Tuesday, August 14, 2007
::Rants-Social Justice is the new Emergent Social Justice is the new black. Apparently.
Seems as though (in the Australian context anyway) that "cool" for Christians is involvement in social justice. Emergent has worn off a while ago it would seem.
The problem I find with interest in social justice is (as I have blogged before) it's consumed just as quickly as any fad. "Social Justice" becomes another t shirt, wrist band or some other consumer product that gives someone a feeling of involvement.
In the same way that social commentators refer to Gen Y's experience of community as "pseudo community", so too the social action engaged in is "pseudo social justice".
The issue, once again becomes the ability to hold the information or an idea in our head whilst living out contradictory actions, and at some level considering this to be belief.
One of the biggest issues I find is the long term nature of living a life in response to the injustice that grips so many levels of our world. It requires continuous action, every hour of every day. Our purchases, our interactions with people, our interactions in the systems which we inhabit, it is never ending.
In this context, I find Paul's encouragement to "not become weary in doing good" (Gal 6:9). There is recognition that the task of remaking the world is a long term one, requiring several million small acts each week, that may at certain points, really annoy you because you sometimes will feel like giving up and buying into the prevailing culture.
Seems as though (in the Australian context anyway) that "cool" for Christians is involvement in social justice. Emergent has worn off a while ago it would seem.
The problem I find with interest in social justice is (as I have blogged before) it's consumed just as quickly as any fad. "Social Justice" becomes another t shirt, wrist band or some other consumer product that gives someone a feeling of involvement.
In the same way that social commentators refer to Gen Y's experience of community as "pseudo community", so too the social action engaged in is "pseudo social justice".
The issue, once again becomes the ability to hold the information or an idea in our head whilst living out contradictory actions, and at some level considering this to be belief.
One of the biggest issues I find is the long term nature of living a life in response to the injustice that grips so many levels of our world. It requires continuous action, every hour of every day. Our purchases, our interactions with people, our interactions in the systems which we inhabit, it is never ending.
In this context, I find Paul's encouragement to "not become weary in doing good" (Gal 6:9). There is recognition that the task of remaking the world is a long term one, requiring several million small acts each week, that may at certain points, really annoy you because you sometimes will feel like giving up and buying into the prevailing culture.
Labels: Culture, Discipleship, Mission, Rants, Social Justice, Spirituality
Posted by Stephen @ 10:34 AM Comments:
<< Home
Great stuff mate, really like the guy in the Matrix who wants to taste the illusion of roast beef...
Hi Stephen, new to your blog. Involved with TEAR in Qld, and grateful for your thoughts.
Guess I agree with your observation that some in the church have gotten onto the Social Justice bandwagon. Part of the reason for this I think is the excellent work groups like TEAR, Oaktree and MakePovertyHistory have done over recent years (or decades) in promoting this message - consistently, boldly, practically and emotionally. Well done for for this, but as you point out, there is still much more to do.
Like Jesus pointed out in Scripture, it is easier for the camel to go through the eye of the needle, than the rich man (that's us) to enter the Kingdom of heaven. We are not fighting the church, we are fighting our richness! Extra hard!
Keep up your thought provoking writing. Love it.
Guess I agree with your observation that some in the church have gotten onto the Social Justice bandwagon. Part of the reason for this I think is the excellent work groups like TEAR, Oaktree and MakePovertyHistory have done over recent years (or decades) in promoting this message - consistently, boldly, practically and emotionally. Well done for for this, but as you point out, there is still much more to do.
Like Jesus pointed out in Scripture, it is easier for the camel to go through the eye of the needle, than the rich man (that's us) to enter the Kingdom of heaven. We are not fighting the church, we are fighting our richness! Extra hard!
Keep up your thought provoking writing. Love it.
As a 16 year old who went on the MPH Road trip I have to say it was quite confronting the amount of ambassadors that still wore nike shoes, who were still talking about their next overseas holiday, about their new ipod etc etc.
I think as Shane Claibourne once said..."when the Chicago suburbs meet the calcutta slums and each see god in each other. Then we will see poverty come to an end."
