To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives Luke 4:18-19, the Lord’s own “job description,” so to speak, says, For example, Mark’s Gospel, which makes no mention of the virgin birth or “atonement,” begins with Jesus preaching about the nearness of the Kingdom of God-that is the “Good News.” The Good News is manifested not only in the forgiveness of sins (Mark 2:1-5), but in physical healing (2:6-12 5:25-34) and also in liberation from demonic oppression (Mark 1:23-28 5:1-20). Much of that is on target, yet the “work” of Jesus Christ the statement has in mind consists of categories derived only from a particular understanding of Pauline theology and does not include the words and actions concerning Jesus as recorded in the Gospels. The gospel is the divinely-revealed message concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ-especially his virgin birth, righteous life, substitutionary sacrifice, atoning death, and bodily resurrection-revealing who he is and what he has done with the promise that he will save anyone and everyone who turns from sin by trusting him as Lord. When it comes to defining the gospel, the statement declares that: My good friend and colleague, Adam Gustine, will follow this piece with a response of his own. Suggest a blindness to the political, anti-imperial nature of faith in Jesus as shown throughout the New Testament.Seek to reestablish patriarchy and the cultural hegemony of white, Protestant American men while demeaning the voice of women and ethnic minorities who have historically been marginalized by the dominant culture.Reduce the gospel of Jesus Christ to certain theological categories and propositions by ignoring or minimizing the teachings and character of Jesus. ![]() In this piece, I’d like to address the sections of the Statement that: Much has already been said, but there’s more conversation to be had. Additionally, many others have already thoughtfully expressed their concerns, such as Pastor Rasool Berry, Grace Sangalang Ng, and Michael Gerson. We won’t take the time and space to try and refute the aforementioned Statement point-by-point not all of it is controversial. Does the Gospel consist of the right propositions? The right actions? The right confessions? Social action has been put in opposition to proclamation. ![]() Protestantism has long debated what constitutes the Gospel of Jesus. However, after thousands of faith leaders signed the statement, it seemed appropriate to offer another perspective. Our initial response was to ignore it because we already anticipated some of what would be in that statement. Recently Pastor John MacArthur and other men issued a Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel. ![]() Consequently, we receive from them edicts, often in the form of theological statements, designed to build a fence around their traditions, constructing walls of separation from others-even those who also take the Bible seriously. Some aging white men fear the loss of their power, prestige, and heretofore unquestioned authority to tell others what to believe. And as it dies, the empire has been striking back. We’re witnessing the death rattle of white Protestant fundamentalism in America. See part two here: Confessions of A White Guy by Adam Gustine
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