What Every Christian Needs to Know about Social Justice

by Jeffrey D. Johnson, Owen Strachan (Foreword)

EndorsementsAlbert Einstein is reported to have said that everything should be made as simple as possible and no simpler. Jeff Johnson   has   meticulously   followed   that   counsel in this book. With the competence of a careful student and the heart of a faithful pastor, hehas done the hard work of investigating the origins, development, and wickedness of the modern social justice movement. Well-researched, clearly written, and necessarily succinct, What Every Christian Needs to Know about Social Justice will be the first book I recommend to believers who want a trust- worthy introduction to that movement.

– Thomas Ascol

The social justice agenda is a perverse movement that has various tentacles that impact nearly all the spheres of our modern society,including political, economic, academic, medical, athletic, and most troubling of all—the church of Jesus Christ. Due to the vast diversity and complexity of the movement, it becomes a unique challenge to explain the dangers of social justice. Jeff Johnson, in his bookWhat Every Christian Needs to Know about Social Justice, fulfills the calling of a Christian by contending “for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Make no mistake about it, the social justice agenda is a devilish agenda, and Jeff Johnson explains andexposes it in his helpful book.

– Josh Buice

Jeff Johnson has given us a clear, doctrinally sound, historically astute, and philosophically insightful account of the development ofcritical theory and its manifestation in the social justice movement. From the frank admission of Marxism by BLM, Jeff traces out the subtle developments from that original epistemological positivism expressed as atheistic materialism to today’s deconstruction of societyand hostility to the faith, ontology, and worldview of the Bible. Only a destruction of the spheres of individual freedom, family unity, state stability, and church liberty will clear the path for the vision of a rebuilt society on terms acceptable to the proponents of social justice theory. Eliminate so-called oppression through a genuinely intolerant oppression. Read this book; absorb its analysis, get in tune with its reasoning, and embrace its robust God-centered, Bible-centered, and gospel-centered understanding of humanity, the world, and a trulyjust society.

– Tom J. Nettles

About the Pastor Jeff is the founding pastor of Grace Bible Church, the Owner/Operator of Free Grace Press and a graduate of Veritas Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books including The Fatal Flaw of the Theology Behind Infant Baptism, Behind the Introduction to Textual Criticism, The Why Bother?, The Kingdom of God, The Absurdity of Unbelief, The Pursuit of Glory, He Died for Me, and The Five Points of Amillennialism.

Genres: Social Justice, Christian Living, Theology, Cultural

108 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 2021

About the author

Jeff is the author of several Christian books, including the Amazon #1 Bestseller, The Church: Why Bother?

He is pastor/teacher of Grace Bible Church in Conway, Arkansas, a community where he also resides with his wife Letha and their two sons, Martyn and Christian.

Jeff graduated from Central Baptist College in Bible and earned his M. Rel. in Biblical Studies. He earned his Th.D in Systematics from Veritas Theological Seminary.

Along with his pastoral and publishing ministry, Jeff is a sought-after conference speaker and contributes regularly to the Reformed Baptist Blog.

Reviews

[Canceok · Rating 5 out of 5]

O carte scurtă dar tulburătoare. Autorul prezintă foarte bine ideile marxiste care stau la baza mișcării dreptății sociale, iar dacă cunoști un pic de istorie și ești atent la realitatea zilelor noastre vei observa cât de mult se promovează în societatea noastră aceste idei. Susținătorii mișcării dreptății sociale nu sunt interesați de dreptate ci vor să elimine orice structură de autoritate (individul, familia, statul, biserica), reinterpretând istoria prin lentila opresor - opresat. Soluția lor fiind o egalizare absurdă prin a reduce/anihila pe cei considerați "privilegiați"/"superiori" prin urmare "opresori" (dacă ești înalt trebuie să-ți ceri scuze de la cei scunzi, dacă ești alb de la cei negri, dacă ești deștept de la cei proști, etc..)

Cartea se încheie cu următorul avertisment: "Întrucât lumea este decăzută, noi Îi mulțumim lui Dumnezeu că nu a delegat puterea administrativă unei singure instituții – marele guvern. El a împărțit intenționat puterea în patru jurisdicții separate: individul, familia, statul și biserica. Fie ca biserica să fie mereu atentă să nu ajute la subminarea acestor autorități prin a accepta ideologia dreptății sociale!"

