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Christianity and Social Justice: Religions in Conflict
Christianity and Social Justice is everything Christians need to understand and answer the social justice movement in one book. From its history, secular manifestations, and Christian variations, Jon Harris thoroughly describes the movement, shows how it threatens orthodoxy, and offers powerful responses.
“Jon Harris has laid out the troubled story of the Christian churches in the United States today. No one who cares about the faith can afford to miss what he has to say.”
- Clyde Wilson, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History at the University of South Carolina
“Western Christianity has waited a long time for this book. Jon Harris has done his faith a great service by applying his considerable academic skills to the elephant in the room – the accelerating Marxist orientation of the American church. Jon Harris not only has the research and writing skills to illuminate this deliberately obscured topic, but most importantly he has the rare courage to name names. Thank you Mr. Harris.”
- Trevor Loudon, author and filmmaker
“Jon Harris provides a very informative but deeply disturbing history of the key issues affecting the intersection between two rival religions. Those two rival religions are historic Protestant Christianity and the present-day Social Justice Movement. Each era of the church has had to fight its own battles of syncretism. In our day and age, evangelicalism must fight against syncretizing the faith ‘once for all given to the saints’ with the Social Justice Movement, or any false ideology masquerading as an angel of light for that matter. We owe a great debt to Jon Harris for his diligent study and willingness to stand at the front line in this present-day battle for the purity of the gospel.”
- William C. Roach, PhD, president, International Society of Christian Apologetics
“I wish the facts meticulously laid out in Social Justice and Religions in Conflict were not true. Thankfully, Jon Harris has enough theological acumen to rightly appraise the current onslaught of the new religion of Social Justice, and he does so with precision. Jon demonstrates that the Social Justice warriors simply, and only, sell law. You ought to read this book because Jon points to the Lord Jesus Christ, grace incarnate, for good news and actual change!”
- Mike Abendroth, Pastor of Bethlehem Bible Church and host of No Compromise Radio
“Jon Harris has laid out the troubled story of the Christian churches in the United States today. No one who cares about the faith can afford to miss what he has to say.”
- Clyde Wilson, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History at the University of South Carolina
“Western Christianity has waited a long time for this book. Jon Harris has done his faith a great service by applying his considerable academic skills to the elephant in the room – the accelerating Marxist orientation of the American church. Jon Harris not only has the research and writing skills to illuminate this deliberately obscured topic, but most importantly he has the rare courage to name names. Thank you Mr. Harris.”
- Trevor Loudon, author and filmmaker
“Jon Harris provides a very informative but deeply disturbing history of the key issues affecting the intersection between two rival religions. Those two rival religions are historic Protestant Christianity and the present-day Social Justice Movement. Each era of the church has had to fight its own battles of syncretism. In our day and age, evangelicalism must fight against syncretizing the faith ‘once for all given to the saints’ with the Social Justice Movement, or any false ideology masquerading as an angel of light for that matter. We owe a great debt to Jon Harris for his diligent study and willingness to stand at the front line in this present-day battle for the purity of the gospel.”
- William C. Roach, PhD, president, International Society of Christian Apologetics
“I wish the facts meticulously laid out in Social Justice and Religions in Conflict were not true. Thankfully, Jon Harris has enough theological acumen to rightly appraise the current onslaught of the new religion of Social Justice, and he does so with precision. Jon demonstrates that the Social Justice warriors simply, and only, sell law. You ought to read this book because Jon points to the Lord Jesus Christ, grace incarnate, for good news and actual change!”
- Mike Abendroth, Pastor of Bethlehem Bible Church and host of No Compromise Radio
160 pages, Paperback
Published September 23, 2021
28 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Jon Harris
3 books20 followersJon Harris became a Christian at a young age and has been involved in college/career and music ministry for much of his Christian life. He has an M.Div. from Southeastern Seminary and an M.A. in History from Liberty University. Jon hosts the "Conversations That Matter" podcast. He enjoys outdoor sports, including fishing, hiking, cycling, and skiing. Jon is a member of the Catskill 3500 Club and enjoys getting outside every chance he has.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 29, 2021
Christianity and Social Justice by Jon Harris is a user-friendly reference that shows the distinct differences between biblical Christianity and social justice. The book reads like a trail guide that illumines the path of truth and highlights the dangers of social justice.
Harris is quick to point out that social justice is indeed a religion. As such, it is a worldview - one that is at odds with the historic Christian faith. The author presents a brief history of the social justice movement - one that is informed in inspired by Marxism. Categories of thought have been imported from a Marxist worldview and have made their way into contemporary culture and the church of Jesus Christ.
