Self-Indulgent Emotionalism

2009 March 19

by Tyler

Over Christmas break I read a book titled On the Side of the Angels. It is a book about justice, human rights, and kingdom mission. One of the authors works with dalits in India. One part really stung:

“If we claim to be Spirit-filled but lack a burning desire for justice, all we really have is an experiential merry-go-round, a self-indulgent emotionalism. And if our Christian journey involves no more than bouncing from one charismatic conference to the next, engaging in prayer and requesting healing week after week with little transformation, we are abusing the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. God gives us his Spirit for a purpose – so that we will bear fruit, because we are equipped to do his work.”

I would say that this kind of statement is true, but is a somewhat slanted theology. It says that justice is the only way to bear fruit. Seems a little narrow to me. With all that said, I think that few Christians (including me) are taking the reality of this statement to heart.

Thoughts?

Filed under: the rest...

http://ash-nits.blogspot.com ash

i can simplify that entire paragraph to one statement: “faith w/o works is dead.” the holy spirit and healing and what ever we’re seeking isn’t going to fall into our lap and life is dandy…we have to go out and take responsibility to do something- it’s not about “justice” literally, it’s about the action produced as a result of blessing, the gifts/talents, abilities and choices we’re given in this life.

to me, this it’s the non bolded statement that drives it home: “And if our Christian journey involves no more than bouncing from one charismatic conference to the next, engaging in prayer and requesting healing week after week with little transformation, we are abusing the outpouring of the Holy Spirit”
http://www.richkirkpatrick.com Rich Kirkpatrick

“Contemplation without social justice is disastrous, and social justice without contemplation is disastrous.” Ian Cron

I think that social justice can be an excuse to not worship or devote just as being too inward makes no sense either.

A side note, social justice is a problematic term. God is the dispenser of Justice, we are to dispense mercy. I prefer mercy ministry or compassion for my theology.
http://manofdepravity.com Tyler

Really good point Rich.
kirk

He makes a strong case. I curious how (or if) he defines justice though. I hope it’s broad and not agenda driven. His quotes makes a lot of sense.