The Trinity Debates are a series of discussions on challenging issues related to the church, theology, and the Christian life. These conversations include presentations by experts followed by a time of open discussion. This debate series is intended to be a community resource which fosters deeper reflection and dialogue on difficult topics. All Trinity Debates will be free and open to the public.
UPCOMING DEBATES | PAST DEBATES
October 27, 2011 | 7:00 pm | Is Social Justice an Essential Part of the Mission of the Church?
Participants | Jim Wallis – “Yes” Dr. R. Albert Mohler – “No”
Moderator | Chris Firestone
Location | ATO Chapel (TEDS)
Description:
North American Evangelicals have recently experienced a revival of interest in issues of social justice. The growing sentiment among many today is that Jesus preached “good news to the poor,” and was indeed among the poor and marginalized. These Christians believe that the implications of these facts should renew the church’s understanding of the gospel and its mission. Rightly or wrongly, this interest in social justice is transforming the blueprint and vision of ecclesial ministry.
For others, this blueprint conjures up concerns about 20th century liberal Protestantism and a watering down of the gospel’s message of salvation. The defining mission of the church, for them, continues to be the sharing of the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ to all nations, generations, and social classes. The issue of social justice, though important, is not to be considered as an essential part of the mission of the church.
A basic question at the heart of the debate is this: Is social justice an essential part of the mission of the church?
The Henry Center for Theological Understanding, in its Trinity Debates forum, is pleased to provide a public venue for addressing this question by hosting two prominent voices from competing perspectives. Jim Wallis will answer “Yes” and R. Albert Mohler will answer “No.”
