Faithfulness amid the Culture War
“And before you dismiss this as simply a representation of the ‘same old third way,’ it’s not. Parts of that approach need to be jettisoned, but parts need to be maintained. Let me explain.” - TGC
Some more…
I’m saying, however, that where God’s Word doesn’t speak directly, or the political application is only implied, we need to exercise self-control. For example, I don’t know of anywhere God spells out for us the ideal marginal tax rate, the proper number of refugees a compassionate country should take in, the godly posture toward gun control, whether health care should be nationalized, or exactly what our safety social net should include.
I have my opinions on all those—and not only do I think they’re right, but I think they’re informed by my Christian worldview. But they’re applications of Christian wisdom—applications that I could be wrong about and applications that others who believe the Bible as much as I do might see differently. While I always vote my conscience, where I can’t draw a direct line between a verse and a particular policy, I leave the authority of God and the reputation of the church out of it.
Is that because I’m cowardly? Or because I don’t think the Christian worldview has anything to say to those questions? No, it’s because “witness” is my primary responsibility, and that responsibility shapes my agenda.
I know, to some, TGC “leans left” or “has gone woke,” but these days anyone who isn’t all in for MAGA is going to get that criticism. But there is a vast continent between woke and MAGA. I’m glad to see TGC at least aiming for that space.
Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.
Some good points and quotes above Aaron. I think part of the problem is when we let political opponents slander positions without speaking up. For example, I recently preached through the book of Amos. Amos is a book that rebukes Israel for their lack of social justice. They were neglecting the poor and needy and selfishly pursuing their own lavish desires. Too often those on the right hear the term "social justice" and cringe. They often vilify their political opponents for using the term "social justice", but as Christians, we should be concerned about justice in all areas of life. On the other hand, there is a tendency on the left to just assume that those on the right do not care about the poor and needy and that they are all greedy. Both approaches are unhelpful.
As we studied the book of Amos, I addressed the sin issue that Amos pointed out- making it clear that this was not an issue of right or left, but an issue of right or wrong. For example, multiple times Amos rebukes them for buying new foot wear rather than helping the poor. Today, people on both sides of the political spectrum struggle with that issue. People in both rich and poor neighborhoods are more concerned about getting fancy sneakers than about helping poor widows. It is not an issue that fits neatly into political boxes.
The reality is that there are people who cringe over the term "social justice," yet help the poor widows around them. There are also people who embrace the term "social justice," who do so hypocritically.
We need to be careful with labels and be more concerned with conduct. No doubt, I often preach conduct that fits with what is more typically promoted within conservative political movements, but it is not exclusive. On the other hand, I also consistently preach the purest Biblical forms of social justice.
I believe the best course of action for the preacher is to stick to the text and trust and let the Holy Spirit guide people to the truth. Having said that, Jesus came full of grace and truth. Truth is important. When people have distorted the truth- especially when misrepresenting the views of fellow Christians- we have a duty to speak up. More often than not, I find myself having to speak up when progressives have distorted the truth about conservatives, but I have had do so both ways. In our church, I more often have to correct the conservatives, since we do not have any vocal progressives, but here on SI and other places it is the other way around. Regardless, I need to remind myself that as I speak up, I need to do so with grace.
I’m one of those who refuses to use any term like “__________ justice,” including “social justice,” “climate justice,” “economic justice,” etc., as all of those assume that “justice” is actually equivalent to reparations of some sort, monetary or otherwise, to achieve “equity.” I only believe in justice, period (the blind variety), and I believe the Bible supports that as well, when it makes clear that there is to be no respecter of persons, that rich do not get justice more than the poor, or vice versa, and similar concepts. As you mentioned, we should be concerned about justice in all areas of life.
Yes, the Bible asks us to care for the widows and orphans, etc., and that is part of our duty as Christians, but the Bible also doesn’t support the idea of making everyone equal in every way, whether economically, or status, or level of power, etc., and taking from those that have those things to give them to others, but rather encourages us to be content.
In my view, the way we should treat justice is the way that Chief Justice Roberts described ending discrimination. Similarly to what he said, I believe that the way to end injustice is to stop being unjust, rather than giving “extra” justice to one side to supposedly make up for past injustices. Unlike Kendi, I wouldn’t accept that the solution to past injustice is future injustice to others.
Having said all that, I wouldn’t immediately tune out a preacher who mentioned the term “social justice,” at least until I heard how he used it. However, given the background and commonly understood meaning of that term, I would never use the term myself for anything in scripture, and I would definitely consider trying to use it for biblical concepts (at least outside of a classroom or private discussions) to be unthinking at best, and probably unwise as well.
Dave Barnhart
Dave, I do not disagree with what you just said. I even hit "like." But if I am going to be critical of some of my SI friends for vilifying those who use the term "Christian Nationalist" without finding out what they mean, then I want to be fair and make sure I understand what people mean when they talk about "social justice." I try not to assume the worst of folks.
I agree that trying not to assume the worst of others is the best course of action. It gets really hard when we have had many interactions with someone, and then when that person espouses something new, we think we know what that person means when we really don’t. It can be difficult to really listen to something we think we know pretty well already, when in fact, there may be much more to learn.
Dave Barnhart
I agree that trying not to assume the worst of others is the best course of action. It gets really hard when we have had many interactions with someone, and then when that person espouses something new, we think we know what that person means when we really don’t. It can be difficult to really listen to something we think we know pretty well already, when in fact, there may be much more to learn.
I couldn't help but think how great this advice is for married couples. It made me think of the verse about husbands dwelling with their wives according to understanding. My wife and I have been married for almost 20 years and I often say that I have to get to know her all over again because of how she keeps changing. Her favorite food now is not what it used to be and will likely be different next week.
Having said that, as the years go by, we have learned to be much more gracious and understanding of each other and we are now closer than we have ever been.
Discussion