I set out to do an experiment through 2018 that involves posted a scripture verse about social justice through my twitter feed each and every day. So far it has gone pretty well. I have only repeated four different verses, and I have only missed four days. So, out of 134 days so far, I have posted 126 different social justice verses. I don’t think that’s to bad. If you are not follower me on twitter, I would love for you to do so, just go to @riggs_kevin. I am also gathering information and organizing my thoughts into a book about social justice. Right now I don’t have a publisher. I don’t even have a manuscript. I am close to having my outline completed. As of today, the working title for the book is, Street Gospel: An Evangelical’s guide to social justice.
In addition to posting these verses, maybe because of posting, I have had several conversations on Facebook about social justice. It is a loaded term with varying definitions. A few years back I wrote a book titles, Evangelism for the 21st Century. One reason the publisher wanted me to write this book is because of my views on social justice. Two of the chapters in that book are about evangelism and social justice. You can purchase the book (or Kindle) by clicking here. If you would like an autographed copy, contact me and I will send it to you. So everyone will know what I mean by social justice, I have included a small portion from that book below: As always, I welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions:
“The word ‘social’ comes from the Latin word socius, meaning ‘companion’ or ‘ally.’ The word ‘justice’ comes from the Latin words ‘iustitia’ and ‘iustus,’ meaning ‘righteousness’ and ‘equity.’ Thus, ‘social justice’ is seeing all people as your companions or allies and treating them in a right and equitable way. Basically, ‘social justice’ is treating others the way you want to be treated (see Matthew 7:12). Inherent in this definition of social justice is not simply individuals treating others rightly, but societies, communities, and governments treating others rightly. Therefore, fighting for social justice means speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves and standing up for the rights of people who have been mistreated and oppressed. Social justice is a call, not just to individual action, but communal action as well.
“The mission of the church is incomplete without being actively involved in social justice. The reason this is true is because justice is grounded in the character of God. The psalmist wrote, ‘Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne’ (Psalm 89:14); and Deuteronomy 32:4 reads, ‘He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.’ It is for this reason that social justice has to be a part of evangelism. Evangelism, the good news that in and through Jesus, God’s kingdom breaks into our reality necessitates the church’s involvement in speaking out against social sins and standing up for the disenfranchised.”
Floods of Justice 