The same people who published the unnecessary and homophobic Nashville Statement last year are at it again, this time with the Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel. Once again, they are back to making themselves the victim of Big Culture. They’re taking all the blame away from themselves for the legacy of racism and misogyny, and they’re making sure you’re clear women are less than men (but should still be treated kinda nice). I will not share a link, because you don’t need to read it. Instead, here’s a blackout poem (inspired by holyblackedout, an Instagram and twitter account that I love) that’ll let you know how Christians who don’t have a skewed understanding of our faith feel about social justice and the gospel.
I. scripture
we affirm breath
(how we must live).
intersectionality, feminism, and critical race theory are
spiritual
II. imago dei
we affirm every person
as divine image-bearers
we deny religion
as an image-bearer of God.
III. justice
we affirm that
societies must
correct injustices that have been imposed
through cultural prejudice
IV. god’s law
we affirm
a
call to repentance
V. sin
we affirm
all human relationships
embrace
connection
VI. gospel
we affirm
the obligation to live justly in the world
VII. salvation
we affirm
regenerating
in this life
believe.
VIII. the church
we affirm
those who contradict.
we affirm
leaders.
we deny that
lawful
activities are either evidence of saving faith or constitute a central part of the church’s mission
IX. heresy
we deny
perfect conformity
X. sexuality and marriage
we affirm
same-sex attraction
affections
woman
sexual relationship
desire
that one’s sex can be fluid
gay christian as legitimate
XI. complementarianism
we affirm
differences are good, proper, and beautiful
we affirm
love
to teach
beautifully
we deny that
women disparage
spiritual value of one
XII. race/ethnicity
we affirm that all people
are ontological equals
we deny
any
oppressors or
oppression.
we are to weep with those who weep
XIII. culture
we affirm
other cultures
those worldviews
should be celebrated
we affirm
heart
truth
we deny
individuals
to rise above
cultures
XIV. racism
we affirm that racism is a sin
and violates the law of love
we deny
the core principles of
evangelical convictions.
we deny
the contemporary evangelical movement.
social issues (or activism aimed at shaping wider culture) are
vital
to the life and health of the church
such things tend to
lead to
the gospel.
