Grand Rapids Theological Seminary is in the midst of a multi-year reflection on the fractured condition of our churches. In the spring of 2018, we focused on the manner in which our racialized culture has divided the US church. In two weeks, we will focus on the experience of Hispanic/Latino(a) Christians in the U.S.

How timely, then, that we have the opportunity to consider once again the character of the Christian gospel, this time in the form of a statement that was released regarding the relationship between the gospel and social justice.

A group of leaders from a more fundamentalist wing of evangelicalism released a statement, seemingly in response to the MLK50 Conference, hosted by the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission and the Gospel Coalition. Our conference series is a tiny voice in a Midwest corner of this discussion. Rather than responding to that statement in full, I just want to point you to some helpful responses by others:

  • Thabiti Anyabwile was interviewed by the team at Christianity Today on the Quick to Listen podcast (posted on Sept. 12). He provides some gracious and clear responses to the recent statement’s claims. Listen to the whole recording. Toward the end, he provides honest, pastoral advice about the long, hard work before us.
  • Russell Moore explains social justice biblically, as he understands it, in his Sept. 7 and 12 episodes of the Signposts podcast. He doesn’t mention the recent statement, but he does address their question. Listen to part 1 and part 2.

These conversations will be helpful guides as you move forward in your understanding of justice and unity.

Hope you can join us on Oct. 2!