We have plenty of examples to disagree with Jim Wallis on without having Glen Beck muddy the waters for his ratings. On his show yesterday, Beck continued to elevate his "fight" with Wallis by saying that "social justice is about stealing." Beck may do well to read up on at least the Catholic Church's view of social justice before making such broad absurd statements. Watch below.
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Overall, I have to agree with Glenn Beck on this. The term "Social Justice" unfortunately has been hijacked by some groups who I feel have a misunderstanding of the true meaning. When I donate to a cause, it is voluntary and it's from ME. I can do my own research on a charitable organization's track record of how they distribute the funds they are given and decide whether or not to give to that particular charity. What it sounds to me like Wallis is saying is that voluntary charity is not enough and forced redistribution of wealth is what is needed. To me, that approach begs for corruption and there are in fact many (if not all) government entitlement programs that suffer from corruption.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, what the Catholic Church means by "social justice" and what most advocates of social justice in the political square mean are very different things. Social justice advocates place a lot of emphasis on helping the poor, which is a very good thing, but they rely heavily on using the government as a principle means for achieving that end, which is usually not a very good thing. What is worse, social justice advocates typically reduce the realization of the kingdom of God on Earth to a kind of materialistic utopia, which is not what Jesus had in mind. The same Jesus that gave us the stern warning in the parable of Lazarus and the rich man also rebuked his would-be followers after the miracles of the loaves and the fishes for focusing exclusively on their earthly prospects with Jesus.
ReplyDeleteJuan
Juan, I would also add that Social Justice seems to operate outside the parameters of abortion although this is nothing less than insanity as the greatest social injustice of our age is abortion (i.e. taking the life of a completly innocent human being).
ReplyDeleteAll this though cannot forget the fact that just like the rich man and Lazarus, if we ignore the poor we have a very very bleak future.
I cannot agree that Beck's review of social justice as used in contemporary Christianity consists of "broad, absurd" statements. The Catholic approach to social justice provides the mask behind which a wide variety of morally offensive objectives hide. Beck struck at the private reserve of these causes by making forbidden commentary on what was heretofore a sacrosanct topic. The visceral, hyperventilating reaction to his remarks only serves to make the point. Google "social justice". Follow the links. Case made. Catholics should reject the brand of naiveté that leads to providing sanctuary to the very causes that seek the destruction of the church and what it stands for.
ReplyDeleteJohnnyK:
ReplyDeleteTo your point, we just learned that Cardinal Francis George, no less the president of the USCCB, will be honoring the infamous father Michael Pfleger with a 'lifetime achievement award' for 'fighting racial injustice'. The award is being given in spite of his racially charged (some would say racist) views and his support of prominent pro-abortion politicians, including Obama of course.
Another example: the scandalous support by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development of social justice groups that openly defy the Church's teaching on marriage, homosexuality, abortion, chastity, etc.
With "friends" like these inside our own Church, who needs "enemies" like Glenn Beck?
Juan
I've seen so many bad examples of 'Social Justice' at the parish and national level(USCCB) that I dont want anything to do with these groups.Of course I've been holding this judgement for many years. Its the people involved in these groups...the people that feel they can vote for pro-aborts, have Obama stickers on their cars, join and support Amnesty International despite Vatican objections, etc, etc, down the line, and this wont change for quite a long time. I dont mind Becks objections at all, while not full of truth, it rings true and might actually get between some ears. Where else are these people going to hear some critical things about so-called 'Social Justice' programs/groups in the churches.
ReplyDeleteUltramontane
http://www.archchicago.org/news_releases/news_2010/news_030310.shtm
ReplyDeleteI didn't even believe it until I saw it for myself. I will be calling to complain.