Christian Social Justice Activism

Christian social justice activism is a concept deeply rooted in the Bible and has played a significant role in shaping Western civilization. Throughout history, the Bible has emphasized the importance of justice and equality for all people. As the Christian revolution unfolded in the ancient world, it brought about significant changes in society. Women were seen as equals to men, slaves were set free, and slavery was condemned as unjust. The sick were cared for, and the poor were provided with assistance.

The impact of Christian social justice activism cannot be overstated. It reinterpreted the concept of justice based on humanitarian principles derived from biblical teachings. The Bible teaches that all people are created in God’s image, and therefore, they deserve equal treatment and respect. However, it also acknowledges the reality of human sin and the limitations it imposes on social improvement. Christian social justice activism provided a foundation for universal human justice while recognizing the constraints of human sin and the limitations of government intervention.

In recent times, Western society has been confronted with the accusation of systemic injustice, which has been highlighted through various mediums such as the media, television, posters, classrooms, and music lyrics. The message conveyed is that society is filled with oppression, with white, heterosexual men typically portrayed as oppressors, and women, gays, lesbians, trans-identifying individuals, and non-whites as the oppressed. This modern social justice movement, often referred to as “wokeism,” calls for the abolition or “canceling” of Western civilization in the pursuit of an inclusive utopia.

To understand the different approaches to social justice, we can categorize them as Social Justice A and Social Justice B.

Social Justice A – Biblical Justice

Social Justice A is derived from the Bible and the broader Christian tradition. It is based on the belief that all individuals are equal because they are created by God and bear His image. This approach seeks to promote human dignity in social relations while acknowledging the inherent flaws and capacity for injustice in all people due to sin. Social Justice A emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in the pursuit of justice. Prominent advocates of Social Justice A include William Wilberforce, Martin Luther King Jr., Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Harriet Tubman, and Frederick Douglass.

Social Justice B – Critical Theory/Wokeism

Social Justice B is a more recent development influenced by neo-Marxist critical theory and postmodern perspectives on power relationships. It tends to view society as divided between oppressors and the oppressed. In this framework, white, heterosexual men are often identified as the oppressors, while women, non-whites, and LGBT individuals are portrayed as the oppressed. Social Justice B sees Western civilization as inherently oppressive and advocates for a cultural revolution against its institutions, traditions, and norms. Unlike Social Justice A, forgiveness does not have a prominent role in Social Justice B. Prominent theorists associated with Social Justice B include Antonio Gramsci, Michel Foucault, Judith Butler, and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Loving our Neighbor

Christian social justice activism aligns with Christ’s commandments to love God and love our neighbors. Social Justice A is grounded in these commandments, seeking to promote justice and well-being for all individuals who bear God’s image. This approach fosters a society that truly cares for and uplifts its members. On the other hand, Social Justice B often leads to division and destruction. It encourages animosity and resentment towards certain groups, resulting in misery rather than well-being. A true model of social justice should flow from love for God and love for our neighbors.

Discrimination as the Sole Explanation for Disparities

One of the main claims of Social Justice B is that all disparities or inequalities are the result of discrimination. However, this view contradicts both human experience and biblical teachings on justice. People are capable of making choices that negatively impact their own well-being, and the Bible warns against cultivating habits that lead to hardship. While systemic racism has existed in the past, it is important to critically examine accusations of present-day systemic racism to determine their plausibility.

Thaddeus Williams provides insightful analysis of common accusations of present-day systemic racism in America. He demonstrates that many of these claims do not hold up under scrutiny. For example, accusations of racial profiling for speeding offenses can be explained by age demographics rather than race. Accusations of racist discrimination by banks against African Americans fail to consider that black-owned banks actually deny black loan applicants at higher rates. Furthermore, Asian Americans are more likely to be admitted to Ivy League universities than white Americans. Income disparities between blacks and whites can also be attributed to factors such as broken families and age demographics. Therefore, disparities do not necessarily indicate discrimination.

Automatically assuming damning explanations for unequal outcomes not only perpetuates anger and resentment but also blinds us to the real instances of racism, sexism, and other forms of injustice around us. It is essential to approach social justice with a balanced perspective that recognizes the complexity of societal issues and the multifaceted causes of apparent social injustice.

Conclusion

Christian social justice activism stands as an alternative to the modern concept of woke social justice. It is rooted in compassion for the disadvantaged while acknowledging the truth about the human condition and the complexity of social issues. Throughout history, Christian social justice activism has brought about positive changes, such as the abolition of slavery, the improvement of living conditions for the poor and working class, and the dismantling of segregation and apartheid. It is a justice grounded in the Gospel, reflecting God’s love and justice as demonstrated through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

Thaddeus Williams’ book provides a comprehensive and well-researched Christian response to the new religion of woke social justice. It offers a critique of Social Justice B that is both incisive and compassionate, presenting real-life testimonies of the harm caused by this ideology. By exploring the foundational principles of Social Justice A, Williams highlights the redemptive and reconciling nature of true social justice activism. This book serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to understand and engage with the complexities of social justice from a Christian perspective.