Well, you
get progressive evangelicals—a people who unite those two things too long
separated: the invitation to become
followers of Jesus and the call to join the struggle for the creation of just societies. And, what is it that progressive evangelicals
do? Well, this week a bunch of them are
gathered together in Dallas
to call the city together under the aegis of Justice
Revival. A revival
that calls folks first to become followers, no, not just followers, but
disciples of Jesus, and then does not stop there but goes on to invite them to
take become disciples who embody Jesus’ concern for the poor and marginalized.
How many of
you have experienced the disappointment of finding that those who are most
concerned about creating just societies are so often inattentive to inviting
folks into relationship with Jesus? Or,
on the other hand, experienced the frustration of seeing those who put such a
strong emphasis on evangelism that they forget the biblical emphasis upon
issues of justice? Well, if you have,
then Justice Revival is for
you—whether you are in Dallas
this week or not. Join with us, wherever
you are, and make this a week of Justice Revival
for you by praying for your kindred spirits, Christian brothers and sisters, in
Dallas. Then, consider how you can, this week, unite
the invitation to become followers of Jesus with the call to become involved in
social justice concerns. Partner with
us, and let the spirit of Justice Revival
take root where you are, and let us do what we progressive evangelicals do
best: recognize that participation in
the struggle for social justice is not something one adds to being a Christian,
but rather that it is at the center of what it means to follow the Crucified
One!
When I worked in Eastern Ky for Habitat, I met a young United Methodist in Booneville. He complained about Christian folks in the mountains saying that the "do-gooders" from outside the area came in and took care of the sick, helped the poor, but rarely mentioned Jesus. And the local fundamentalist folks preached "Jesus, Jesus," but never did Jesus's work. He was praying that they would come together and help each other do both. I glad to see that what he prayed for does exist. God bless you for what you do, Bro.
Ben
Posted by: Ben Woodard | November 11, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Sounds great!
I met and heard some lectures by Volf a couple weeks ago. I read Exclusion and Embrace on your recommendation - thanks!
Posted by: don woolley | November 11, 2009 at 09:17 PM
this blog post is a good follow up to the previous one. yes, we should all be a part of a justice revival. as far as speaking about jesus, is word really necessary? if we are living his word and doing as he implored, aren't we speaking volumes? words have been demonstrated by many to be extremely cheap. having been raised catholic we were taught what we did spoke louder than any words. and doesn't the bible itself offer parables about action and words? show me, don't tell me, please.
(it's a happy day for me that i decided to look to see if anyone was here. i found friends to talk to! just before thanksgiving, that's something i'm very thankful for! welcome back, everyone and mr chuch! i've been waiting for you.)
Posted by: zero | November 14, 2009 at 03:22 PM
zero! my hero:) How are ya gal?
Posted by: chuck | November 14, 2009 at 05:03 PM
~"participation in the struggle for social justice is not something one adds to being a Christian, but rather that it is at the center of what it means to follow the Crucified One!"
Well said, Chuck. Hope y'all's time in Dallas is great!
Posted by: Wayne Cox | November 14, 2009 at 05:36 PM