social redemption

Evangelical churches have always had their buzzwords, a unique insider's language that lets everyone know where you stand in theology and in relationship to God.

But mainline and liberal churches have their own discourse and keywords, and chief among the words we like to throw around is "social justice." The word has been used so frequently that I'm frankly tired of it. Whatever inspiration it once had, has now drained from it. Not only that, but I don't think it conveys what we want it to, which certainly complicates the ability of progressives to get across their point. To some, it is unjust to take from the rich and give to the poor. To some, it is unjust to work for equality and fairness. To some, the word "justice" implies a negative, as in getting what one deserves.

But Jesus isn't about giving us what we deserve, but about opening us up to each other in radical ways.

I would much rather hear us talking about "social redemption" instead of "social justice." We as Christians should be working to redeem society, offering a path toward transformation and the ability to realize that the redemption we seek will redeem us as much as the thing we seek to redeem. What do others think? Has the buzzword been played-out? Does it convey what we want it to convey? Does social justice really capture the message and ministry of Jesus?

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