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book fills a hole in the plethora of quality Christian books about social justice and critical race theory. This book (unlike the gems by Baucham and Strachan) deals much more with the philosophy behind social justice. Johnson does a sound and clear job explaining the roots, goals and focuses of the social justice movement and clearly shows the concerns over this worldview. I think he could have pressed in more on how social justice is a religion, it would have made this short book a little longer but I would have definitely read it. Highly recommended!

[Omri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent book. It wasn’t what I expected - a biblical critique of social justice that would equip the church to combat social justice ideology with carefully exegeted passages of Scripture.

Jeffrey Johnson does helpfully explain the origins of social justice, tracing its current embodiment back to its Marxist, Communist roots. He does make it clear how the ideas require an inherently atheistic worldview that does not mirror but opposes God’s justice.

If you are not already clear on what Scripture says about justice, though, I can see a Christian still being unable to articulate God’s mind from the Scriptures after reading this book. It is a part of natural revelation to recognize some degree of fairness, and those who are willing to see this will resonate with Johnson’s arguments against social justice ideology. But I do wish that there was a much clearer and robust articulation of particular passages of Scripture.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sobering but worthwhile read. Written for the layman, this book describes the "Social Justice" movement and how it is a not-so-subtle attack on the American justice system and ultimately upon Christianity itself. This demonic philosophy holds appeal to the sincere Christian who wants to help his church promote true freedom. However, upon an investigation of its roots and fruits, it becomes obvious that the true goal of this system is to destruct society as we know it while installing a Marxist state in its place. Of course, there is no room in this false utopia for God or His Church.

The true Bible believer and especially those who teach and preach it to others need to stand upon the One True Gospel as Paul says in Galatians 1. Recommended reading for those who sense the immense pressure to join this movement and thus avoid the epithet of "racist". None of us want to be identified as someone opposed to equality of opportunity. But we must be discerning and wise by continuing to proclaim that the singular path to true justice is through a firm stance upon the Bible and its teachings. Those who birthed this movement have nothing but disdain for God's word and for those who are determined to stand upon it unashamedly.

[JT Stead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the most helpful, concise, little book on the history, philosophy, and worldview behind social justice. I recomend every Christian to read and every pastor to endorse to their church.

[Dylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Christians, a short and well written explanation on why social justice and CRT are incompatible with true justice and hope. A little hard to follow if you're brand new to all things CRT and social justice, but that doesn't diminish the quality of the book. Essential for all believers in 2021.

[Cameron Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This a great book against the social justice movement as it applies and resembles Marxism. However, it fails to present real life examples and solutions to everyday problems we as Christians face in the social just movement.

[Kari · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can sum this book up in one sentence: Social Justice is Communism in disguise and Communism is bad.

Seriously? Capitalism is not the answer; Jesus is the answer. And for all his talk about how the left is bent on creating fear and tricking us into giving up our personal freedoms, this book is all about creating fear. I'm embarrassed that the word "Christian" is in the title. He offered no tools as to how to address inequities in a Christlike way. There were few, if any, real life examples. It was really his rant about how bad Communism is.

[Keller Hackbusch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that lays out the roots and motives of social justice as compared to Biblical truth. This is a must read as Johnson provides insight into the culture war from a slightly different perspective than the other helpful books (i.e. Founders Ministry, Baucham, David Allen).

[David Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that shows the roots of critical theory, and how dangerous it is.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any believer who wants to understand the times.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is needed. Please read it.

[Emma Secton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un libro cortito que leí en 5 días y bastante instructivo sobre los orígenes del pensamiento progresista que infecta nuestra sociedad y que quiere también entrar en las iglesias. La perspectiva del autor es muy dentro del contexto norteamericano pero igual sirve anticiparse a lo que dentro de poco podría llegar a Latinoamérica. Verdaderamente me cuesta creer lo que leí, no porque no sea creíble, sino por la incoherencia del pensamiento marxista, ahora quedé con ganas de leer el manifiesto comunista sólo para sacarme la duda de lo que leí, me cuesta creer que un pensamiento así pueda considerarse maduro y no infantil. Recomendado para aprender, donde en muchas partes el autor expone conceptos de la teoría crítica o la tábula rasa que al vivir en los tiempos en que vivimos me hacían decir: Ahora todo tiene sentido.

[Will]

The book, What Every Christian Needs to Know About Social Justice, was written by Jeffery D. Johnson. This book is a religion and spirituality book that explains the dangers of social justice in the world. The book begins by highlighting what we know as believers in Christ to be true. By nature we are sinful and to be ruled by God under his word. Johnson goes on to explain in detail social justice, critical theory, and why we as Christians cannot incorporate them into our walk with Christ and into the church body. This helps congregants to respond biblically to these complex issues.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book of 124 pages is an easy read, but it's challenging to the idiots who believe in social justice and critical race theory.

