Originally posted by rwingett
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?
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 "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.