People - including us on some levels - don't always recognise the sacrifice needed to truly make this change...
further more (in my rambling) I think you could argue that Live Earth has become the new MPH...just look at the 7/7/07 - live earth sold out 40 000. all over the world....
mph concert the day before - 700 ambassadors and a few ticket winners...NOT saying that the support for these movements can be judged by concert crowds though..but jus putting it out there. Anyway i'll shut up.
mitch
I think as Shane Claibourne once said..."when the Chicago suburbs meet the calcutta slums and each see god in each other. Then we will see poverty come to an end."
People - including us on some levels - don't always recognise the sacrifice needed to truly make this change...
further more (in my rambling) I think you could argue that Live Earth has become the new MPH...just look at the 7/7/07 - live earth sold out 40 000. all over the world....
mph concert the day before - 700 ambassadors and a few ticket winners...NOT saying that the support for these movements can be judged by concert crowds though..but jus putting it out there. Anyway i'll shut up.
mitch
# posted by 
: 7:10 PM
: 7:10 PM Ok im annoyed i just wrote a massive comment which deleted itself.
In short im 16 and went on the MPH road trip and it was confronting to see the number of ambassadors wearing nike shoes, talking about their next overseas holiday etc.
Our generation doesnt commit fully to much. This i fear is much the same.
MPH is new...maybe...i sense that the pop culture is moving to Live Earthy type stuff...jus look back to july to see this.
Thats it in short.
Sacrifice is needed. Gen Y will not neccessarily agree. Truth.
peace and equality.
mitch
In short im 16 and went on the MPH road trip and it was confronting to see the number of ambassadors wearing nike shoes, talking about their next overseas holiday etc.
Our generation doesnt commit fully to much. This i fear is much the same.
MPH is new...maybe...i sense that the pop culture is moving to Live Earthy type stuff...jus look back to july to see this.
Thats it in short.
Sacrifice is needed. Gen Y will not neccessarily agree. Truth.
peace and equality.
mitch
# posted by : 7:17 PM
: 7:17 PM Oh i see you have to approve - now youll get the long and short versions! haha.
# posted by : 7:19 PM
: 7:19 PM Steve sorry I didnt intro myself!
I'm in your class at dcc with one steve venour!
And yes our year level is on camp this week. and no im not on it because of work with oaktree.
So i'll see you next week?
Peace
Post a Comment I'm in your class at dcc with one steve venour!
And yes our year level is on camp this week. and no im not on it because of work with oaktree.
So i'll see you next week?
Peace
# posted by : 9:11 PM
: 9:11 PM << Home
Ideas have a mind of their own, and when they get together, woa, what a party!
About Me
- Name: Stephen Said
- Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
National Youth Coordinator with TEAR Australia, I spend most of my time helping Christians come to terms with being Disciples "in" Pop Culture, rather than disciples "of" Pop Culture. In addition, I am part of the leadership team of missio Dei, a faith community based in the north eastern suburbs of Melbourne, I am sessional lecturer with Tabor College Victoria and ACOM, and part of the Forge Mission Training Network's National team. Husband to Lisa and father to Harry.
www.flickr.com
This is a Flickr badge showing public photos from Stephen Said. Make your own badge here.
Translate {neurotribe.net}
:: Spanish:: Portuguese
:: Italian
:: German
:: French
:: Japanese
{neurotribe.net}
:: Control panel:: Webmail
:: Edit this sucker
When it all seems too much...
:: StrongbadLinkage
:: Planetfootball:: Soccernet
:: Teamtalk
:: The world game
:: Spurs
:: Football 365
:: BBC Football
:: The Age (Melbourne Daily)
:: hurstbridge.org.au
:: Bankwest
:: Bloglines
:: advoc8.org
:: SBS Worldguide
:: Internet movie database
:: Allmusic.com
My other blogs
:: World Cup Football News:: A-League News
:: Asian Champions League News
:: Mp3 Player Reviews
Recommended reading
:: The Shaping of Things to Come - Frost/Hirsch:: Neuromancer - William Gibson
:: The Hacker Ethic - Pekka Himanen
:: Believe in the Future - David Bosch
Misseo Dei Bloggers...
:: missio Dei Blog:: Lisa's Life
:: Missio Dei and Me
Blogs I read regularly
:: the rev:: Bevis Blog
:: Jonnybaker
:: Si johnston
:: Mark Pierson
:: Miriam Writes
:: Emergent kiwi
:: Marcus Curnow
:: TheHeresy.com
:: Barro's World
:: Biscotti brain
:: Jon Owen (UNOH)
:: Steve Chatelier
:: Flying blue sky
:: Tall skinny kiwi
:: Sivin kit's garden
:: Radical congruency
:: Prodigal Kiwi Blog
:: Waving or drowning?
