Thaddeus Williams has written the best critique of the social justice movement I have read so far. It is an easy read and could be used with a small gThaddeus Williams has written the best critique of the social justice movement I have read so far. It is an easy read and could be used with a small group (it has discussion questions at the end of each of the twelve chapters). It isn't a sophisticated or technical work, but an honest, penetrating, and critical look at the version of social justice being peddled by many today.
Williams demonstrates how changing definitions have made conversations difficult and tense. Helpfully, he differentiates between Social Justice A, a version compatible with and grounded in biblical truth, and Social Justice B, a newer version that is antithetical and hostile to the faith. He is very fair and very balanced - i.e. he acknowledges systemic racism still exists, but contends that assuming all institutions, all discourse, all power structures are racist is not helpful. He asks very good questions of those on the left, but doesn't let the right skate by either. His tone is generous - finding good even in ideas he disagrees with, and loving - he strongly advocates for doing justice, loving the poor, helping the downtrodden in ways that will have a good and lasting impact.
I can give this book a full-throated endorsement and would highly recommend it to everyone. ...more
While this is one of the more challenging reads of the year, it is highly profitable. Trueman does an excellent job of tracing the historical/philosopWhile this is one of the more challenging reads of the year, it is highly profitable. Trueman does an excellent job of tracing the historical/philosophical developments over the past two and half centuries that bring us to the cultural moment. The sexual revolution, often pointed to by conservative evangelicals as a watershed moment in culture, is more symptom than cause. The philosophical underpinnings of our current understanding of self go much further back. Hence, the path forward isn't as simple as restoring sexual ethics, it means restoring a proper understanding of selfhood. Again, it is a difficult read, but worth the investment (I believe there is a shorter, more popular version of this same work slated for release late 2021)....more
The book is a very helpful dive into critical theories with chapters on postcolonnial theory, queer theory, critical race theory, feminism and gender The book is a very helpful dive into critical theories with chapters on postcolonnial theory, queer theory, critical race theory, feminism and gender studies, and disability and fat studies. The authors tie all these theories to the broader postmodern theory and its "applied turn" which is helpful. One of the most problematic aspects all these theories share is that they are un-criticisable (I made that word up). Critique is simply oppression by another name.
I believe that, at points, the authors were picking the most extreme papers and case studies to make their point, which made the alarmist a bit less credible. In addition, I'm probably more open to accepting some aspects of postmodern philosophy than the authors are, which leads me to be more open to some of the insights from these critical theories. I'm glad I read a bit of Richard Delgado (critical race theorist) before reading this - it helped me understand that particular movement and then the critique a bit better.
The book helped me understand that words/phrases I use may not mean the same thing to everyone, especially those steeped in the academic world (i.e. systemic racism, social justice, etc)
In the end, I do believe these critical theories are counterproductive and will only serve to exacerbate problems related to racism, sexism, bigotry towards LGBTQ persons, etc....more
If you are looking for a primer on the evangelical movement, this is only mediocre (Sweeney's The American Evangelical Story is far better). If you arIf you are looking for a primer on the evangelical movement, this is only mediocre (Sweeney's The American Evangelical Story is far better). If you are an evangelical, like I am, and want to understand why evangelicals are perceived as racist bigots who've sold their souls to the GOP, this is helpful....more
This is my third reading of Postman's book (first: 2000, second: 2010ish). His work feels more dated and yet more important today.This is my third reading of Postman's book (first: 2000, second: 2010ish). His work feels more dated and yet more important today....more
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