The author reveals how theological liberalism continues to infiltrate the church. This liberalism, which was confronted in the twentieth century by Carl F.H. Henry, Gresham Machen, and Francis Schaeffer is making a comeback and is tragically welcomed by Christian leaders in our generation.
Christianity and Social Justice targets woke Christianity, social justice epistemology, social justice metaphysics, and social justice ethics. It unpacks the “luggage” attached to this movement - none of which is worth salvaging. Indeed, the religion of social justice is a different gospel, one that must be discarded at once. Harris concludes, “Social justice offers what it has delivered every time it is tried: jealousy, envy, bitterness, destruction, corruption, tyranny, and ultimately, civil slavery to an impersonal, centralized bureaucracy. At this crucial moment, it is up to evangelicals, and Americans in general, to decide which path to follow.”
I commend Jon Harris for his careful research and commitment to herald the truth of God’s Word. Readers interested in continuing their study should consult Why Social Justice is Not Biblical Justice by Scott David Allen, Fault Lines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism's Looming Catastrophe by Voddie Baucham, Christianity and Wokeness: How the Social Justice Movement Is Hijacking the Gospel - and the Way to Stop It by Owen Strachan, and Just Thinking About the State by Darrell Harrison and Virgil Walker.
Harris is quick to point out that social justice is indeed a religion. As such, it is a worldview - one that is at odds with the historic Christian faith. The author presents a brief history of the social justice movement - one that is informed in inspired by Marxism. Categories of thought have been imported from a Marxist worldview and have made their way into contemporary culture and the church of Jesus Christ.
The author reveals how theological liberalism continues to infiltrate the church. This liberalism, which was confronted in the twentieth century by Carl F.H. Henry, Gresham Machen, and Francis Schaeffer is making a comeback and is tragically welcomed by Christian leaders in our generation.
Christianity and Social Justice targets woke Christianity, social justice epistemology, social justice metaphysics, and social justice ethics. It unpacks the “luggage” attached to this movement - none of which is worth salvaging. Indeed, the religion of social justice is a different gospel, one that must be discarded at once. Harris concludes, “Social justice offers what it has delivered every time it is tried: jealousy, envy, bitterness, destruction, corruption, tyranny, and ultimately, civil slavery to an impersonal, centralized bureaucracy. At this crucial moment, it is up to evangelicals, and Americans in general, to decide which path to follow.”
I commend Jon Harris for his careful research and commitment to herald the truth of God’s Word. Readers interested in continuing their study should consult Why Social Justice is Not Biblical Justice by Scott David Allen, Fault Lines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism's Looming Catastrophe by Voddie Baucham, Christianity and Wokeness: How the Social Justice Movement Is Hijacking the Gospel - and the Way to Stop It by Owen Strachan, and Just Thinking About the State by Darrell Harrison and Virgil Walker.
January 11, 2023
This is - bar-none - the best, most Biblically-consistent, most pointed and pithy book on social justice that I have yet read. Jon Harris pulls no punches; he just states the facts and honors the Lord by comparing the current milieu with the unchanging Word of God. Extensive footnotes and references provide the evidence that those already predisposed to disagree with the author's assessments will have a hard time refuting.
Highest of recommendations. READ THIS BOOK if you care at all about Biblical fidelity in this perverse culture.
Highest of recommendations. READ THIS BOOK if you care at all about Biblical fidelity in this perverse culture.
June 9, 2024
Where Jon Harris’s previous work, Social Justice Goes To Church, examines the history of Marxist, New Left thinking entering America’s churches in the 1970s, Christianity And Social Justice attempts to prove - successfully, in my opinion - the social justice movement is actually a religion and, in relation to Christianity, it has mutually exclusive definitions of sin, repentance, sanctification, metaphysics, ethics, revelation, and, therefore, (dominion) goals. Harris largely draws upon recent events to support his claims, making this book immediately relevant in a way his previous book, which reads more like a history book to someone my age, is not. For that reason I recommend this book over Social Justice Goes To Church if you’re going to read only one of them.
October 25, 2021
This is an excellent reference using primary sources; must read for anyone interested in how social justice relates to biblical Christianity!