:: Tempting Shortcuts
:: Backyard missionaries
:: Where have all the cool people gone?
Faith communities web sites...
:: Leanne & Ken @ City WesleyanBio...
:: The bio is here...Blogerly stuff
Vagablog - Blog from your Palmmp3mymp3 - Software I use to audioblog
Blog Search Engine
Archives
03/24/2002 - 03/31/2002 / 01/25/2004 - 02/01/2004 / 02/01/2004 - 02/08/2004 / 02/08/2004 - 02/15/2004 / 02/15/2004 - 02/22/2004 / 02/22/2004 - 02/29/2004 / 02/29/2004 - 03/07/2004 / 03/07/2004 - 03/14/2004 / 03/14/2004 - 03/21/2004 / 03/21/2004 - 03/28/2004 / 03/28/2004 - 04/04/2004 / 04/04/2004 - 04/11/2004 / 04/11/2004 - 04/18/2004 / 04/18/2004 - 04/25/2004 / 04/25/2004 - 05/02/2004 / 05/02/2004 - 05/09/2004 / 05/09/2004 - 05/16/2004 / 05/16/2004 - 05/23/2004 / 05/23/2004 - 05/30/2004 / 05/30/2004 - 06/06/2004 / 06/06/2004 - 06/13/2004 / 06/13/2004 - 06/20/2004 / 06/20/2004 - 06/27/2004 / 06/27/2004 - 07/04/2004 / 07/04/2004 - 07/11/2004 / 07/11/2004 - 07/18/2004 / 07/18/2004 - 07/25/2004 / 07/25/2004 - 08/01/2004 / 08/01/2004 - 08/08/2004 / 08/08/2004 - 08/15/2004 / 08/15/2004 - 08/22/2004 / 08/22/2004 - 08/29/2004 / 08/29/2004 - 09/05/2004 / 09/05/2004 - 09/12/2004 / 09/12/2004 - 09/19/2004 / 09/19/2004 - 09/26/2004 / 09/26/2004 - 10/03/2004 / 10/03/2004 - 10/10/2004 / 10/10/2004 - 10/17/2004 / 10/17/2004 - 10/24/2004 / 10/24/2004 - 10/31/2004 / 10/31/2004 - 11/07/2004 / 11/07/2004 - 11/14/2004 / 11/14/2004 - 11/21/2004 / 11/21/2004 - 11/28/2004 / 11/28/2004 - 12/05/2004 / 12/05/2004 - 12/12/2004 / 12/12/2004 - 12/19/2004 / 12/19/2004 - 12/26/2004 / 12/26/2004 - 01/02/2005 / 01/02/2005 - 01/09/2005 / 01/09/2005 - 01/16/2005 / 01/16/2005 - 01/23/2005 / 01/23/2005 - 01/30/2005 / 01/30/2005 - 02/06/2005 / 02/06/2005 - 02/13/2005 / 02/13/2005 - 02/20/2005 / 02/20/2005 - 02/27/2005 / 02/27/2005 - 03/06/2005 / 03/06/2005 - 03/13/2005 / 03/13/2005 - 03/20/2005 / 03/20/2005 - 03/27/2005 / 03/27/2005 - 04/03/2005 / 04/03/2005 - 04/10/2005 / 04/10/2005 - 04/17/2005 / 04/17/2005 - 04/24/2005 / 04/24/2005 - 05/01/2005 / 05/01/2005 - 05/08/2005 / 05/08/2005 - 05/15/2005 / 05/15/2005 - 05/22/2005 / 05/22/2005 - 05/29/2005 / 05/29/2005 - 06/05/2005 / 06/05/2005 - 06/12/2005 / 06/12/2005 - 06/19/2005 / 06/19/2005 - 06/26/2005 / 06/26/2005 - 07/03/2005 / 07/03/2005 - 07/10/2005 / 07/10/2005 - 07/17/2005 / 07/17/2005 - 07/24/2005 / 07/24/2005 - 07/31/2005 / 08/07/2005 - 08/14/2005 / 08/14/2005 - 08/21/2005 / 08/21/2005 - 08/28/2005 / 08/28/2005 - 09/04/2005 / 