Unpacking the Casey Anthony Case

(by Chris Brauns)

I didn’t follow the Casey Anthony case closely enough to offer any meaningful opinions about guilt or innocence.

But one of my goals with Unpacking Forgiveness was to consider situations when the wounds are deep and justice seems far away. When a case such as this is so much in the center of public awareness, it is critical that Christians interact responsibly with it and take the opportunity to point people to the Cross. To that end, I offer some basic principles regarding how we ought to respond. MORE

Comfort for Good People, Fright for Sinners

Comfort for Good People. by RW Glenn.
"On Sunday I finished up my sermon series on the book of Ecclesiastes. The text was Eccl 12:8-14, and I found one commentator's remarks about v 14 especially interesting. First I'll give you the verse, then I'll give you his comment.
Verse: For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
Comment: This is a "comforting word for good people and [a] frightening word for sinners."
Now even though it might at first seem to make sense, this comment is rooted in a fundamental misunderstanding of the faith, a mistake in our way of thinking about Christianity that we can easily make..."

Seek Social Justice: Foretastes of Heaven (Breakpoint)

"When you hear the term “social justice,” what comes to mind? Perhaps for you these words are intertwined with the social gospel movement that emphasized good deeds without the power of the Gospel. Well, if that’s the case, it’s time to revisit social justice, and I’m thrilled to tell you about a new resource, which is going to be a tremendous help for you and your church...."

In His Image: The Roots of Social Justice (Colson)
"The Roots of Social Justice.
We’re hearing a lot these days about human rights and social justice—particularly among younger evangelicals, but also among secularists. It’s a good thing that there is a growing concern for the poor and the oppressed around the world..."

A Biblical View of Social Justice (John Wheaton)
"Life is just not fair.
Is it fair that Tiger Woods makes millions for playing a game of leisure while the average person struggles to pay the bills working 50-60 hours a week? Even worse, is it fair that some people are born into extreme wealth and freedom while others must live and often die in dire poverty or under severe oppression? No, life is not fair; unfairness is inherent in the human condition. But life can and should be just. When human acts or omissions are at the heart of these inequities and suffering, then social injustices have occurred. Unfortunately, these injustices shame and scar our world every day. This begs the question: What should a Christian do about it?..."

Biblical Mandate for Mercy Ministries (Tim Keller)

"Mercy ministry is working to alleviate the burdens of another person, it is meeting their real or perceived needs through Gospel driven deeds. Mercy Ministry is kingdom ministry. It incorporates all of the effects of the coming of the kingdom of God and thus is a visual, viable representation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, through whom all things are redeemed, first partially in the old covenant, then really and more fully in the new covenant, and finally and completely in the kingdom to come. This kingdom principle and God’s own pattern of "mercy ministry" can be traced throughout Scripture, beginning at creation and continued through these last days. ..."