Category: Kingdom Culture

On Social Justice, Part II

Yesterday, I wrote about one of two problems with the use of the phrase “social justice.”

Today I write of a third and more serious problem with the phrase and offer a an alternative.

I’ve used the phrase “social justice” for years, but there was always something about the phrase that didn’t sit right with me.

It wasn’t that I thought Christians should not be involved in social issues. I did.

It wasn’t that I thought the phrase had become associated with an agenda which many Christians opposed, although it probably had.

The biggest problem I had with using the phrase “social justice” is the “social” part of it. It suggests that society is responsible for injustice, and if everyone is responsible no one is responsible. Continue reading “On Social Justice, Part II”

On Social Justice, Part I

I believe in social justice and that the church should be the leader in facilitating it.

At the same time, although I’ve used it, I’ve never been comfortable with the phrase, “social justice.”

According to the New York Times, a few weeks ago 400,000 people took to the streets of Israel to protest for “social justice.” These demonstrations were driven by demands for affordable housing, tax reform and for the creation of a welfare state.

Apparently then, social justice would include demands made by Socialists and the Tea Party, which proves the phrase has no meaning.

And that is just one of the problems with the phrase. Continue reading “On Social Justice, Part I”

Patriotism In Perspective

It is the 4th of July, a time when American patriotism is front and center, and rightly so.

However, I’m concerned that during the other 364 days of the year patriotism has become too cherished by American Christians.

Much has been written about the dangers of an American civil religion, and on the balance I agree, but that is not where I’m headed here. I’m more interested in the impulse than the outcome.

I’m not suggesting Christians shouldn’t love their country, but I do think the patriotism exhibited in the modern American church is born out of a political impulse rather than a Kingdom one.  Patriotism (and nationalism) are encouraged by governments because they are necessary to the preservation of the state.  They are necessary because if your government goes to war it needs you to be willing to fight, and if necessary, die for it. Continue reading “Patriotism In Perspective”

Why You Should Travel

One of my great joys and privileges in life has been the opportunity to travel.

Travel doesn’t have to be expensive. There are alternatives to expensive airfare and hotels if you really want to see the world.

Travel will change you.

It broadens your perspective. It helps you see us (America) the way the rest of the world sees us.

Travel convinces you that as independent and self-determinative as we like to believe we are we are much more the product of our culture than we would care to admit.
Continue reading “Why You Should Travel”

On Weinergate

This story is apparently not going away any time soon, so I thought it time to comment on the trials and travails of Congressman Anthony Weiner.

The popular opinion seems to be that Weiner sexting young girls was no big deal; it was the cover-up that crossed the line.

In other words, there is nothing immoral so long as you are authentic about it.

Lady Gaga was interviewed on 60 minutes last Sunday.  She said she does drugs like other celebrities did but she was different because she didn’t lie about it.  It was apparent she believed her authenticity the equivalent of holiness. Continue reading “On Weinergate”