Evangelism and Social Justice 2

Am I creating a straw man by stating that there is a false dichotomy between evangelism and social justice (i.e., compassion)? I am not sure. Clearly, something is wrong. The church is not exactly overwhelming our culture with compassion. But then, it’s not with evangelism either. Maybe we are just more in love with the idea of evangelism than compassion, but we really aren't doing much of either. I guess my perception is that evangelism is often viewed as more essential than righting the wrongs in culture, at least in the circles I hang out. I am sure the reverse could be said about other churches. I have held the view in the past that this world will never be better, that trying to bring justice is futile (e.g., “the poor will always be with us” decontextualized argument), and that we ought to focus on the next world.

I have heard the theological arguments on both sides. So, I ask myself: What did Jesus do? What did he teach us? What example did he show us?

Preaching the good news was the reason Jesus was sent. At least that is what he said (Luke 4:43). One could make an argument that we should make that our priority. Fair enough. But as I study his life, Jesus showed compassion to people. Not just some people, but often is says everyone that was brought to him. In the past, I have viewed the miracles as evidence that he was trying to prove a higher point. But it may be simpler (or more profound?) than that. Why did he feed the 4000? It says because they were hungry and he had compassion on them. Jesus addressed the basic needs of the people he came across because he is that way. He is a compassionate person. The suffering around him grieved him and he did something about it.

Seems the example is that we should be grieving at the suffering around us. Suffering both from alienation from God and from lack of basic needs.

To me, the dichotomy between evangelism and social justice is a false one. To try and do one without the other is to make God something he isn’t. He is compassionate and he wants to show compassion to others through his attentive and obedient followers. He has provided a way for alienated people to be reunited with him and he wants to do this through attentive and obedient followers. But we will do both only if we believe and live life in the kingdom and are becoming compassionate people.

So what I would say to the person who says “What they [the suffering] really need is Jesus.” I would agree. And Jesus will welcome them if they come and will address their suffering. I want to figure out how to do both.