Ronald Nash. Social Justice and the Christian Church. Lima, OH: Academic Renewal Press, January 10th 2002. 180 pp.
5 out of 5
Purchase: Amazon
Want to read a book to understand a biblical worldview concerning the issues and topics brought up in the name of social justice? This book looks at contemporary beliefs under the web of “social justice” and explains to readers why some the agendas are problematic logically in terms of internally within the advocates’ own beliefs, factually with economics and historical considerations and also biblically. The work is academic without being dry and I appreciate that the author was nuanced in his writing such as pointing out one as a Christian should have concern for the poor but we must also equally as well be concern about the means to help the poor. I appreciated that the content in this book did not have a single attack on a person’s character which is so different than today’s politics; instead the content but focused on the issues. The book was written by the late Ronald Nash which sadly I wished more Christians today would know more about. Nash is a capable Christian theologian, philosopher, apologist and political and economic thinker who was a two term advisor to the United States’ Civil Rights Commission. This book certainly didn’t disappoint and was very helpful.
The book consists of twelve chapters. Chapter one talks about how Christians when it comes to social matters have two concern: Those who are disadvantaged but also the means of how to help we should ask if it works or worst if the means and plan are counter-productive. Chapter two looks at what is Liberalism and Conservatism in relations to a philosophy of the state. Chapter three through six explore the topic of justice with chapter three examining justice and equality, chapter four looks at two theories of justice while chapter five is on justice and the welfare state and finally chapter six is on Justice and the Bible. Chapter seven through nine is devoted to three different kinds of economy respectively: Capitalism, socialism and the mixed economy. Biblical and economic considerations are pointed out for each of these systems. Then in chapter ten through eleven the author responds to common objections to capitalism with chapter ten gathering the objections that are about the immorality of capitalism while chapter eleven is on the irrationality of capitalism. Chapter twelve is a short look at the phenomenon of liberation theology.
My favorite chapters in the book was the chapter on contemporary theories of justice, the chapter on what is capitalism, and also the two chapters answering objections to capitalism. I think these chapters are very relevant to today’s political discussions and Christians should really think about reading them to be equipped to think biblically and logically and be able to respond to critics in a way that is economically sound and historically factual.
Reading this book brought back memories of how before I went to seminary my undergraduate studies was in political science and political theory in a progressive university. In fact I first read Nash nearly twenty years ago since I was interested in economics, politics and philosophy. I found this book refreshing for its rigor, and appreciated how the author explained things in a way that is understandable for the general readers. I also learned quite a bit from reading this. Althought this book was under two hundred pages it took me a lot longer than I expected since I was taking so much notes and my pace for reading most work on economics is quite slow since I’m going through the logical reasoning and also trying to remember the facts of what I learned. Truly it was a mind stimulating pleasure to read this. But the benefit of reading this wasn’t merely intellectual; in a time where our country is so split politically I think being equipped to know what one believes is important than ever. I recommend this book, giving this a five star out of five star!
Hello
Hello! Hope you and your husband are doing well in Fresno area! Hope there’s no wild fires near you too (I don’t know, just in case)
It was close in clovis area but haven’t made it’s way where I stay. I’m just praying that God protect us. How’s is everything where you are
Thanks! Very timely resource. Much appreciated.
Thank you, Jim for the review. There are many interesting points you that you mentioned and to react but I’m more interested on the notes. Seriously, I’m curious with this book especially it sees these subjects we encountered in pol sci in the Biblical perspective. I’ll take note on this for future references.
I think this was actually well done and probably one of the better books on government and economics I read as a Christian. But it doesn’t cover as much international relations which I believe is your area of expertise for both undergraduate and graduate studies?
Just a degree and interest, Jim, not an expertise. There are many out there who are more expert on the field.😉 My undergrad is public admin.
