Social Justice Is a Christian Tradition

Social Justice Is a
Christian Tradition
Not a Liberal Agenda

By Stephen Mattson 08-11-2015

Social Justice Is a Christian Tradition — Not a
Liberal Agenda

Many Christians are wary of participating in social justice because of a deep-
rooted fear of being labeled “liberal,” “progressive,” or “secular.” They don’t
want to be associated with “secular” movements, and are uncomfortable
delving into issues that go beyond their cultural comfort zones.

But the Bible tells us that Jesus cared deeply about the social causes around
him.

Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Samaritan lives matter.”
Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Children’s lives matter.”
Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Gentile lives matter.”
Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Jewish lives matter.”
Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Women’s lives matter.”
Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Lepers’ lives matter.”

Even though Jesus loves everyone, even to the point of dying for their sins, he
went out of his way to intentionally help specific groups of people — the
alienated, mistreated, and those facing injustice.

So saying “Black Lives Matter” and participating in a movement seeking justice,
positive reform, and empowerment is one of the most Christ-like things we can
do.

Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Women’s lives matter.”
Christians must recognize that our society is filled with numerous groups and
communities facing systemic oppression, and we must act. We must be willing
to admit and address the complex realities within our world that create such
problems, and avoid the spiritual laziness that tempts us to rely on generic
excuses and solutions.

Social Justice Is a Christian Tradition — Not a Liberal Agenda

Social Justice Is a Christian Tradition — Not a
Liberal Agenda

Christians do a disservice to the gospel message by removing the cultural
context from Jesus’s ministry and watering down his message to one of
religious platitudes. We like to generalize the words of Jesus and transform his
life into a one-size-fits-all model that can apply to all of humanity.

Throughout the New Testament Jesus was more complex than we give him
credit for.

He intentionally, purposefully, and passionately addressed very specific
causes. He radically addressed the diverse and complicated conflicts of the
time and shattered the status quo.

Jesus wasn’t just preaching a universal salvation message for the world, but he
was also addressing specific political, social, and racial issues. He was helping
those who were being abused, violated, and oppressed.

Involving ourselves within these issues — serving those who need justice — is
an example of following Jesus that today’s Christians must adhere to, because
throughout the world there are millions of people who are suffering. But many
Christians remain simply apathetic, ignorant, or refuse to admit any problems
exist.

They’re uncomfortable facing the complex and controversial issues surrounding
race, ethnicity, history, and culture.

To avoid such discomfort, many Christians assume that equality and justice
looks like a total dismissal — and rejection of — any cultural, ethnic, or
distinguishing form of identity. They believe our very humanity should supersede
all other labels or descriptions, and that a love of Christ wipes away any
“superficial” characteristic such as skin color, heritage, or other cultural
identifier.

Social Justice Is a Christian Tradition — Not a Liberal Agenda

Social Justice Is a Christian Tradition — Not a
Liberal Agenda

They see verses such as Galatians 3:28 that states, “ There is neither Jew nor
Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all
one in Christ Jesus” (NIV) to mean that nothing else matters beyond our faith
in Christ.

Ironically, verses like this show that these things — race, ethnicity, culture —
DO matter to God, because God is recognizing the very public fact that there
are various laws, expectations, practices, and opinions regarding each
distinction mentioned.

Paul is validating all of the cultural issues associated with Jews, Gentiles,
slaves, the free, men, and women rather than disregarding them. He’s stating
that Jesus is relevant to these differences, and is working throughout their lives
by understanding and recognizing the unique pros and cons they’re dealing with
— the privileges, disadvantages, stereotypes, assumptions, treatment, rights,
social value, and expectations they face on a daily basis.

Participating in social justice is a Christian tradition inspired by Jesus, not
liberal causes, populist agendas, media platforms, lawmakers, or mainstream
fads. It’s a deeply spiritual practice.

Instead of being motivated by political affiliations, financial gain, power, pride,
control, or our own secular motivations, we should be active participants for the
sake of following Jesus — for the purpose of glorifying God by through acts of
justice, empowerment, and love.

Participating in social justice is a Christian tradition inspired by Jesus, not
liberal causes.
Because everyone is created in the image of God and loved by God, we are
responsible for identifying with the victimized — not rejecting their existence.

Social Justice Is a Christian Tradition — Not a Liberal Agenda

Social Justice Is a Christian Tradition — Not a
Liberal Agenda

That’s why the New Testament goes into great depth detailing the newfound
worth given to the Gentiles, slaves, and women. These countercultural
instructions to believers were radically progressive, to the point where the
gospel writers had to put them in writing to make sure they were implemented
within the newly formed church.
While God does love everyone and all believers are united in Christ, this
doesn’t negate the fact that we have a unique cultural identity and upbringing
and are called to recognize the marginalized, help the oppressed, and avoid
rejecting their significance by denying their identity or ignoring their plight.
By acknowledging and actively participating in the #blacklivesmatter movement,
addressing racism, immigration, gender equality, and a litany of other issues,
you are following in the steps of Jesus.
It’s not a matter of pitting social causes against the gospel message of Christ;
it’s a matter of realizing that these causes ARE actually an important part of
that gospel message.

Social Justice Is a Christian Tradition — Not a Liberal Agenda