All about perspective

I read Bob Terry’s editorial in the April 8 issue of The Alabama Baptist with interest. Glenn Beck puts a lot of research into the development of his opinions.

He certainly goes further into it than I do. I do not always accept his pronouncements and did not agree with what he said on the face of it.

However, we must remember that there have been some churches that have put the emphasis on our government’s role in meeting the needs of the poor, the homeless, the unemployed, etc.

I wish you had read a little more of your Bible before stating your position. Two passages, Mark 7:11–13 (the words of Jesus) and 1 Timothy 5:3–16, speak clearly to this issue.

“Social justice” begins with the responsibilities of individual grandparents, grandchildren, etc. Next the responsibilities are placed upon the church for the care of its members and their families. Only if none of these measures reach everyone is it made the responsibility of the government to meet the needs of the poor, the homeless, the unemployed, etc.

There is a new perspective on social justice that has appeared. That new perspective places the first responsibility for social justice on government. If a church is adopting this new perspective, Glenn Beck is absolutely right.

Robert Jackson
Wetumpka, Ala.