The author traces the origins of this nonsense back to the Frankfort School, its founder and faculty members.

After a short introduction, the book has the following five chapters:
1. The Foundation of True Justice
2. The Foundation of Social Justice
3. The Evolution of Social Justice
4. The Injustice of Social Justice
5. The Intolerance of Social Justice

I strongly recommend this book.

[Rebekah Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, an interesting read with a lot of food for thought on a hot topic today. I probably need to read it again more carefully to better absorb it all. I do think some of this is semantics and I'm not sure I fully agree with all the conclusions the book presents. But it is important that we as Christians are diligent and discerning about what is being taught. I do wish this book was a little less academic and a little more practical.

[Jacob Kallam · Rating 5 out of 5]

In today’s culture, Christianity has lost its influence within politics, education, and entertainment. In Johnson’s book, “what every Christian needs to know about social justice” he highlights key terms, historical dates, and prominent figures which have damaged and infiltrated Christianity as well as the culture at large. I highly recommend this book for Christians and non Christians alike who want to better understand the roots of Social Justice and its poisonous roots.

[Doug Hawkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear And Well Documented Analysis

For anyone trying to understand the basic tenets of Critical Theory and it’s ugly offspring Social Justice this book is a great head start. Social Justice must be looked at through the critical lens of the Gospel, which is its opposite. This work helps well meaning yet naive conservative Christians see what is really under the covers of SJ.

[Brooke Heidelbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In the end, we see in these pages that there is a better faith than the replacement religion of social justice. It is the faith grounded in Christ. It is the faith that honors and celebrates creation order. It is the faith that seeks not the detonation of God-made institutions but their spiritual re-enchantment. This is the faith we preach; this is the God we proclaim; this is the gospel —not merely a different gospel than Wokeness but the only gospel there is— in which we glory.”

[Josh Cosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the red-pill book. Eye opening. But offers very few practical application. Informative and educational, but the time spent on application was not proportional to the spent on red-pill information.

[Amanda Raymundo · Rating 5 out of 5]

the truth shall set you free!

The real truth behind “social justice”. A must read especially for believers in Christ who are confused regarding social justice and critical race theory.

[En Yi WEI · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review found in Amazon

[Daniel H · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 Excelente ensayo y advertencia a la iglesia sobre los riesgos de adoptar una cosmovisión antitetica a las sagradas escrituras.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought provoking and informative

[Katie Brohard · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT BOOK. Very well done.

[Adam Kareus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johnson offers a good introduction and critic of the social justice movement. Those who follow the movement will most likely appreciate the critic, but it seems to be fair and written with understanding. Johnson puts forth the idea that social justice is a counterfeit gospel because rather than changing the sinful heart, social justice seeks to "fully unleash it." Johnson also has helpful insight on why Christians wish to accept social justice, "Why has the church been so accommodating? the appeal, so it seems to me, is that social justice is the 'new morality' and Christians, supposedly, are to support morality wherever they find it. Because Christians don't want to be perceived as judgmental and racist, they buy into the false notion that critical race theory is merely an extension of the civil rights movement. Many churches view social justice as compatible with Christianity because they both condemn racism. Because of these perceived common concerns, CRT is welcomed into the church with open arms." (page 118)

[Ethan Nelson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I cringed from the first sentence of the foreword, all the way to the glossary, where it’s made plain the author is disconnected to the general public (the whole book made that plain, but reading his definitions of some words was a good laugh).

From his portrayal of philosophers to the maligning of social movements started in response to being murdered, this author has demonstrated that he is exactly the kind of person that makes social justice necessary.

However, I’m incredibly glad I found this book. I will keep it close because I want everyone to have the chance to read it. It gives me the exact material I need when demonstrating the authoritarian and invasive tendencies of proselytizing religions, and how they perpetuate oppression.

[Justin Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great primer on such a hot topic in society over the last few years. Handled with respect and grace with no compromise for the truth which is founded in God’s word. I’ve recommended this to numerous people as a foundation for understanding in this area.

[Javier Andres · Rating 5 out of 5]

¡Por un despertar!

Este libro es fácil de leer, el autor usa un lenguaje claro, buenas ilustraciones y casos reales para revelar al monstruo que.9 enfrentamos "la justicia social".

Recomiendo el libro a todos aquellos cristianos revolucionarios que quieran dar Batalla Cultural.