Hey, Jimmy! That is fascinating that your undergrad is poli sci, maybe the Lord will yet lead you to be a Pastoring attorney!! Anyway, I would be interested in hearing his thoughts on liberation theology. Thanks for sharing this!
There is actually one of the blog reader who is a pastor and attorney who is going to publish a book on biblical counseling and the law! All my knowledge of liberation largely comes from my MDiv and ThM surveying or seminars in contemporary/modern theology and it seems there’s a spectrum within the movement of how much they fawn over Marxism or “Christianize” it. The author Nash here is rather brief and very charitable in this book though he’s written in other books more in-depth about Liberation theology but as background to enter his focus on the Evangelical Left (the older guys like Jim Wallis, etc since Nash is an older guy, or was). It seems to me most who try to benefit from it has identified some legitimate social ills in the context of third world countries but I agree with the author that we must not take versus of caring for the poor as supporting some kind of political and economic agenda that is not only not found in Scripture but even counterproductive as a means of helping people. This is going tangent here but I think of the example of revolution where a few months ago I saw some of my more progressive friends on social media think positively of revolution. History though in my opinion tells us that means a lot of bloodshed of innocent people and not to mention is contrary to the sermon of the Mount. I plan that late this year and into next to read and offer on the blog analysis of some works that social justice warriors recommend both in terms of logical analysis within their own worldview and also biblically. But I want to do it accurately and graciously and also as powerful of a refutation as much as possible. We will see…life gets busy lol. Let me know if you have any thoughts on Liberation Theology…or “libs theology” too 👀
In my initial response I wrote, “liberation theology offers no one liberation” then I deleted that since I didn’t know Nash’s stance. It is most certainly entrenched in Marxism. It is a political and religious system that keeps people in chains, even though it claims the opposite. Liberation theology can still be found in Latin America and has had a profound affect/effect on Pope Francis. I absolutely agree with you and Nash, “we must not take versus of caring for the poor as supporting some kind of political and economic agenda that is not only not found in Scripture but even counterproductive as a means of helping people.” If there is anything I can do to help you with your blogs on social justice, I am willing to help! I am looking forward to your leadership teaching tonight!
Thanks for the review! Sounds interesting. Martyn Lloyd-Jones pointed out in his sermons on the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus was speaking primarily to the spiritual aspect but many/most interpret it from a temporal perspective.
The sermon on the mount is so relevant here to this topic. I think why Jesus taught it early on with His ministry the contents of Matthew 5-7 is to make people realize the nature of the Kingdom of God manifesting in our age before the coming Millennial Kingdom is contrary to the expectation of the Jews of the time of thinking of revolution and political use of force with interventionist policies and military overthrow. I think the sermon of the mount is relevant for our time and probably would make a greater impact not only in terms of salvation but also positive side effect socially (though the focus should be salvation, then discipleship, etc). How is your day going thus far going to watch the game tonight?
Thanks for the comments!
RE: game
I’m going to try to stay up as long as I can, but the game will last until 1:30 and that’s a totally different planet in my universe. The Padres activated one of their injured starting pitchers so that’s a positive.
[…] Review: Social Justice and the Christian Church — The Domain for Truth […]
I’ve never heard of this author but I’m looking forward to reading it!
I wish he was alive for you to interview him! Though this book is older he critiques a lot of the proposed solutions and definition of justice is very relevant for today. How are things with homeschooling with your daughter these days?
I was surprised by how old it was, but the title is so relevant for today! I had no idea the terminology was older than the last few years.
Homeschooling has been difficult, brother. The fatigue and other random COVID symptoms come back, mostly the fatigue and the weird sinus thing where we all lose our sense of smell and taste. When she gets so tired all of the sudden it makes it hard for her to focus, which makes her a little grumpy. She loves to learn and do fun projects, but she’s been having to take naps a lot in the middle of the day. She was never good at napping when she was little, she hates it even more now but the fatigue is just overwhelming.