“If Christians are to retain the authority of Scripture, biblical ethics, and the mission of the church, they will need to reject social justice subjectivity and return to an objective understanding of reality…God gave humans tools like sense perception, a conscience, and reason. He also imparted special revelation through the ministry of the Holy Spirit who ‘convict[s] the world,’ teaches believers, and inspired men to write Scripture. Yet, this access into reality is not grounded in finite humans themselves, but rather an invariable, absolute, and unchanging God. Without the transcendence of an eternal realm, there can be no real meaning in the temporal.”
“Social justice offers what it has delivered every time it is tried: jealousy, envy, bitterness, destruction, corruption, tyranny, and ultimately, civil slavery to an impersonal, centralized bureaucracy.”
“The social justice movement is not satisfied and never can be since abuse, oppression, and disparities will always exist in the temporal realm. The created order, social hierarchies, and human sin will continue until the consummation of all things. While most Christians do strive to love their neighbors by upholding God’s law, engaging in charity, and even using force to defend others, they are not under the illusion that their mission on earth is to create utopia, especially through dismantling order and design.”
“If Christians are to retain the authority of Scripture, biblical ethics, and the mission of the church, they will need to reject social justice subjectivity and return to an objective understanding of reality…God gave humans tools like sense perception, a conscience, and reason. He also imparted special revelation through the ministry of the Holy Spirit who ‘convict[s] the world,’ teaches believers, and inspired men to write Scripture. Yet, this access into reality is not grounded in finite humans themselves, but rather an invariable, absolute, and unchanging God. Without the transcendence of an eternal realm, there can be no real meaning in the temporal.”
“Social justice offers what it has delivered every time it is tried: jealousy, envy, bitterness, destruction, corruption, tyranny, and ultimately, civil slavery to an impersonal, centralized bureaucracy.”
“The social justice movement is not satisfied and never can be since abuse, oppression, and disparities will always exist in the temporal realm. The created order, social hierarchies, and human sin will continue until the consummation of all things. While most Christians do strive to love their neighbors by upholding God’s law, engaging in charity, and even using force to defend others, they are not under the illusion that their mission on earth is to create utopia, especially through dismantling order and design.”
April 12, 2022
This is a party line political piece.
I came for theology, but it was scarce. I've only completely stopped reading two books on my shelf before. This is one of them. I honestly wanted to know more about what "social justice" refers to, and why it's so wrong. Harris basically states that social justice is social-ism. So this book was about "us" and "them" politics, economic models, and anti CRT BLM movements. However you feel about these movements, that's not what I thought this read was going to be about. Evangelicals have been discussing "social justice" much longer than before BLM. I tried to give it a listen to hear the author out, but I just grew uninterested. I don't think you could pay me to read party politics (maybe just me??). At the moment, my church is recovering from the heavy damage of divisive identity politics.
I came for theology, but it was scarce. I've only completely stopped reading two books on my shelf before. This is one of them. I honestly wanted to know more about what "social justice" refers to, and why it's so wrong. Harris basically states that social justice is social-ism. So this book was about "us" and "them" politics, economic models, and anti CRT BLM movements. However you feel about these movements, that's not what I thought this read was going to be about. Evangelicals have been discussing "social justice" much longer than before BLM. I tried to give it a listen to hear the author out, but I just grew uninterested. I don't think you could pay me to read party politics (maybe just me??). At the moment, my church is recovering from the heavy damage of divisive identity politics.
December 18, 2021
Excellent book on a crucial topic for today's Christian.
November 12, 2022
This was a fantastic book, it really dives into more of the history of social, the godless origin of the idea of social justice, and how it is antithetical to actual justice and God's law. Jon is fantastic at making the complex ideas and making them understandable to all of us. His knowledge is truly mind blowing considering how vast and deep this subject goes, not only the history but anything to do with Marxist theory is a deep subject because of its utopian nature and its disregard for the human nature but also reality, especially in light of the fact that all Marxism in all its forms stands in stark contrast to truth.
Honestly, how he lays out his case of the religious aspects of Social Justice, you realize the theology of it, the problem with it is like all religions that are not Christian, the primary purpose is to get rid of the God of the Bible, because the secular humanist only seem to rage at that God, and Marxism doesn't tolerate any religion at all. But those who advocate what I call the theology of W.I.F.E.(Woke Intersectional Feminist Egalitarianism), they are rejecting the Gospel, the great commission and would be Biblically called false teachers and prophets, and Jon does a great service in naming their names and documenting their false teachings from the beginning, and contrasting what God's Word actually teaches.
