Liberation theology is a combination of Christian theology and the socio-economic environment through the church that attempts to address the concerns of the poor and interpret the gospel through the past experiences of the oppressed. Liberation theology covers a wide range of topics in a bid to address social justice in the society today. This essay seeks to address the issues surrounding liberation theology in relation to social justice, political justice and spiritual gospel as analyzed by the speakers in the particular videos presented. It sought to use religious faith in administering aid to the poor and the oppressed through involvement in the social and political affairs by addressing the alleged source sin.
Summary
In the gospel of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, the most advocated theme is a just society. The issues and principles surrounding the church pose a great impact on social practices. Therefore, the church is considered as a hub for enormous change and acceptance for service in the love of God. Society presents a variety of problems ranging from abortion, racial prejudice, human trafficking, healthcare, immigration reforms, same-sex marriage, and environmentalism. The pastors, ‘Matt and David’ addressed these issues regarding social injustices in a spiritual approach as not of the top priority but essential in the gospel commission(Truth Endures, 2013). Social injustices divide the people and the approach should well-aligned to the ministry so as to be justified as solutions rather than discussions.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
The principles governing the church should uphold fairness in order to engage with the gospel of Jesus Christ from the right perspective. The utter difference is the reality behind these misgivings caused by the significant individual needs which are brokenness and sinfulness. It gives the opinions a different taste since people are hurting, abused, and captive and enslaved which has to be approached from spiritual and social justice to achieve the outcomes. As much as life is a desire for wealth and, money emphasis should be on personal holiness through commitment and discipline for the Gods work. People should be mobilized and encouraged to become devoted to the word of God in order to achieve the spread of the gospel, faith and make more disciples.
True Christians should be safe from a judgment of their own sin hence can seek social justice without fear. Individuals don't have to cling to the past life for in salvation the blood of Jesus washes away all the sins. In the concept of fear of undertaking certain responsibilities in the society, the emphasis should be these issues are not categorized in the ministry of gospel hence priority falls squarely on the preaching of the word. As much as the issues of social justice appear critical emphasis by the pastors goes to the gospel as the top priority and the issues can be handled depending on the type of congregation and community(Truth Endures, 2013).
Involvement of the church in politics is often criticized and objected strongly as it is viewed as a distraction from the mission through preaching and teaching. Despite this perception, the Bible speaks of civil governments and the faithful engagement of the church. In Latin America, race relations pose a social and cultural problem even to the church. Racial discrimination and segregation were experienced long ago but modern society still encounters similar scenarios. This has put people in bitterness, anguish, and pain over the social effect of this vice. Racial oppression, therefore, had to be addressed by God through the church. The visualization here was what the reality of the problem was, how God would solve the problem, and finally, the church being a representative of the kingdom of God addresses the issue(lifetodaytv, 2010). This enables to help social and political nature of the culture and spiritual being of the society.
God divine will in the lives of His people is love for all and therefore loves the variety in race and culture as a way of demonstrating unity in the world. He uses unique skills, gifts, and talents of the believers to reach others to persuade them to join the Kingdom of God. The pastor demonstrates an action in which they come together as combined church consisting of white church members and black church members to mentor, tutor and provide family support service to high-risk students in the school. He writes a book, ‘Once embraced' to define, describe unity, and elaborate misconceptions, biblical justice, and social justice. It’s possible to address social transformations and racial issues politically through the church in the fight for our families, children, and well-being together(lifetodaytv, 2010). He further mentions the need to forgive but in my view, forgiveness is not from individuals but from God and once forgiven by God, one is free from sin.
Conclusion
Christian witness in the society contributes transcendent values about moral and ethical issues. In the case of Church withdrawal, a moral vacuum is created which is susceptible to influences causing governments to act in ungodly ways. Politics affect governments, shapes society and influences culture thus the church should care more about politics and social justice.
References
lifetodaytv. (2010). Liberation Theology vs. Biblical Race Relations (Tony Evans & Randy Robison) . Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRo_AZ4L38Y
Truth Endures. (2013). Social Justice and Young Evangelicals | John Piper, Matt Chandler, David Platt . Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOh0Ts1xDmM
