I don’t really think the latest Glen Beck quote needs any editorial from me. (Though I’m probably going to give it. Once my blood pressure returns to a manageable level).
“I’m begging you, your right to religion and freedom to exercise religion and read all of the passages of the Bible as you want to read them and as your church wants to preach them . . . are going to come under the ropes in the next year. If it lasts that long it will be the next year. I beg you, look for the words ‘social justice’ or ‘economic justice’ on your church Web site. If you find it, run as fast as you can. Social justice and economic justice, they are code words. Now, am I advising people to leave their church? Yes!”
Freakin despise this guy. Bu lots of people I love do not. Blech.
ohhh, come on, my son's name is Justice!
I don't want that to be a new 'bad' buzz word!
This guy and some others is one reason why I don't have cable. LOL.
I see why you're ticked.
Social justice IS certainly worth fighting for/over, but it isn't ultimate. Emergent churches tend to put such a great emphasis on issues like social justice that they neglect to give proper attention to issues like sound doctrine, etc. And then more conservative churches neglect to address important issues like social justice at all. And that is an epic failure also.
Beck seems to be using fear-mongering instead of really analyzing what's up in America… epic fail.
Yeah. Not so much. But, I will try not to judge those who judge others…and those who fake cry regularly on tv. Anyway, I believe social justice is important and I'll keep on doing what I need to do (even though I feel like an epic fail at it sometimes). Those who don't, well don't, and I really hope "you" never fall or choose to go into circumstances which lead you to a place that is there b/c of social justice.
Jill
I'm an atheist, but sometimes I fantasize about a special place in hell for people like Glenn Beck who use fear-mongering to rile people up for his personal wealth and power – at the expense of so many other people as well as the stability of our nation.
and yes, I know that's wrong on so many levels. So I try to send positive energy his direction, hoping he will of his own accord recognize the error of his ways and reform. (Not holding my breath though)
I can't stand the man, no wait boy! Never have and never will! But 90% of my family loves him! Oh well!
*head between knees* *deep breaths* *deep breaths*
I just read about this for my ethics class last night in the book "Just Generosity." I am so amazed that someone can be ignorant enough to read the Scriptures and not see social and economic justice. I am even more amazed that someone can actually call the methods of Hitler as a reliable and sane form of vocabulary.
Bonnie
Maybe if we ignore him he'll go away – and take Pat Robertson with him.
Oh this is so awful! I can't believe it! Doesn't he know that Christianity was founded on the ideas of social justice? Did Jesus not share and include those that were cast out?
barf. just barf.
I remember when President Clinton was elected my parents (involved church/homeschool/republican "leaders") predicted that all Christian churches would be so badly persecuted that our churches would be forced "underground." Without irony, they predicted the same thing when President Obama was elected. Sigh.
I won't list my name, to protect the innocent, but you know what I really want to do is wring their necks and shout "when will you learn!!"
Well then, I guess the Mennonite Church is just another socialist organization since we believe in "social justice" and "economic justice." Yes, a church with a history or helping to reform the US mental health system, some of the first NGO responders to disasters, and large number of volunteer programs is just trying to underhandedly do … do what … help our neighbor, live out God's word?
This makes me nauseous…You know that Mother Theresa, she was really a socialist pig.
"Father, forgive us, for we know not what we do"
Glenn Beck is a sensationalist and regularly overstates his case. However, I was just bemoaning to a friend that many of our churches and clergy have unknowingly embraced a soft serve version of socialism which I do believe to be not Biblical. I do respectfully disagree with the readers of the Bible who see social and economic mandates.
Hi Kristen,
I'm trying to get in touch with you regarding a guest blogging opportunity, but the e-mail link on your page doesn't work for me. Could you please e-mail me at [email protected]? (Sorry for using your comment space!) Best, Suzanne
I've never been against social justice. I'm all for justice, just like God is. However, neither Judaism nor Christianity was build on the ideas of social justice. Moral justice, yes. Mercy, yes. Communion with God, yes. What you call social "justice" – not a founding purpose. Because Jesus showed mercy to all those around him does NOT mean social "justice" (a strange term was his purpose in coming . . . . salvation and reconciliation to God – through death on the cross and resurrection from the grave – were His purpose in coming. Proper treatment of our fellow man (true social "justice" is the result of us accepting that reconciliation to God.
I happen to be both a conservative Christian AND and someone who admires what Glenn Beck is attempting to do. Granted, he does hype things quite a bit, but I do believe he has quite a few positive points to make. First, if you have watched many of his shows or read any of his books, he has genuine concern for the Christian and for the rights we thus far enjoy as Christians. Second, what he has no stomach for is government restricting the rights of people. Government's purpose is, according to the Declaration of Independence, to protect life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is NOT the government's job to even the economic playing field of the United States. It is NOT the government's original design to provide social welfare service to Americans. It is NOT the government's job to determine how I should educate my children. It IS the church's job to care for the hurting. It IS the church's job to provide for the widow and the orphan. It is MY job to make sure my children receive a good education. If the church were actually doing it's job, there would be no reason for a federal government welfare system, or for many other programs Americans have become so utterly dependent on.
Additionally, what Glenn Beck is warning people about is that government's ability to infiltrate and manipulate is far-reaching. I think it is unreasonable for him to ask people to leave their churches, but I think it is very wise to encourage people to really evaluate the direction of their churches.
Our love for our Lord should motivate us to serve our fellow man. This love should be so deep and sincere, that we ought to naturally respond with compassion, mercy, justice, and service to our neighbors. But if we don't love the Lord first and foremost— before doing these "works"– we may be tempted to think we are earning our salvation through works and not through faith.
If you look at the history of the United States, it is quite evident to me that we are sliding into socialism. The church needs to wake up and do what she was created to do.
"Our love for our Lord should motivate us to serve our fellow man. This love should be so deep and sincere, that we ought to naturally respond with compassion, mercy, justice, and service to our neighbors."
Exactly. Many of us call that "social justice" – which Glenn Beck is railing against. Regardless of what points you agree with, don't you think it raises a flag when he suggests people leave their church over having social justice ministries? Can't you acknowledge that he goes too far to make a point?
And since he is Mormon, it seems especially odd, since their doctrine is strong on social justice as well.
I think some of you are confusing "social justice" with serving society. They are not the same. "Social Justice" deals with things like redistribution of wealth, special (government) programs for the poor, special protections or privileges for certain groups,etc – none of which are based on how hard a person is working or learning, as free enterprise/capitalism is. Serving society is the job of Christians, but still second to bringing people to reconcilialtion with God. Most missionaries serve their society (in whatever country) in the name of Christ so that they can show Christ to the society. That is what many, many churches do too. That is not what is meant by "social justice". I also don't think that is what Glenn Beck meant. However – I've never read him or heard him, so I also can't second-guess him. It is obvious that Christians are losing some of their freedoms on this continent: Canada already has laws against preaching against homosexuality as a sin; a CA mayor is being charged for speaking about Christianity at a preachers' prayer breakfast; the word "Christmas" has disappeared from most stores (HOLIDAY TREES???? what other holiday puts lights and doodads on trees????). I think that is one of the things Beck was touching on in this tirade. I'm old enough to remember these disagreements from the 70's, when some denominations embraced what was called "the social gospel" of providing physical needs to people. Other churches argued that they were forgetting the spiritual needs. No matter what we think of Beck or any other human, we can't forget that Jesus came for our spiritual needs and left us in charge of continuing that ministry of His.
Glenn Beck clarifies his comments on his blog. I think Sharon L's comment is accurate; it seems there is a misunderstanding with definitions of "social justice."
http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/37852/