My only qualm with it didn't happen until he cited Oskar Schindler on pg 126 in appendix 1 because the whole Oskar Schindler and Schindler's List is fiction, it legitimately didn't happen, it Schindler's List was an adaptation of a book called, "Schindler's Ark" by Thomas Keneally in 1982 and it is listed as fiction, it just isn't true.
But besides that this is a great book on the Marxist infiltration and subversion of church and the ideological ramifications of that. The biggest thing this book does is expose the church for its lack of knowledge of God and His Word that is in the church for decades now, because that is truly the only way that these ideas could have any traction at all within the church.
This book should be read with Jon's other book, "Social Justice Goes to Church"
Honestly, how he lays out his case of the religious aspects of Social Justice, you realize the theology of it, the problem with it is like all religions that are not Christian, the primary purpose is to get rid of the God of the Bible, because the secular humanist only seem to rage at that God, and Marxism doesn't tolerate any religion at all. But those who advocate what I call the theology of W.I.F.E.(Woke Intersectional Feminist Egalitarianism), they are rejecting the Gospel, the great commission and would be Biblically called false teachers and prophets, and Jon does a great service in naming their names and documenting their false teachings from the beginning, and contrasting what God's Word actually teaches.
My only qualm with it didn't happen until he cited Oskar Schindler on pg 126 in appendix 1 because the whole Oskar Schindler and Schindler's List is fiction, it legitimately didn't happen, it Schindler's List was an adaptation of a book called, "Schindler's Ark" by Thomas Keneally in 1982 and it is listed as fiction, it just isn't true.
But besides that this is a great book on the Marxist infiltration and subversion of church and the ideological ramifications of that. The biggest thing this book does is expose the church for its lack of knowledge of God and His Word that is in the church for decades now, because that is truly the only way that these ideas could have any traction at all within the church.
This book should be read with Jon's other book, "Social Justice Goes to Church"
February 17, 2024
Fantastic book. Clearly written and well documented. This is a much needed read for the ongoing discussion taking place in and outside the church. If you are a Pastor I would encourage you to place this book in the hands of your congregation and let them pass it around the church. Not sure if there is a study guide that goes along with this book but if so, seems like that would be a highly useful resource for anyone interested.
November 17, 2021
Buy it: Thoughtful and Well-Researched
Jon is a thoughtful and engaging writer and social commentator. This book is the product of considerable research and reflection on the social justice movement. While many of our leaders have wandered left to craft an image of sophistication and separation from the simpletons, Jon has not strayed from this simple truth: "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1 Cor. 15:3). The Gospel needs no attachments, and, according to Jon, the social justice movement is trying to latch on and suck out its life. Jon traces the rise of the movement, its present expressions, and the danger it presents. His points are buttressed with myriad footnotes from a wide array of sources, not just layers and layers of confirmation bias. In that regard, chapter five was the most helpful to me because those sources will assist my own work. The book could have used a few more editorial and proofreading hands. Some grammatical errors slowed my pace here and there. Did he prove the thesis of the book, that two religions are in conflict? Yes, but each chapter could have clarified how it was contributing to the overall argument. Buy it, read it, and stay true to the faith.
Jon is a thoughtful and engaging writer and social commentator. This book is the product of considerable research and reflection on the social justice movement. While many of our leaders have wandered left to craft an image of sophistication and separation from the simpletons, Jon has not strayed from this simple truth: "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1 Cor. 15:3). The Gospel needs no attachments, and, according to Jon, the social justice movement is trying to latch on and suck out its life. Jon traces the rise of the movement, its present expressions, and the danger it presents. His points are buttressed with myriad footnotes from a wide array of sources, not just layers and layers of confirmation bias. In that regard, chapter five was the most helpful to me because those sources will assist my own work. The book could have used a few more editorial and proofreading hands. Some grammatical errors slowed my pace here and there. Did he prove the thesis of the book, that two religions are in conflict? Yes, but each chapter could have clarified how it was contributing to the overall argument. Buy it, read it, and stay true to the faith.
March 6, 2023
Wow. Once again Jon Harris displays clarity, and fierce commitment to the pursuit of Biblical truth instead of ideological platitudes and pragmatism. His strength and expertise in studying history really shines in this book as we explore the interactions through time between social justice movements and Christian theology. I particularly enjoyed his explanation and history of modern "liberation theology,"as well as the section on standpoint epistemology and the utilization of "weaponized apologies".
