Confronting Injustice Without Compromising Truth: 12 Questions Christians Should Ask About Social Justice by Thaddeus J. Williams

Level of difficulty: Highly accessible but includes an in-depth analysis of key issues.

There is much confusion today about social justice and what it means for Christians, but Thaddeus Williams clearly and systematically compares biblical justice with contemporary views of social justice, seeking to ensure that our view of justice is informed by Scripture. He discusses topics such as race relations, abortion, sexuality, capitalism, critical theory, and culture wars, just to name a few. The book is structured according to 12 probing questions, which invite the reader into the discussion as a dialogue partner, making it ideal for a book club (I’ve done this with my local church). If you’re interested in grappling with difficult social issues and learning to think about them from a biblical perspective, you’ll find this book informative and challenging.   

Publisher Description:

Social justice is not optional for the Christian. All injustice affects others, so talking about justice that isn't social is like talking about water that isn't wet or a square with no right angles. But the Bible's call to seek justice is not a call to superficial, kneejerk activism. We are not merely commanded to execute justice, but to "truly execute justice." The God who commands us to seek justice is the same God who commands us to "test everything" and "hold fast to what is good."

Drawing from a diverse range of theologians, sociologists, artists, and activists, Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth, by Thaddeus Williams, makes the case that we must be discerning if we are to "truly execute justice" as Scripture commands. Not everything called "social justice" today is compatible with a biblical vision of a better world. The Bible offers hopeful and distinctive answers to deep questions of worship, community, salvation, and knowledge that ought to mark a uniquely Christian pursuit of justice. Topics addressed include:

·       Racism

·       Sexuality

·       Socialism

·       Culture War

·       Abortion

·       Tribalism

·       Critical Theory

·       Identity Politics

In Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth, Thaddeus Williams transcends our religious and political tribalism and challenges readers to discover what the Bible and the example of Jesus have to teach us about justice. He presents a compelling vision of justice for all God's image-bearers that offers hopeful answers to life's biggest questions.

From the author: “Why write about social justice, especially given all the personal and political landmines buried in that word combination? It was not to win the approval of online inquisitors (because I won’t) or because I have it all figured out (because I don’t) or because it was fun (because it wasn’t). Rather, I care about God, I care about his church, I care about the gospel, and I care about true justice. Not all, but much of what is branded “social justice” these days is a threat to all four. As we explore important questions about social justice together, my co-authors and I have zero interest in the kind of individualistic, head-in-the-clouds Christianity that plugs its ears to the oppressed. If you also care about advancing the kind of social justice that glorifies God first, draws people into Christ-centered community, and champions the good news of saving grace while working against real oppression, then this book is for you.”

—Thaddeus J. Williams (author)