WOKE JUSTICE BY: TIM KELLER

I have finished reading Tim Keller’s book on social justice. Here are some of my initial reactions to the book. To begin with you should know that Keller says “the primary purpose of salvation is – cultural renewal – to make this world a better place.” Whether you agree or disagree with that statement – it’s certainly not a doctrine found in scripture. On page 127, Generous Justice, Keller states that, “Many Christians resist the idea that social systems need to be dealt with directly, they prefer the idea that ‘society is changed one heart at a time.’ and so they concentrate on evangelism and individual social work. This is naive.” Really, what did Jesus say about this? Jesus gave us our Mission Statement: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28 19-20 Something else I found especially disturbing about Keller’s book, “Generous Justice” is that in footnote #15 in Chapter 1, he says that while he normally uses the NIV (New International Version) translation of the Bible that, “Sometimes I provide my own translations.” This was stunning to me when I read it. I’ve never seen a Christian writer provide “their own” translation of the Bible! Normally a writer will use whatever translation he uses and then expound upon it if he has some broader insight that he has gained from reading it in the original languages. But Keller in the instances where he quotes Scripture, simply provides his own translation at various points. When a single author decides to provide his own translation, what checks and balances keep his biases out of the process? Who is he accountable to? And how can we the readers ever challenge the author when his personal translations make it seem as if the Bible is in complete agreement with his views? Keller provides us a couple examples of his personal translations. One is taken from Psalms 33:5 which in the NIV says: “The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.” And Keller retranslates it to say this: “The Lord loves SOCIAL JUSTICE; the earth is full of his unfailing love.” A Marxist reading this would think the Bible was in perfect alignment with socialist thought. Keller did two disturbing things here. First he took out the word “righteousness” altogether (which conveniently removes the idea of sin, something Keller tends to avoid) and he replaces the word “justice” with the term “social justice” which when looked at from its historical usage is most definitely NOT what the Lord loves! There’s a reason the Bible translators have not used the phrase “social justice” there! Because they are presumably aware of its socialist connotations derived from the historical context and usage of the phrase. However, by providing his own personal translation, Keller makes it appear as if the Lord is in complete agreement with a socialist view of justice. There are some things in this book that all Christians would agree on – including the importance of mercy in the Christian’s life. However there is a very big difference between individual mercy and church mercy. The latter has very strict guidelines. For example, on financial support for widows, the church is only to support widows who: 1. Do not have any relatives, children or grandchildren that are able to support them; 2. Are not be less than sixty years old; 3. If she was the wife of one husband; 4. If she sets her hopes on God (i.e. a faithful believer) who devotes her time and energy in much prayers and supplications day and night; 5. Not be self indulgent; 6. Have a good reputation for good works 7. If she has brought up her children well in the Lord 8. Shown hospitality to strangers 9. Washed the feet of the saints. (i.e. served believers in humility and service) 10. Not be a gossiper and busybody Only when these criteria are met, is the church allowed to provide financial support for her. 1 Tim 5:16b for example, clearly writes that “Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.” This is very different from the social gospel or social activism that is advocated in his book, where the church’s money is used to give to the needy in the community– whether they serve the Lord, or in some cases, even if they are unbelievers who need financial support. Can individual believers support those in need? Yes! Should the church use its money to support these? No; unless these biblical criteria are met. This distinction is very important if we want our giving to be pleasing to God!