Upcoming blog series: ‘Seek Social Justice’ review

When I lived in DC last fall and winter one of my housemates worked for the Heritage Foundation, and he told me about a small-group study resource the foundation produced in conjunction with WORLD Magazine called Seek Social Justice. This struck me as particularly interesting, since (1) both sponsoring organizations are quite conservative and (2) social justice is often equated (wrongly, I’d say) with liberalism. It’s an exciting time to be alive, I thought, when conservative think tanks and magazines are promoting social justice within their spheres of influence.

Unfortunately, this study has received a lot less attention than the recent inflammatory (and honestly, quite puzzling) tirades from America’s most prominent ultra-conservative talk show host. Though I would venture to guess that there is a lot of overlap between the pundit’s fan base and the constituencies of the Heritage Foundation and WORLD Magazine, the latter took the high road of intellectual and civil engagement, while the former resorted to cheap shots in a very divisive, destructive, fear-mongering way. I commend the makers of this study for choosing the better way, and I’m encouraged that because of it more and more of us from increasingly varied ideological perspectives will be taking social justice seriously.

Over the next few weeks, once or twice a week, I’ll be posting a series of six reflections on the Seek Social Justice study, as an extended review of sorts. Already I’ve found quite a bit in the study to commend, and though I think it has some weak spots - which I’ll be pointing out - I’ll aim to keep my reflections constructive, in the spirit of justice, mercy and humility, which is what God requires of us and what such a thoughtful and positive study deserves.

You can order the study guide workbook and DVD for FREE (just pay shipping), apparently made possible by a private grant. However, if you'd prefer to save a tree, the materials are also all available on the website. One way or another, rather than just taking my word for it, I hope you'll work through the study for yourself (or even better, with a small group).

Watch for part one on Monday.