In the twentieth century, American Christians seemed divided
between the liberal mainline that stressed social justice, and the
fundamentalist churches that emphasized personal salvation. The issue was
enlarged by increased concern about poverty and social injustice. Should the
Christian follow traditional evangelism, which took pains to save people's souls
even if it did nothing about the systems locking them into debilitating
poverty? To some, the price of "doing" social justice was thought to be the
weakening of sound Scriptural grounding and knowledge, and the lessening of
one's zeal for saving souls. On the other hand, in the world then and now we
see so much poverty and pained need, all around us. Can we really turn a blind
eye? But, how can we possibly go in both directions at once?
Some have argued that Christians should only do social justice as a means
to the end of evangelism. That is, we should do mercy and social justice only
because it helps us bring people to faith in Christ. But, this does not seem to
fit in with Jesus' charge not to give to needy people only to get something in
return (Luke 6:32 - 35). "Doing" social justice can indeed lead people to
listen to the message of the gospel, but to consider that deeds of mercy and
justice are identical to gospel proclamation is not correct.
So, perhaps there is more than one technique for "evangelizing."
Traditionally, it was done by "preaching" Scripture, paraphrasing Bible stories
and otherwise teaching Scripture by word of mouth.
But, sometimes people's ears are "closed" to such words. Either they do
not believe the words or they can't muster the desire to live by them.
Sometimes instead, what really moves and excites people is real-life examples
that exemplify the Scripture teachings ---- actions taken in everyday
life that are selfless efforts to help other human beings. Think about the Good
Samaritan parable! We quote that story to this day, even though not a word of
Scripture was reported to have been said!
Let's look for a link between evangelism and the example we project as
practicing Christians, as mirrored in our actions toward others. Imagine an
eloquent Christian preacher who every Sunday delivers compelling sermons. But
one of his parishioners learns that the minister verbally abuses and browbeats
his wife daily. After the parishioner discovers this, for him the sermons are
completely unpersuasive. Are you surprised? The preacher's deeds contradict
his words, and so the preacher's words have no power.
Imagine instead a new minister whose public oratory is quite mediocre.
However, as time goes on, the parishioners come to see that he is a man of
sterling character, wisdom, humility and love. Soon, because of the quality of
his life, his church members find that they are hanging on every word of his
preaching.. His deeds and behavior support his words.
Deeds of mercy and justice should be done out of love, not simply as a
means to the end of evangelism. And yet, there is no better way for Christians
to lay a foundation for evangelism than by "doing " social justice. Evangelism
at its best is done through relationship, visitation and friendship. Similarly,
the elements of doing social justice effectively are: repeated approaches by
the same person, going repeatedly to the same recipient, and doing it
regularly. Thus we become one's friend for Jesus' sake. "Word" and "deed" are
seamlessly integrated in this ministry. For example, helping neighbors with
their children's educational needs, or with finding jobs, or learning English as
a second language. These all go hand-in-hand with verbally sharing our
faith.
Furthermore, simply doing "acts of charity" without suggesting by word and
action that others could also do selfless, everyday things for others, wastes a
good opportunity to bring bits of Christ's message to a broader audience.
If we wish to share our faith with needy people, and we do nothing about
the painful conditions in which they live, we will fail to show Christ's
beauty. But, we must neither confuse evangelism with "doing" social justice,
nor separate these two things from one another.
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These thoughts are brought to you by CPC's Adult Spiritual Development
Team, hoping to encourage you to pursue some personal spiritual growth this fall
at CPC.
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