The Statement On Social Justice And The Gospel

The Protestant evangelical church has been a massive conservative force over the past 50 years.  With nearly 40 million members, evangelicals are normally politically active, voting for their morals as well as for the preservation of our republic.

But something has happened over the past 7 years or so that has radically changed the priorities and mission of the largest evangelical denominations, churches, and seminaries in the United States.  Seminaries previously focused on Scriptural exegesis and proclamation are now focusing on teaching their future pastors’ postmodern concepts such as critical race theory and intersectionality.  Churches throughout the nation are pushing progressive agendas along with the teaching of unconscious bias training and the deceptive idea of ‘white privilege’.

The new progressive-leaning tendencies in the evangelical church that has been accompanied by massive propaganda campaigns, reflexive movements, giant conferences all accompanied with an obvious political mission needed to be confronted.

This past November in Washington, DC I had gathered a coalition of the willing to begin the process that would produce this particular statement.  With speakers such as Dr. James R. White, Dr. Steven Lawson, Dr. Jordan Peterson and many others, we discussed the what, how, and why of the move to change the Protestant Evangelical Church from a consistently conservative demographic into a progressive force. Faithful church members are being encouraged to reject constitutional conservatives and to embrace open borders, reject normative patriotism, and embrace progressive concepts and social justice policies normally reserved for radical socialists or open society adherents. The new progressive Christian front has an obvious political edge.  While stating that it is ‘a-political,’ the deconstructionist Christian movement churns out articles, videos, conferences, and tweets that promote progressive policies such as open borders, equity-based concepts, and social justice endeavours.  Something had to happen: we needed to bring together a band of brothers to both examine the strategies of those perpetrating this change and call those that have followed the siren song of false virtue out of this destructive reflexive movement.

This past June, I helped to bring together respected Christian leaders in Dallas, TX to begin the process of creating “The Statement on Social Justice & the Gospel” to address the new, progressive movement in the evangelical church. This statement, along with accompanying articles, was released today on the following website: statementonsocialjustice.com . Additional articles, conferences, and materials will be forthcoming.

The Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel is focused on ten areas that are under attack by the new deconstructionist progressive Christian movement.

From the statement:

In view of questionable sociological, psychological, and political theories presently permeating our culture and making inroads into Christ’s church, we wish to clarify certain key Christian doctrines and ethical principles prescribed in God’s Word. Clarity on these issues will fortify believers and churches to withstand an onslaught of dangerous and false teachings that threaten the gospel, misrepresent Scripture, and lead people away from the grace of God in Jesus Christ.

Specifically, we are deeply concerned that values borrowed from secular culture are currently undermining Scripture in the areas of race and ethnicity, manhood and womanhood, and human sexuality. The Bible’s teaching on each of these subjects is being challenged under the broad and somewhat nebulous rubric of concern for “social justice.” If the doctrines of God’s Word are not uncompromisingly reasserted and defended at these points, there is every reason to anticipate that these dangerous ideas and corrupted moral values will spread their influence into other realms of biblical doctrines and principles.

Other notable powerful Christian leaders that have both crafted and signed the document include:

-Pastor John MacArthur of Grace Community Church

-Voddie Bachum of Voddie Baucham Ministries

-Dr. James R. White of Alpha and Omega Ministries

-Dr. Thomas Ascol of the Founders Ministries

-Phil Johnson of Grace to You

These names join 40 (and growing) pastors, professors and ministry leaders calling for reformation and Biblical within the new Christian postmodern movement.

Noting that some men such as Russell Moore, Tim Keller, Matt Chandler and others are now promoting postmodern concepts such as ‘white privilege’, the Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel proclaims:

In the process of considering these matters we have been reminded of the essentials of the faith once for all handed down to the saints, and we are re-committed to contend for it. We have a great Lord and Savior, and it is a privilege to defend his gospel, regardless of cost or consequences. Nevertheless, while we rejoice in that privilege, we grieve that in doing so we know we are taking a stand against the positions of some teachers whom we have long regarded as faithful and trustworthy spiritual guides. It is our earnest prayer that our brothers and sisters will stand firm on the gospel and avoid being blown to and fro by every cultural trend that seeks to move the Church of Christ off course. We must remain steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

The Apostle Paul’s warning to the Colossians is greatly needed today: “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8). The document that follows is an attempt to heed that apostolic command. We invite others who share our concerns and convictions to unite with us in reasserting our unwavering commitment to the teachings of God’s Word articulated in this statement.

To read or sign the Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel, please go to statementonsocialjustice.com.