The problem is that whomever defines the term wins the debate and right now the liberal administration in our government, and many liberal supporters, are indeed attempting to define the term as one that deserves government support. That’s where those of us who do not support social justice have a problem and that’s why we are more than hesitant to support the concept (at least the concept as it is presently being defined.)

We do not support the right of the government to determine which needs are deserving and which are not. After all, there are not enough funds to support every need so someone is going to have to make those decisions. If you are liberal and the liberals are voted out next term, would you want your social justice funds going to help the wealthy keep their yachts if they are struggling financially? Don’t laugh – crazier things have happened when handled by our government.

If an individual or a church wants to support a voluntary effort, then you have my complete support for your right to do so. I am a Christian and I do support causes in which I believe on a regular basis with my $ and my time. But here’s my question: If Christianity is already about social justice then when the label Social Justice Christian? IMHO, it only gives the appearance of an agenda and only undermines the cause of Christ.

Isn’t it a great country we live in that (each of) you and I can disagree and write about it on a public forum?

Best to all…

Its important not to loose the momentum of the movement because God’s commandments to social justice must not be denounced by the extreme right (not the positive moderate right who are very social justice orientated) unchallenged. Having gone to great lengths however to post a video, I was sad that there are not that many out there to be seen.

For what its worth, my rather boring video is posted here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uugy91CIuQE

It is also interesting that some European Christians have also been effected by what at first glance appears to be an American issue. I guess those of us in Europe (me certainly in Hampshire UK) feel that there are those over here who over here will equally work against Christians who believe in Jesus’ commandment to serve the poor as a manifestation of the good news of his Kingdom.

I always argue with fellow evangelicals, the gospel is not the doctrine of justification, it is the promise of the Kingdom. They argue that Jesus did not preach social justice but forgiveness of sin so you can get to heaven when you die. But
Justification is simply the way in to the Kingdom (which starts here and now hence why it is such good news). Justification is not the good news itself – or at least not all of it. That would be like trying to get my son excited about a trip to Disneyland by telling him about the road trip but not describing the rides.

If anyone is interested, my own attempt at social justice is my new blog http://www.sacredpolitics.com

(*No it is not American style Christian right-wing republicanism)

So THAT’s why he had ate with tax collectors and prostitutes, why he threw money changers out of the temple, why he commented on the tax collection practices of the Romans. So he could convince them all to exclusively contemplate and internalise his teachings.

At least now I understand!