Trending Faith: Discussing Social Justice Issues
Posted on November 01, 2016
in
[ Theology & Ministry ]
The world is cluttered with social injustices, and Christians are often left feeling confused, frustrated and maybe even a little defeated when it comes to knowing how to approach these topics.
In this week’s episode of Trending Faith, Campus Pastor and Dean of Students Tim Griffin, EdD, and Dean of the College of Theology Jason Hiles, PhD, jump into this topic and bring clarity to the role that Christians should play when discussing social justice issues.
Dr. Griffin began this discussion by addressing the temptation that every Christian faces when in a season of social injustice. We, as people, tend to revert to our own communities where others around us behave, think and value the same things we do. This instinct is especially dangerous as Christians, because we are called to be engaged in social injustices. We should feel the responsibility to participate in these types of discussions and reflect Christ in the best way we can.
Dr. Hiles points us to the gospel and reminds us of how Jesus handled the social issues of His time. There is evidence all throughout the life of Jesus that He cared for those who were hungry, unclothed, widowed and orphaned. Matthew 5:42 says, “Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one that would borrow from you.” If the Lord calls us to take care of these people, and these are the very things that break His heart, why are they not breaking ours?
If we are truly impacted by the gospel and the life of Jesus, we should be eager to engage in discussions regarding social justice issues. We should be advocates of those who are hurting and the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. That is exactly the role that Jesus played throughout his time on Earth, and that is the same role that we as Christians should take on as well.
To hear the full discussion, watch the video below:
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About College of Theology
Living Faith is a Christian blog that interacts with a variety of biblical, theological and practical topics written by Grand Canyon University's College of Theology faculty and specially invited guests of the college. Our content provides practical and biblical advice from a Christian worldview for living our faith in the midst of an increasingly secularized world. In addition, our content wrestles with cultural topics and issues that challenge how we live out our faith as believers. For this reason, contributors to our Christian blog strive to write with compassion and apologetic concern to honor Christ and edify the church in every way possible.