Social Justice Churches

Pastor Michael Hidalgo writes:

Recently Glenn Beck made some comments about leaving a church if the priest or pastor speaks about “social justice.” He instructed his listeners to “look for the words ’social justice’ or ‘economic justice’ on your church Web site” and then, should they find those words, told them to “run as fast as you can.” Why? Well Beck believes those are “code words” that have malevolent ties to communism and Nazism.

He spoke about his own church community and his pastor, and said proudly that if his church was about “social justice” he would report his church to the church authorities. So Beck postures his argument as a churchgoer.

I have received a few e-mails and texts from people about these comments, so I thought I would respond to the many e-mails here.

Let me begin by saying that I do not presume to know how Beck defines social or economic justice. Perhaps he is referring to the ethos of caring for the poor and needy, or the demand for human rights in this world of ours. Maybe he is referring to the tradition of the prophets in the Hebrew scriptures, like Amos, who says:

There are those who oppress the innocent and take bribes
and deprive the poor of justice in the court …
This is what the Lord says …
“Let justice roll on like a river,
righteousness like a never-failing stream!”
(Amos 5)

First, if Beck is speaking about justice along with Amos and the other prophets, then he is definitely talking about caring the for the poor and speaking about human rights. Many people are up in arms about his wanting to link this ideology to political theories such as communism and Nazism.

However, we need not become so upset. For true justice is rooted in the heart of God. As the psalmist says, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne” (Psalm 89.4). If justice is of God, then we need not listen to Beck’s assertions. For God is not a Nazi or a Communist. Nor is God Democrat or Republican. In fact, God has no political affiliation. The rule and throne of God’s kingdom is built on righteousness and justice.

Second, Beck calls for those who are a part of churches that preach social justice to run away. He goes on to instruct his listeners to report their pastors or priests to the church authorities. With this side of Beck’s argument I too have no issue.
Some may, no doubt, leave their churches because of preachers preaching about poverty, human rights, economics, and justice. And if they do, then I say, “Thank you Glenn Beck, now there is room for more who are desperate to see justice roll on like a river.”

And now, a word to Glenn Beck. I will not argue with your political viewpoint. Everyone is entitled to have his or her opinion, slant, or spin on any particular office, legislation, or politician. Each person also has a right to make his or her ideology known to whoever will listen.

However, when you speak as a churchgoer, and when you begin roping the Church into your rhetoric, things get a little more serious. I would encourage and exhort you to use more care, and to consider your words more carefully. You influence a lot of people in this world and have the potential and power to do much for good.

My hope for you is the same for myself: that your thoughts and words would move those who listen to you more toward the mind and heart of Jesus. May that be the end toward which we both strive.

The original Social Justice Church is of course the Catholic Church, from whose Social Teaching the term itself originates. Glenn Beck clearly never came across that fact when he was teaching himself the wickedness of universal taxpayer-funded services by using the public library.