Social Justice Reading List

“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-falling stream” – Amos 5.24

The following is a brief reading list for those who are interested in finding out more about social justice and what the Bible says about it. Originally put together as a pastoral note for GracePoint Presbyterian Church in Sydney, NSW, 30th Oct 2011.


Books

Generous Justice – Tim Keller
It is commonly thought in our secular culture that the Bible is one of the great hindrances to doing justice. In Generous Justice, Timothy Keller illuminates a life of justice empowered by an experience of grace: a generous, gracious justice. Generous Justice is a book for believers who find the Bible a trustworthy guide, as well as for those who suspect that Christianity is a regressive influence in the world.

Ministries Of Mercy – Tim Keller
Tim Keller shows through Scripture that caring for the needy is the call of every believer, not just through church programs or church leaders. He doesn't just tackle the why, but also the how, as in how we can carry out this ministry as individuals, families, and churches. Thoroughly biblical yet practical.

Good News To The Poor – Tim Chester
Tim Chester argues passionately that evangelism and social action are inseparable, as two arms of the church's mission. He presents a biblical case for truly evangelical social action that is shaped and inspired by the gospel showing how social activity is a response to evangelism, a bridge and a partner to it.

When Helping Hurts – Steve Corbette and Brian Fikkert
Most evangelicals, when thinking about helping the poor, feel a bit at a loss about where to start. When Helping Hurts is a practical book about ministering to the poor in a truly transforming, effective manner. The book is divided into three major sections: Foundational concepts for helping without hurting, general principles for helping without hurting, and practical strategies for helping without hurting.

Evangelism And Social Action – Matthias Media
A mini-zine (very short magazine) put together by Matthias Media addressing the issue.
~www.matthiasmedia.com.au/evangelism-and-social-action

Online Articles – For those who aren't ready to spend money on a book!

The Gospel And The Poor – Tim Keller
~www.thegospelcoalition.org/publications/33-3/the-gospel-and-the-poor

How Do We Work For Justice And Not Undermine Evangelism? – Don Carson
~www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2010/10/18/asks-carson-justice-evangelism/

Seven Passages For Social Justice – Kevin DeYoung
~www.thegospelcoalition.org/search/results/&q=seven%20passages%20for%20social%20justice&p=1&f=

Ten Theses On Social Action – Justin Taylor
~www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/08/22/10-theses-on-kingdom-of-god-and-social/

Bonus: Videos And Sermons

A conversation between Tim Keller, John Piper, and Don Carson

Steve Chong from Kirkplace Presbyterian (Kogarah) talks with John Piper

When does the line between social justice and the gospel get blurred?

Free Gospel Coalition sermons on Public Justice



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