Defend and Confirm

Following our analysis of the history and evolution of the term "social justice", Sean and Russell ask an important question: How should we use this term? We look at the three major conceptions of the term that are popular today, and make the argument that christians (and especially pastors) should consider avoiding it when possible. 

The term “Social Justice” can be found in almost any discussion about society, politics, and religion, and many evangelicals have fully embraced the word. But what is the history of the term, and how might the ideological origins of “social justice” color its meaning? In this episode, we survey the origins of the conception of social justice, and look at the the ways that Catholic, Utilitarian, and Marxist ideologies have harnessed the power of this phrase. This episode's "book you should" read is an article: Defining Social Justice, by Michael Novak

In this episode, we discuss the way the Bible speaks of “justice.” We look at the two Hebrew words translated as “justice” in our English bibles, and use them to build a framework for understanding the use of the word in modern discussion about “social justice”.  

In this episode, we discuss recent tweets from the President of the Southern Baptist Convention, J.D. Greear. We believe these tweets are indicative of serious problems within evangelical culture, namely, a pragmatic view of worship that turns Sunday gatherings in to performances. Because Pastor Greear is both a highly influential leader and a brother in the faith, we felt compelled to address these problems directly.     This episodes "books you should read": Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart, by J.D. Greear  

Much of the current buzz about social justice centers on what the church should be doing in the world. But what is the mission of the church? As we discuss in this episode, the mission of the church is far more specific than many evangelicals believe it to be. When we we add to that mission, even with good works, we risk drifting from what God has called the church to do. Even worse, we might eventually lose the gospel itself.  This episode's "books you should read": What Is the Mission of the Church?: Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission

Continuing our discussion of social justice, we begin to hammer out some fundamental terms. In this episode, we define the word "church." If you want to think rightly about social justice, you have to understand the mission of the church. If you want to understand the mission of the church, you have to correctly define what and who the church is. 

In this episode, we continue to build the foundation for discussing social justice. We talk about the way the English language changes over time, how people intuit the meanings of important terms like “justice", and discuss the importance of looking for the Aristotelian mean during these types of controversies. This episode's "books you should read": What Is the Mission of the Church?: Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission

In this episode, we wade carefully into the waters of "social justice." We begin by outlining some of the difficulties that arise when talking about this issue, including the importance of defining our terms carefully. This episode's "books you should read": https://www.amazon.com/What-Mission-Church-Justice-Commission/dp/1433526905

In this episode, Sean and Russell discuss protesting outside of abortion clinics. Should christians do it? Are there right and wrong ways to approach this ministry?  This episode's "books you should read" is an article by Sean: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/does-carrying-signs-really-save-babies

Abortion claims the lives of approximately 3000 babies each day. What can we do to fight against this atrocity? Can anti-abortion ministry become unhealthy? Sean and Russell discuss these questions and list some simple ways that any christian can contribute to this battle.

Russell and Sean continue to take apart pro-abortion arguments, one at a time. We demonstrate how each of these arguments is intellectually, morally, and scientifically bankrupt, and give advice to christians on how to interact with pro-abortion rhetoric. If you missed part 1 of this discussion, check out episode 15!

In this episode, we talk about abortion. Abortion is a horrendous evil, and yet the pro-abortion rhetoric is stronger than ever. Sean and Russell work through some of the most common arguments in favor of legal abortion, and show how they are all intellectually, morally, and scientifically bankrupt.  This episode's "books you should read": https://www.amazon.com/Case-Life-Equipping-Christians-Culture/dp/1433503204

"The bible can't be from God because it condones immorality!"  In part 2 of this series, Russell and Sean show how the presuppositions behind this criticism actually undermine the critic's own argument. In order for the Bible to condone immorality, moral truth has to exist. We all know it does, but an atheistic view of reality can't account for moral truth. We show how the atheist's attempts to reconcile this contradiction lead to hypocrisy and absurdity. Ultimately, the critic complaining about the morality of God's word is borrowing capital from the christian's worldview in order to argue against it. He's also showing that what the Bible says about him is true: He already knows God exists.  This episode's "book you should read" is actually a movie you should watch: https://www.amazon.com/Collision-Christopher-Hitchens-Amazon-com-Exclusive/dp/B002Q8400K?keywords=collision+darren&qid=1540663384&sr=8-1-fkmrnull&ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1

"The bible can't be from God because it condones immorality!"  In this episode, Russell and Sean address this common criticism, and highlight the common errors in reasoning that lead to this conclusion. We cover the topics of slavery in ancient Israel, the "genocide" of Canaanites commanded by God, and the justice of laws regarding rape in the Mosaic covenant.  This episode's "book you should read": https://www.amazon.com/Sound-Doctrine-Holiness-Building-Churches/dp/1433535890/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540320324&sr=8-1&keywords=sound+doctrine+9+marks

In this episode, Russell is joined by 8-year-old guest co-host, Barrett. Russell addresses the problem of evangelical youth "leaving the faith." Is the problem a lack of apologetics training? Or is it a more fundamental problem in the evangelical church? We talk about the need for discipleship and evangelism of children, why you shouldn't assume your little ones are believers until they are old enough to make credible professions of faith, and give tips on how to better prepare your child to defend and confirm the gospel.  This episode's "books you should read": https://www.amazon.com/Ology-Ancient-Truths-Ever-New/dp/194257228X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539789156&sr=8-1&keywords=the+ology https://www.amazon.com/Young-Baptists-Catechism-Beginners-Confession/dp/1556352611/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539789171&sr=8-1&keywords=the+young+baptist+catechism https://www.amazon.com/Fallacy-Detective-Thirty-Eight-Recognize-Reasoning/dp/097453157X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539789190&sr=8-1&keywords=fallacy+detective