Tag Archives: non-fiction

The social justice fad?

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Simple Compassion by Keri Wyatt Kent

Have you noticed? Social justice is a popular topic for the online church.

I spend a lot of time online reading blogs, surfing social media and listening to the chatter of the connected, Internet church. And it seems a lot of online Christians are into social justice.

Social justice is all over Sojourners. Blogs, blogs, blogs. So many blogs. (I wish I had more of these examples to share, as I’ve read a lot about this subject from various Christian bloggers, but I never bookmarked them.)

Of course there are books. Justice in the Burbs and The Irresistible Revolution, and there are more I’ve never read. And now Simple Compassion by Keri Wyatt Kent (I received a free copy from the publisher.) There is even a Social Justice Reading Challenge.

I’m not against helping people in need; I know what the Bible says. I’m not immune to feeling the pull toward social justice issues. Heck, I even have a social justice category here on this blog.

Still I’m concerned.

Is all of this a fad, the latest trend in our Christian-online clique? Or is this a true, Holy Spirit inspired move of God? In my flesh-and-blood church, I hear little about sex trafficking, clean water, or poverty, all popular issues within the online church.  That strikes me as odd.

Christians, we mustn’t forget it’s a grace salvation, not a works salvation.  Give to the poor, support organizations like Compassion International, commit to helping those in need. These issues of social justice are important, and must not be ignored, but let’s not forget the command by Jesus in Matthew 28.

.  .  . go and make disciples of all nations.

First Saturday

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My New Year is off to a brilliant start. I spent a quiet morning today browsing the library shelves and came home with:

Fiction: Under the Lemon Trees by Bhira Backhaus, The Cold Light of Mourning by Elizabeth J. Duncan, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley.

Non-fiction: Starbucked: A Double Tall Tale or Caffeine, Commerce, and Culture by Taylor Clark and We’ll Always Have Paris: Paris by Ray Bradbury

DVD: The Kite Runner (loved the book, will I approve of the retelling in film?) and Whale Rider (which I’ve heard good things about. Hope it proves true.)

And. . . because this library visit happened without children in tow . . . I read a news magazine. Ah, yes. Me, a cushy chair and the indulgence of focusing uninterrupted. Pure joy.

Now you tell me: what are you reading?

Blog book tour: O2 (Breathing New Life into Faith) by Richard Dahlstrom

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O2: Breathing New Life into Faith by Richard Dahlstrom

I think it’s really telling when a pastor’s bio on the back of a book promotes his blog, especially a site with a catchy title such as Raincitypastor.

Also from the back cover of O2,

Your physical body needs oxygen in order to survive.  Inhale, exhale… one leads naturally to the other. Inhale too long, and you feel as if your lungs will burst. Exhale too long, and you get light headed. The same rhythm is essential in the life of faith. You inhale life-giving strength from God through things like prayer, study, solitude, and silence. You exhale generosity, hospitality, and service to the poor. If you try to do one without the other, you won’t last very long.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book.