Is “social justice” unjust? Unchristian? Some Christians clearly think so. Consider The Statement on Social Justice & the Gospel. Because the meaning of the expression “social justice” covers a lot of ground, refuting the concept must cover a similar amount of ground. Therefore, The Statement on Social Justice & the Gospel consists of: an Introduction, a series of Affirmations and Denials (which includes links to a couple of previous statements on social issues, the history of this document, a list of Signers, and Resources (explanatory articles).

John MacArthur is the first signer and probably the most recognized. So MacArthur is getting most of the credit and blame. Therefore, before we either praise or shame MacArthur we should:

• Read The Statement on Social Justice & the Gospel carefully. Note the picture above. Whether we realize it or not, our public schools and the mass media are indoctrinating our children to be social justice warriors.
• Read No Division in the Body by John MacAuthur. The articles in the Resources section are there for a reason.
• Consider listening to or reading MacAuthur’s sermons on the subject: Social Justice and the Gospel, Part 1 and Social Justice and the Gospel, Part 2.
• Search the Internet and consider contrary views.
• Examine the relationship between “social justice” and justice.

That last step is critical, but it is not easy. “Social justice” is an attractive, but vaguely defined concept. Here are a couple of definitions.

so·cial jus·tice
noun: social justice
justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society.
“individuality gives way to the struggle for social justice”

social justice
: a state or doctrine of egalitarianism
the causes of human freedom and of social justice —Sir Winston Churchill
promote the common good and social justice —G. J. Schnepp

Effectively, what passes for “social justice” is social equality in terms of wealth, opportunities and privileges. If we are to achieve “social justice”, shouldn’t we consider what is involved first?

• Should we all have the same amount of wealth, opportunities and privilege? Would that be just? Or do wealth, opportunities, and privileges belong to the people who strive to obtain wealth, opportunities, and privileges?
• Who is to enforce “social justice”? Our government? Can we entrust politicians with the responsibility?
• What do you want your children taught? Should the ideology of “social justice” be part of their curriculum?

The answers to these questions are not necessarily cut and dry. Since not everyone who has great wealth, opportunities, and privileges seems to have earned their blessings, it is easy for the have-nots to feel themselves righteously envious of the haves. It is also easy to be sympathetic of the have-nots, especially those who are desperately poor.

To achieve some objectivity — to set aside whatever personal guilt we might feel — we need to consider our children, our responsibility to them. What do we want our children to believe? What do we want them to do? Do we want our children to see life as an opportunity for personal service? Do we want our children to become loving and charitable individuals? Does “social justice” provide the right model?

What does belief in “social justice” produce? Does “social justice” produce charity as a personal act of giving or the government dole? Is “social justice” an act of love or an entitlement from government? Is being a social justice warrior the same as being a charitable, loving Christian following the example of Jesus Christ?

Do you have children? If you don’t know what “social justice” is, please take the time to learn. If you don’t teach your children about the concept, someone else will.