Virtue signaling in solidarity with “social justice warriors” is becoming popular among Christian social activists. “Wokeness” is sweeping across mainline denominations and some conservative seminaries. Even the Southern Baptist Convention (historically the bulwark of theological conservatism) is experiencing division as some of its influential leaders eagerly join the bandwagon.
We are puzzled when highly intelligent and idealistic people are caught up in the ideological madness of crowds currently sweeping across the USA. We are troubled by incidents when some social activists who started their mission with righteous ideals end up becoming self-righteous and judgmental towards people who don’t share their avant-garde views.
I am more interested in the sociological and psychological dynamics of belief than in the current social justice movement. The attached video interview “How I Left the Social Justice Cult – Kerie Smith” provides fascinating insights into how our noblest intentions can become twisted by an ideology based on envy and resentment. More importantly, it shows how gratitude opens the path to deliverance and blessedness.
May this Christmas find our hearts filled with gratitude towards God. Salvation and blessings we have freely received; freely we shall also share with our neighbors. May the simple joy and gratitude of Christmas renew hope some friends among us who live lives of desperate silence. “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Rom. 8:32)