09/04/2005 - 09/11/2005 / 09/11/2005 - 09/18/2005 / 09/18/2005 - 09/25/2005 / 09/25/2005 - 10/02/2005 / 10/02/2005 - 10/09/2005 / 10/09/2005 - 10/16/2005 / 10/16/2005 - 10/23/2005 / 10/23/2005 - 10/30/2005 / 10/30/2005 - 11/06/2005 / 11/06/2005 - 11/13/2005 / 11/13/2005 - 11/20/2005 / 11/20/2005 - 11/27/2005 / 11/27/2005 - 12/04/2005 / 12/11/2005 - 12/18/2005 / 12/18/2005 - 12/25/2005 / 01/08/2006 - 01/15/2006 / 01/15/2006 - 01/22/2006 / 01/22/2006 - 01/29/2006 / 01/29/2006 - 02/05/2006 / 02/05/2006 - 02/12/2006 / 02/12/2006 - 02/19/2006 / 02/19/2006 - 02/26/2006 / 02/26/2006 - 03/05/2006 / 03/05/2006 - 03/12/2006 / 03/12/2006 - 03/19/2006 / 03/19/2006 - 03/26/2006 / 03/26/2006 - 04/02/2006 / 04/02/2006 - 04/09/2006 / 04/16/2006 - 04/23/2006 / 04/30/2006 - 05/07/2006 / 05/07/2006 - 05/14/2006 / 05/14/2006 - 05/21/2006 / 05/28/2006 - 06/04/2006 / 06/04/2006 - 06/11/2006 / 06/11/2006 - 06/18/2006 / 06/18/2006 - 06/25/2006 / 06/25/2006 - 07/02/2006 / 07/09/2006 - 07/16/2006 / 07/16/2006 - 07/23/2006 / 07/23/2006 - 07/30/2006 / 07/30/2006 - 08/06/2006 / 08/06/2006 - 08/13/2006 / 08/13/2006 - 08/20/2006 / 08/20/2006 - 08/27/2006 / 08/27/2006 - 09/03/2006 / 09/10/2006 - 09/17/2006 / 09/17/2006 - 09/24/2006 / 10/01/2006 - 10/08/2006 / 10/08/2006 - 10/15/2006 / 10/15/2006 - 10/22/2006 / 10/22/2006 - 10/29/2006 / 10/29/2006 - 11/05/2006 / 11/05/2006 - 11/12/2006 / 11/12/2006 - 11/19/2006 / 11/19/2006 - 11/26/2006 / 12/03/2006 - 12/10/2006 / 12/10/2006 - 12/17/2006 / 12/17/2006 - 12/24/2006 / 12/31/2006 - 01/07/2007 / 01/14/2007 - 01/21/2007 / 01/28/2007 - 02/04/2007 / 02/04/2007 - 02/11/2007 / 02/11/2007 - 02/18/2007 / 02/25/2007 - 03/04/2007 / 03/04/2007 - 03/11/2007 / 03/18/2007 - 03/25/2007 / 03/25/2007 - 04/01/2007 / 04/01/2007 - 04/08/2007 / 04/15/2007 - 04/22/2007 / 04/29/2007 - 05/06/2007 / 05/13/2007 - 05/20/2007 / 05/20/2007 - 05/27/2007 / 06/10/2007 - 06/17/2007 / 06/17/2007 - 06/24/2007 / 07/15/2007 - 07/22/2007 / 07/29/2007 - 08/05/2007 / 08/05/2007 - 08/12/2007 / 08/12/2007 - 08/19/2007 / 08/19/2007 - 08/26/2007 / 08/26/2007 - 09/02/2007 / 09/09/2007 - 09/16/2007 / 09/16/2007 - 09/23/2007 / 09/23/2007 - 09/30/2007 / 10/07/2007 - 10/14/2007 / 10/14/2007 - 10/21/2007 / 10/28/2007 - 11/04/2007 / 11/11/2007 - 11/18/2007 / 11/18/2007 - 11/25/2007 / 11/25/2007 - 12/02/2007 / 12/09/2007 - 12/16/2007 / 01/13/2008 - 01/20/2008 / 02/24/2008 - 03/02/2008 / 03/02/2008 - 03/09/2008 /
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
