Social Change
These “Journal Entry” posts are seeds of thought about following Jesus in today’s world. They will be practical, thoughtful, and at times sharper than other posts. That is because they will be more quickly posted, untested by the insight of others. That is where you come in. Your responses, both positive and negative, will help these ideas to germinate into more extensive content. Your comments below, or through Substack messaging, are most welcome. -Randy
Some see Christianity as a nascent form of social activism. Church leaders who believe the church is only fully alive in protests for political change are onto something. Today’s church activism is often born as an afterthought. It has no life of its own. It depends upon its ideological fathers and mothers for direction and approval. It exists as an additional support to the cause.
This is a bastardization of the faith. Following Jesus is not about picking over the wounds of the haves and the have-nots until they metastasize across the body politic. Christian transformation doesn’t happen through spasms of anger bursting onto the streets in protests for social change.
‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.’
-Jesus, while being interrogated by Pontius Pilate1
Christianity changes whole societies. It does so by stimulating love not fueling hatred. Consciences are freed through heartfelt confession and forgiveness. We pursue love and joy, peace and patience, kindness and self-control out of gratitude for God’s gift of a new beginning. We discover, in Jesus, the courage to reconcile with our neighbor. Lives change. Relationships change. Communities change. Injustice is dislodged, replaced by Jesus’ love.
Political ideologies cannot embrace this way. It’s too slow. It’s too quiet. It’s too “under the radar.” Yet it continues to be available to everyone, everywhere, at all times.
In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’
-Jesus reveals himself to Pilate.2
I totally agree with this post. Just as Mary Bethune proved - true changes are made by Love and patience in God’s dynamic work unfolding through Holy Spirit and His work through His Body (people in the church universal.