Today, I published an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution titled, "Fox's Beck Should Quit Preaching." The article centers in on Glenn Beck's recent comments about socially conscious Christians:
Glenn Beck, a popular conservative and Fox News television personality, is famous for sounding political alarms and giving teary-eyed chalkboard lessons. Most often, his bizarre lectures are aimed at political liberals.
Last week, however, Beck fixed his sights on a new target: socially conscious Christians.
On his radio show, the host told his churchgoing followers to comb their church Web sites for the terms “social justice” or “economic justice.”
“If you find it, run as fast as you can ... Now, am I advising people to leave their church? Yes!” Beck said.
Many churches and Christians use “social justice” to describe ministries to the poor, oppressed and suffering. Beck calls this term a “code word” for Communism and Nazism.
Later, on his Fox News television broadcast, he held up two cards — one bearing a Nazi swastika and the other, a Soviet hammer and sickle.
I contend that Beck's statements fall flat on at least two major points. First, they ignore the Bible's clear teachings and fly in the face of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Second, they fail to make the important distinction between "social justice" and "socialism." These things are not the same.
Beck's blunder has incited criticism from prominent Catholic and Christian leaders. In Defense of Catholics, Joe Carter of First Things came out swinging: "He is too prone to say any dumb thing that pops into his head and too ignorant about history and religion to truly understand the implications of his statement." Jim Wallis of Sojourners led the Christian Left in calling for a boycott of Beck's program. On the right, conservative theologian Albert Mohler offered a carefully worded rebuttal. Even a few leaders of the so-called "Religious Right" had words for Beck. Richard Land of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, for example, responded sternly in the National Post.
Take a minute to read my AJC column and then let me know your take.
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Big Daddy Weave said:
Joe Carter is actually a Southern Baptist. No idea where he goes to church but I've read Carter describe himself as Baptist on the First Things blog.
Posted: March 17, 2010
Jonathan Merritt said:
Big Daddy Weave,
I've tweaked the wording above to be more accurate. Thanks for your eyes on this.
Jonathan
Posted: March 18, 2010
Deb said:
I think you strained at a gnat and swallowed a camel.
Social justice through political solutions (especially when it is not achieved "by the consent of the governed") has long been something I personally find objectionable when advocated by some in the Christian community. I believe _that_ is what Beck is referring to.
Christ did not come as a political savior. It's hard to argue with the idea that charity begins with me, begins at home, and cannot be mandated by the government. It is a gift from God received by and freely given again by those who love Him.
Posted: March 18, 2010
Phillip said:
I think social justice is another trend in the church today. Will it stand the test of time? No. 20 years ago you never heard of it. Id say there are more important things to do with your time than worry about what others are saying of your "social justice." get back to work in the local church and do what is actually told of us in the great commission and stop whining about a radio host.
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Posted: March 18, 2010