Confronting Justice Without Compromise — “Truth Not Fiction”
Crossroads: The Christian Response to Social Justice
Final Episode (VI) of this Program Series
Host Rita Peters with Guest Mark Meckler
Share Answers to More Questions
This Weekend, Feb. 17-18, or Online HERE Anytime
_____________________________________________________
Words of Wisdom on Justice
What does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:9)
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. (Proverbs 14:34)
By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown. (Proverbs 11:11)
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12)
* * * *
Introduction: Welcome back to this wonderful series on how Christians can best respond to Social Justice activists by drawing on truth rather than on the fiction that often colors the Social Justice arguments.
In this week’s concluding program, Host Rita Peters and her cohost guest, Mark Meckler, will examine the dangers of tribalism, the importance of looking at the evidence and discerning truth instead of jumping to conclusions, and the shifts of racism over time.
To that end, and as we saw in some of the earlier programs, they will again draw on a book by Thaddeus J. Williams entitled Confronting Justice without Compromising Truth to help us deal with these arguments and how to respond to many other questions that they have addressed before.
For example, the book includes 12 questions that Christians should be raising about social justice. Among those questions, Rita and Mark will again be addressing the dangers of “tribalism” in our culture, the shifts of racism over time, and the importance of discerning the truth rather than jumping to hasty conclusions. So be prepared. If you haven’t already gotten your own copy, the book is still available at Amazon.com for your continued reference in dealing with these important issues.
Finally, please also keep in mind that this is only a brief written summary of this weekend’s program. Therefore, I strongly encourage you to tune in to the more detailed radio presentation of this in-person conversation between Rita and her co-host, Mark Meckler, with all of their clarity, sparkling humor, and compelling information and challenges. As you know, it will air on one of the valley stations listed at the bottom of this summary.
Now for the highlights of this sixth and final episode of these Social Justice Programs.
— They note that the Appendix of the Williams book includes comments on Socialism vs. Capitalism. It addresses a longstanding debate between the younger left leaning Socialist supporters and the older and more conservative leaning Capitalists regarding which system is best for America. That includes the question of who really cares for the poorer and more vulnerable people among us.
— For help in responding to that question, Rita refers to an excellent book by Arthur Brooks entitled Who Really Cares? His study revealed the surprising truth about compassionate conservatism, in which Christians, their churches, and the political and social right are more generous than self-identified political and social liberals. In general, Brooks discovered that conservatives care more and do more by every measure, including promoting a strong work ethic in which individuals are encouraged to provide for themselves rather than depend on government handouts.
— In contrast, the political and socialist-leaning left take more public credit for their giving but actually look to the government to provide the actual support through taxes and other public relief programs. In essence, as noted here, they do take a step closer toward socialism, looking to government to provide for those who cannot or will not work to provide for themselves.
— The Appendix of the Williams book also warns against falling into easy moral relativism, generalizations, and hasty conclusions without looking for the hard facts and truth. For example: we hear the common trope that “the police kill black people”.
— To avoid falling into that trap, co-host Meckler suggests that we shouldn’t feel that we have to have an opinion on everything just to gain public notice, especially when we don’t have the facts. He also suggests, on the issue of racism, that we return to the advice from Martin Luther King, that we should judge people by the content of their character rather than by the color of their skin. He adds that he sees racism as a real and growing evil on both sides of the color divide, and to be avoided at every turn.
— To conclude, and with reference back to the Williams book, Rita and Mark summarize it and this entire series of programs on social justice to conclude that “God defines justice.” for us in His Word. If we can’t agree on that, we are unlikely to agree on anything regarding how we should live, or what is really true justice.
— Although it wasn’t our aim, that brings us to how we define the entire mission of the Valley Family Forum, which is the sponsor of these Crossroads programs. It is for all of us to come together as one body, working to make our corner of the world a little bit better, to restore virtue and justice in America, and to advance His kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven, amen and amen.
— Please note that, as always, these are just written summaries of the weekends’ radio programs, so I strongly encourage you to tune in to the more detailed radio presentation of these in-person conversations between Rita and her guests, either Michael Farris or Mark Meckler, with all of their clarity, humor, and compelling information and challenges.
Crossroads Radio, Where Faith and Culture Meet
Also, remember that this and each of our other weekend programs are and have been broadcast on the following valley stations: WBTX (1470 AM and 102.1 FM) Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and again on Sunday at 7:30 a.m., followed by WSVA (550 AM and 92.1 FM) at 8:30, on ESPN (1360 AM and 106.9 FM) at 9:00, and on WNLR (1150 AM) at 11:30. You can also listen online and at any time by clicking on the Crossroad’s menu shown on our home page at www.valleyfamilyforum.org.
Please also note that Crossroads is almost entirely listener supported, and we deeply appreciate your prayers, your encouragement, and your financial support of these programs. If you would like to help, please send your check to Crossroads at PO Box 881, Harrisonburg, 22803. All donations are tax-deductible.
In addition, we enjoy hearing from you and especially welcome your notes of appreciation for our Crossroads programs. If you would like to share your thoughts with us, you can do so by email to family@valleyfamilyforum.org, or by writing to us at Crossroads, PO Box 881, Harrisonburg, VA 22803.
We also want to recognize the sponsors for our radio programs, which include Blue Ridge Chimney Services, Blessings Christian Book Store, Sonshine Ministries for Christian Radio, New Beginnings Church and Church of the Brethren in Harrisonburg, and Wishing Well Florist and Travel Services.
In closing, we continue to extend our very best wishes to you for happy, Christ-Centered homes throughout this year and beyond.
With appreciation from Dean on behalf of the entire Crossroads Radio Team
Working and Walking Together, we can make a difference, for God and Country