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Getting Started
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:10–18 NLT
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
Colossians 2:8 ESV
Resources
Bible
Website: Critical Theory
Article: The incompatibility of Christianity and Critical Theory, Neil Shenvi and Pat Sawyer
Course Resource: Comparison Chart of Social Justice Ideas and Terms
Optional video: Introduction to Fault Lines Vodie Baucham – on Social Justice
Background Information
By now, you have already learned about Critical Theory in this or your undergraduate social work program. (See Critical Theory) Critical theory has been a dominant theory in studies of social work, sociology, education, and other areas of the humanities for some time. Critical theory has been applied to race (critical race theory), sexuality (queer theory), gender (feminist theory), and other areas as a framework for responding to issues faced by minority populations. A major focus of critical theory is seeking to understand disparities and ways to address oppression and marginalization. The idea of social justice is a significant component of the theory. A Biblical view of Christianity affirms the importance of some of the issues identified by Critical Theory and as a result, many Christians find it attractive in its efforts to support marginalized people groups.
For example, Critical Theory tells us that there may be systemic problems affecting marginalized groups. The Bible also tells us in Ephesians 6 that, “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”. This passage acknowledges that there are forces at work influencing and seeking to perpetuate sin beyond individuals and their choices. Sin can manifest itself in the beliefs and laws of cultures. Jesus also confronts the Pharisees and religious elite in the Bible for creating rules and reinforcing a religion that makes heavy burdens for people and keeps them oppressed. Sin has indeed become embedded in the culture and organizational rules and structures Jesus is confronting. However, the Bible is also clear that the primary source and starting point of sin is the human heart and that salvation and transformation require each individual to repent, be born again, and turn to live a new life. A balanced Biblical worldview seeks to understand these truths in the context of God’s plan for salvation.
Overall, though the intentions for many are good in supporting Critical theory and the movements it increasingly inspires, there are significant aspects of the theory that are at odds with historic orthodox Biblical Christianity that Christians must understand and guard against.
For this devotional, you will read about the differences between Critical Theory and secular beliefs about social justice and Biblical views and a Christian response.
Pray
Father, you know all the ways that sin has impacted the world and our human hearts. You know how we hurt ourselves and others and that our hearts are prone to deception, pride, and partiality. Help me to better understand your plan of redemption so I can join you more fully in bringing good news, freedom, and true justice to the world. In Jesus name, I ask. Amen
Instructions
Review the information about Critical Theory and its history.
Read the article, The incompatibility of Christianity and Critical Theory.
Read through the Comparison Chart of Social Justice Ideas and Terms in the course tools folder.
Watch the video: Introduction to Fault Lines Vodie Baucham – on Social Justice. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m8E_9Q5WGI)
In your discussion post respond to the following questions:
Based on the reading material and your review of the ideas connected to modern social justice ideas rooted in critical and conflict theories in the comparison grid, provide a brief description of critical/social theories and their worldview (of origins/creation, fall/core problem, solution/redemption).
Identify and explain two aspects of critical/social theories that are at odds with the Christian worldview as explained in the reading material and comparison grid. Why are they at odds?
Describe one key insight you gained from reading the material and reviewing the comparison grid regarding critical/social theories and what you learned about important differences in thinking about issues of injustice or oppression from this comparison.
**Use in text references from resources provided**