We purchased the Apologia anatomy book and journal, I’ve been hoping to review it but we haven’t gotten far enough yet. It’s fantastic, what we’ve done so far and what I’ve read ahead is so Biblically focused! I’m trying to keep the book in good condition, I could mail it to y’all when we’re done. It’s a bit advanced, but they do have a journal option for big kids and little kids so it can be adjusted to both groups. Isn’t that fun? It’s a full year of science lessons, all done from a Biblical creationists worldview. How is homeschooling going for y’all? 😃
I’m amazed this was written in 2002 though I never heard of social justice until 2019
[…] Review: Social Justice and the Christian Church — The Domain for Truth […]
Thank you for your review, Pastor Jim. Because this is such a major topic in our world today, Christians need to be aware of all sides of the issue. Like Shooting Star Designs, I’m surprised this was written in 2002. “Social Justice” issues as they are being defined today have only been on my radar for the past few years. Mr. Nash was way ahead of many of his peers.
Chris thanks for reading this review. Wow I guess that makes three of us who is surprised this is written in 2002. I have found in the three books by Nash to be insightful and fair to those he critique and he’s always driven to be biblical. I imagine you have heard, seen or know Christians that have got caught up with worldly ideologies that is divisive or factually not the complete truth along with bad Political policies recommendations during this past year which is discouraging so I think this book and the testimony of this author is so important for us today. How are you Chris??
Hi Pastor Jim. I am blessed and thank you for asking!
I am aware of the worldly ideologies (including Marxism and socialism) that are sneaking their way into Christian seminaries and churches. On top of that I can’t even keep up with the many false prophets that are spreading (selling) things they say that God has spoken to them. Several of them declared that Covid had been “defeated” several months ago. How people can continue to believe guys like this is beyond me.
I hope all is well with you and your family.
God’s blessings…
This sounds very much like an essential book for Christians to read. We need to know about world issues – how we can help and even if it is right to step in and help. Thank you for the review, Jim. I had a look at it on Amazon and it’s very much a book that I am looking forward to reading. My past academic pursuits were in Literature, but I’m heartened to hear you say that this book is ‘academic without being dry’. Often, politics/sociology goes way over my head, but I should be okay with this one. 😀
Aww thanks for reading this review and commenting and considering the book! I want to actually get more into literature now that I’m homeschooling my kids; what area of literature did you study or teach on?
Hi Jim, Sorry for the delay in replying. I had an early night last night.
I studied Literature at Graduate Level – the units I did were The 19th Century Novel, The War Poets, The Craft of Poetry and Children’s Literature. I enjoyed the section on Children’s Literature the most. We studied books from the age of toddlers up to young adults. I was fascinated by the technical expertise that goes into how illustration works alongside text in young children’s picture books.
How many children do you have? What kinds of books do they like?
Thank you.
You’re welcome Bonnie! There’s a lot of things people are saying but we must be biblical and factual amen?
For certain. The watered down Word is No Word of God at all.
[…] 7.) Review: Social Justice and the Christian Church by Ronald Nash, an apologist influenced by Gordon Clark […]
Thank you for the good review. Looking forward to reading this book.
Awesome! These days what is advocated as solutions for “social justice” doesn’t work if we examine it more closely. I don’t know if Australia if the term “woke” or “social justice warrior” exists that is used to self-describe those with some really wild ways of looking at the world and proposed solutions…
Yes, here as well. We haven’t been spared.
We amazing day today with our street evangelism. Glory to God.
[…] 7.) Review: Social Justice and the Christian Church by Ronald Nash, an apologist influenced by Gordon Clark […]
I read your whole review. Sound vey relevant with Social Justice being a ploy to confuse and divide the church at this moment about a topic that is complex but the left is wanting just slogans to push an agenda
Thanks for the review! Kindle keeps suggesting this book to me, and I was wondering if it was worth a read. I’m so seldom online, but it sounds relevant even to those of us who don’t do social media. Thanks again 🙂
Very relevant for today