Social justice

[Hekuran]

I'm working with a group of churches addressing social issues in the UK - housing, welfare, peace issues, gambling and so on.

All our work is grounded in biblical values and is a part of living out the gospel. We have noted that the liberal sectors of the churches that we work with are far more engaged in addressing issues of injustice than the more conservative members. Any ideas why this might be?

Thanks

 

[james1523]

Hello, can you please describe what you mean by liberal and conservative? Do you mean the political parties or?

 

[Hekuran]

Hello, can you please describe what you mean by liberal and conservative? Do you mean the political parties or?

Thanks. I should have been more clear. Conservative and liberal in theology. Put another way, the people who are most confident in the authority of the Bible are often less likely to hear the biblical call to work for justice in society.

 

[james1523]

Thanks. I should have been more clear. Conservative and liberal in theology. Put another way, the people who are most confident in the authority of the Bible are often less likely to hear the biblical call to work for justice in society.

ahh I see, thanks.

Well I guess if one believes in a social gospel they are more likely to address social justice issues.
But that said, not to belittle or doubt your observation, I would have thought the conservative denominations (Roman Catholic, Anglican) are the largest and longest (historically) Christian groups who work for social issues, providing schools, hospitals, emergency housing, etc.

But on an individual level, I guess a person who believes in a social gospel and sees the human needs as most important, will put this as priority over a conservative person who sees the spiritual aspects as more more important.

Your thoughts?

 

[Hekuran]

I think you are on to something there. It is as if some parts of the church divide off in "social gospel" and others into "spiritual gospel". I don't see anything remotely resembling such a distinction in Scriptures. In the gospel stories - such as the healing miracles - Jesus addresses social, physical, emotional and spiritual issues together.

If you start with the assumption that our faith is only relevant for spiritual matters, then it's natural to give the society and justice aspect less attention.

 

[james1523]

I think you are on to something there. It is as if some parts of the church divide off in "social gospel" and others into "spiritual gospel". I don't see anything remotely resembling such a distinction in Scriptures. In the gospel stories - such as the healing miracles - Jesus addresses social, physical, emotional and spiritual issues together.

If you start with the assumption that our faith is only relevant for spiritual matters, then it's natural to give the society and justice aspect less attention.

I don't really see a problem with some parts focusing more on spiritual and others on social, as long as they don't divide over it. Each person has different giftings and callings, and unlike Christ who could satisfy and meet all needs, we cannot, we can really only be devoted and successful in one or two things, so we need each other working together.

Acts 6:1-4 shows that some were given to the ministry of bread distribution whilst others (apostles, evangelists, bishops) to the ministry of the Word, the spiritual ministry. They all worked in harmony and service to the Lord, and there was no arguing over who had the better or more important ministry.

The gospel is about bringing Heaven to Earth and Earth to Heaven (Luke 4:43). In this respect it involves all spiritual, psychological and physical aspects.