Earlier this year, a “Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel” was drafted by a group of ministry leaders notably including John MacArthur, Pastor, Grace Community Church and Chancellor of the Master’s Seminary and Tom Ascol, Pastor, Grace Baptist Church and Executive Director, Founders Ministries. In The following months, over 12,000 signed this statement.
The statement was written in response to concerns about sociological, psychological, and political theories thought to be permeating our culture and making inroads into the Church and a desire that believers and churches be prepared to address issues perceived to be threatening the gospel, misrepresenting Scripture, and leading people away from the grace of God in Jesus Christ. These ‘social justice’ concerns were driven by issues of race and ethnicity, manhood and womanhood, and human sexuality.
There has been a significant level of scholarly response to the statement, including from our guest. We would like to explore the underlying issues, the theological, and social implications, where the dialog is headed and what are the practical next steps.
Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile joined us on this episode of Good News for the City to discuss.
Pastor Thabiti is Senior Pastor at Anacostia River Church in southeast Washington, DC, and a Council member of The Gospel Coalition. He’s the author of several books, including What is a Healthy Church Member? Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons, Reviving the Black Church, and others.