Via Politics Daily
On his daily radio and television shows last week, Fox News personality Glenn Beck set out to convince his audience that "social justice," the term many Christian churches use to describe their efforts to address poverty and human rights, is a "code word" for communism and Nazism.
"I'm begging you, your right to religion and freedom to exercise religion and read all of the passages of the Bible as you want to read them and as your church wants to preach them . . . are going to come under the ropes in the next year. If it lasts that long it will be the next year. I beg you, look for the words 'social justice' or 'economic justice' on your church Web site. If you find it, run as fast as you can. Social justice and economic justice, they are code words. Now, am I advising people to leave their church? Yes!"
So I decided to take his challenge. I took a look on lds.org to see if I could find any references to "social justice" or "economic justice". I found 4 articles that used the specific phrasing and countless others that talked about it general. Now for those four...
In November 2006, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir was presented with an award named in her honor, recognizing “the achievements of those who beautify the world, especially in the fields of religion,social justice, and the arts.”
News of the Church
It is unfortunate that it is taking so long to bring full economic justice to women. The feminization of poverty is both real and tragic. That is why you should work very hard to prepare for your future by gaining some marketable skills.
A Message to My Granddaughters:
Becoming Great Women
Some persons have a finely developed social conscience. They respond to social injustice and suffering with great concern, commitment, and generosity. This is surely a spiritual strength, something many of us need in greater measure.
Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall
He goes on to explain in this article that we should not use our commitment to social justice to exploit others.
The Old Testament inspired great changes in human history. Whereas other religions of the period never “produced a major social revolution fired by a high concept of social justice, … ‘the prophets of Judah were a reforming political force which has never been surpassed' ”.This progressive worldview gave impetus to a study of the surrounding world and its phenomena, affirming that these things were the creations of a rational, omniscient, divine being...From this perspective, the Old Testament is indeed a glorious document to admire, study and ponder, and be eternally grateful for.
The Book That Built a Better World
This article is all about not discriminating based on economic inequality. I think it applies. And if you don't think it does it is still a good read. :)
Heirs to the Kingdom of God
In addition, according to the scriptures we are supposed to be huge advocates of social justice. At least in theory...
2 Nephi 9:30
But wo unto the rich, who are rich as to the things of the world. For because they are rich they despise the poor, and they persecute the meek, and their hearts are upon their treasures; wherefore, their treasure is their god. And behold, their treasure shall perish with them also.
Proverbs 22:16
He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
Matt. 19: 21
If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor . . . and come and follow me.'
Thank you for bad mouthing your own religion Mr. Beck. I really appreciate it and your apparent disregard for facts...
