from the situation? Its not like my money is going to these statists who would like to impose their social justice on us all which ends up being a form of servitude to an elite class in power.
14 Mar 10
Originally posted by whodeyShouldn't you be in church listening to your pastor talk about social justice right now?
Of course, Christ was about "justice", whether it be social or otherwise. However, it has been mixed at times with political dribble such as the Black Liberation Movement which mixes Marxism and the gospels. Is Marxism social justice? From my obeservation the answer is no.
It is my position that Christ came to change the hearts so that they would be a ...[text shortened]... stice on us all which ends up being a form of servitude to an elite class in power.
14 Mar 10
1 edit
Originally posted by rwingettI don't listen to Beck that often, but from what I've heard him say it seems as if he injects his Biblical/spiritual beliefs into his political scheme. Fine. That's his right. But that can be dangerous as it can alienate other social views from the political arena.
As many of you know by now, Glenn Beck has stirred up more controversy by urging people to leave churches that preach 'social justice.' He compared them to Nazis and Communists. Now he is getting a tremendous backlash from Christians who say that social justice is exactly what Jesus preached and that instead we should boycott Glenn Beck.
I have made my ...[text shortened]... have an opinion on Beck's comments and the role and scope of social justice in Christianity?
The constitution, while framed with the idea of a creator in mind, does not allow for the exclusion of opposing views, but in fact protects decent. And fortunately the framers had the good sense to state that the government shall make no law in favor of one religion over another.
There must be a separation of church and state. In other words, the spiritual beliefs of one group of people over another should not be what drives the passage of laws. It is the will of the people the determines how we are governed. Sadly, that concept seems to have been eroded from the powers that be.
The bottom line for me is this. This world is a sinking ship. Beck, Obama, and all the rest, in my opinion, are trying to save it in vain.
The truth, if one will simply think it through to it's logical conclusion, is this. Until Jesus returns and establishes His Kingdom Himself, we, The Church, Christians, are to be about the business of spreading the gospel so that lost people can be saved. That's what we're here for. We're not here to help set up God's Kingdom. Jesus will do that when He gets back. And He will return. Make no mistake about it.
To hell with this sinking ship. Trust Christ as your saviour today while there is still time.
14 Mar 10
Originally posted by rwingettReligion and politics do not mix. This is a secular government and bringing in religion only causes more divisions.
As many of you know by now, Glenn Beck has stirred up more controversy by urging people to leave churches that preach 'social justice.' He compared them to Nazis and Communists. Now he is getting a tremendous backlash from Christians who say that social justice is exactly what Jesus preached and that instead we should boycott Glenn Beck.
I have made my ...[text shortened]... have an opinion on Beck's comments and the role and scope of social justice in Christianity?
14 Mar 10
2 edits
Originally posted by josephwif you dont mind i would rather not comment upon either America or Israel for nationalism is itself, quite anti-Christian for it promotes the values and well being of one nation against another, where quite clearly, God is impartial.
At Armageddon. A bloodbath.
Would you not agree that, outside of Israel, America, idealistically, is the greatest nation with the best chance of freedom the world has ever know?
(Acts 10:34-35) . . .At this Peter opened his mouth and said: “For a certainty I perceive that God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.
14 Mar 10
Originally posted by rwingettJesus was not a capitalist, that's for sure. People like Beck put their blinders on in order to see what they want to see in the Gospels. A capitalist will find some reason to believe that Jesus taught capitalism. A communist will find some reason to believe that Jesus taught communism, and so on. I think Jesus taught social justice to a certain extent, in as far as individual Christians are responsible for righting wrongs within their sphere of influence (see parable of the Good Samaritan). Spheres of influence vary widely from one individual to the next, so there's no way to pin down exactly where Christ's teaching on the subject stops and politics begin.
As many of you know by now, Glenn Beck has stirred up more controversy by urging people to leave churches that preach 'social justice.' He compared them to Nazis and Communists. Now he is getting a tremendous backlash from Christians who say that social justice is exactly what Jesus preached and that instead we should boycott Glenn Beck.
I have made my ...[text shortened]... have an opinion on Beck's comments and the role and scope of social justice in Christianity?
14 Mar 10
All Human governments or systems have their good points and bad points. They all fail however because humans run them. I actually think socialism has it's good points but it fails because those who try to implement it don't live by it. Same with Democracy it should be a government ran by the people but the representatives don't listen to their constituents. They have their own agendas.
Manny
14 Mar 10
2 edits
Originally posted by rwingettActually I went to the late service today and guess what he talked about? He discussed all the social barriers that exist such as race, social status, economic status, sex, etc. He pointed to Galations 3 where Paul says that there is no difference whether it be Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female in the sight of God. It was pretty radical stuff for the 1rst century. Heck its pretty radical for today!!
Shouldn't you be in church listening to your pastor talk about social justice right now?
Conversely, we have many man made attempts at social justice such as Marxism and communism and the NAACP etc. Unfortunalty all three seem to morph into something else than what they were intended to become.