Evangelicals falling under spell of social-justice warriors

Many contemporary churches have moved far into the field of social activism, oftentimes casting it as "social justice," based on collectivist ideas and strategies that include the defense of left-leaning causes such as gay rights.

Evangelical churches are among them, and now some Christian leaders are responded with a "Statement on Social Justice & the Gospel."

"We are deeply concerned that values borrowed from secular culture are currently undermining Scripture in the areas of race and ethnicity, manhood and womanhood, and human sexuality," declares the statement.

Among the initial signatories are John MacArthur of Grace Community Church, James White of Alpha and Omega Ministries, Michael O'Fallon of Sovereign Nations, Voddie Baucham of VBM, Phil Johnson of Grace To You and Darrell Harrison of Rockdale Community Church.

"The Bible's teaching on each of these subjects is being challenged under the broad and somewhat nebulous rubric of concern for 'social justice,'" the leaders say.

You're not being told the entire, glorious truth about the Bible's contents. Learn Scripture on the spirit level as well as the physical level in the best-selling "Shocked by the Bible 2" -- autographed at WND!

They warn: "If the doctrines of God's Word are not uncompromisingly reasserted and defended at these points, there is every reason to anticipate that these dangerous ideas and corrupted moral values will spread their influence into other realms of biblical doctrines and principles."

After one day, the signature total was hovering around 2,000.

"We affirm that the Bible is God's Word, breathed out by him," the leaders says. "It is inerrant, infallible, and the final authority for determining what is true (what we must believe) and what is right (how we must live). All truth claims and ethical standards must be tested by God's final Word, which is Scripture alone," the statement explains.

The leaders deny "that Christian belief, character, or conduct can be dictated by any other authority, and we deny that the postmodern ideologies derived from intersectionality, radical feminism, and critical race theory are consistent with biblical teaching."

"We further deny that competency to teach on any biblical issue comes from any qualification for spiritual people other than clear understanding and simple communication of what is revealed in Scripture."

It references Scripture.

Organizers say that in just the first six hours alone, nearly 1,500 added their signatures, and there were 30,000 visits to the site from churches, pastors and others.

The leaders say the Protestant evangelical church "has been a massive conservative force over the past 50 years."

"With nearly 40 million members, evangelicals are normally politically active, voting for their morals as well as for the preservation of our republic," they say.

"But something has happened over the past seven years or so that has radically changed the priorities and mission of the largest evangelical denominations, churches, and seminaries in the United States. Seminaries previously focused on Scriptural exegesis and proclamation are now focusing on teaching their future pastors' postmodern concepts such as critical race theory and intersectionality. Churches throughout the nation are pushing progressive agendas along with the teaching of unconscious bias training and the deceptive idea of 'white privilege.'"

Enter politics, they say.

"Faithful church members are being encouraged to reject constitutional conservatives and to embrace open borders, reject normative patriotism, and embrace progressive concepts and social justice policies normally reserved for radical socialists or open society adherents."

It was last June that 14 Christian leaders started working on the statement.

They believe, "Clarity on these issues [church doctrines] will fortify believers and churches to withstand an onslaught of dangerous and false teachings that threaten the gospel, misrepresent Scripture, and lead people away from the grace of God in Jesus Christ."

The statement continues: "In the process of considering these matters we have been reminded of the essentials of the faith once for all handed down to the saints, and we are re-committed to contend for it. We have a great Lord and Savior, and it is a privilege to defend his gospel, regardless of cost or consequences. Nevertheless, while we rejoice in that privilege, we grieve that in doing so we know we are taking a stand against the positions of some teachers whom we have long regarded as faithful and trustworthy spiritual guides. It is our earnest prayer that our brothers and sisters will stand firm on the gospel and avoid being blown to and fro by every cultural trend that seeks to move the Church of Christ off course. We must remain steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

"The Apostle Paul’s warning to the Colossians is greatly needed today: 'See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ' (Colossians 2:8). The document that follows is an attempt to heed that apostolic command. We invite others who share our concerns and convictions to unite with us in reasserting our unwavering commitment to the teachings of God’s Word articulated in this statement."