This quote by him right at the end of the book was my favorite, " The social justice movement is not satisfied and never can be since abuse, oppression, and disparities will always exist in the temporal realm. The created order, social hierarchies, and human sin will continue until the consummation of all things. While most true Christians do strive to love their neighbors by upholding God's law, engaging in charity and even in using force to defend others, they are not under the illusion that their mission on earth is the create utopia, especially through dismantling order and design.
"In John 10:10, Jesus said, 'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.' Christ offers joy in this life and eternal joy in the sinless world to come. Social justice offers what it has delivered every time it is tried: jealousy, envy, bitterness, destruction, corruption, tyranny, and ultimately, civil slavery to an impersonal, centralized bureaucracy. At this crucial moment, it is up to evangelicals, and Americans in general, to decide which path to follow."
This quote by him right at the end of the book was my favorite, " The social justice movement is not satisfied and never can be since abuse, oppression, and disparities will always exist in the temporal realm. The created order, social hierarchies, and human sin will continue until the consummation of all things. While most true Christians do strive to love their neighbors by upholding God's law, engaging in charity and even in using force to defend others, they are not under the illusion that their mission on earth is the create utopia, especially through dismantling order and design.
"In John 10:10, Jesus said, 'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.' Christ offers joy in this life and eternal joy in the sinless world to come. Social justice offers what it has delivered every time it is tried: jealousy, envy, bitterness, destruction, corruption, tyranny, and ultimately, civil slavery to an impersonal, centralized bureaucracy. At this crucial moment, it is up to evangelicals, and Americans in general, to decide which path to follow."
December 2, 2022
A very impressive and helpful book. The author has been given courage from God to write it.
I don't think I can give a better review or summary than what Russell Fuller wrote in his foreword. Below are some quotes from Fullers foreward that I whole-heartedly agree with.
"Jon Harris calling out by name the leaders of this false gospel, his careful documentation, and his excellent analysis make this the best book on the topic.
Jon Harris concludes that this woke gospel is a different gospel with its confusion of law and gospel; having different ethics of sin, justice, and righteousness; a different epistemology with its standpoint theory, and a different metaphysic based on humanism."
"Jon Harris conclusively demonstrates that the "Marxist insights," the foundation of the woke faith, is another gospel contrary to the true gospel of Jesus Christ."
I don't think I can give a better review or summary than what Russell Fuller wrote in his foreword. Below are some quotes from Fullers foreward that I whole-heartedly agree with.
"Jon Harris calling out by name the leaders of this false gospel, his careful documentation, and his excellent analysis make this the best book on the topic.
Jon Harris concludes that this woke gospel is a different gospel with its confusion of law and gospel; having different ethics of sin, justice, and righteousness; a different epistemology with its standpoint theory, and a different metaphysic based on humanism."
"Jon Harris conclusively demonstrates that the "Marxist insights," the foundation of the woke faith, is another gospel contrary to the true gospel of Jesus Christ."
February 15, 2022
Yet another powerful and straight to the point book by Jon Harris
Such a fascinating read. I appreciate his insight and creative way to present information I have long studied and read about. I think I will recommend this to my friends to truly understand what is happening in the church without having to deep dive the topic. It’s sometimes hard too identify the toxic ideology. Jon puts a huge spotlight on it. Great book to get a big picture on what is going on in the evangelical world. May we wake up and do our part to reclaim our communities of faith before it is too late! I LOVED the appendix additions. Each one short, but powerfully communicates the truth we must understand.
Such a fascinating read. I appreciate his insight and creative way to present information I have long studied and read about. I think I will recommend this to my friends to truly understand what is happening in the church without having to deep dive the topic. It’s sometimes hard too identify the toxic ideology. Jon puts a huge spotlight on it. Great book to get a big picture on what is going on in the evangelical world. May we wake up and do our part to reclaim our communities of faith before it is too late! I LOVED the appendix additions. Each one short, but powerfully communicates the truth we must understand.
January 1, 2023
As you start listening to Christianity and Social Justice, you may start wondering what you've gotten yourself into. There's a lot of information, and it's not always easy information, though it is important. But you'll find it's worth it to keep going, as the book becomes very practical. And don't miss the appendices at the end, which bring up some interesting examples to apply what has gone before.
January 11, 2023
Interesting book. This is Mr. Harris's second book on the topic, but I read his this book on Social Justice before Jon Harris's first book "Social Justice Goes to Church.". The reverse order was not a problem. Each book can stand on it's own. It is well researched and foot noted. The critique of Phil Vischer's "structural racism" video was excellent, as well as the rest of the book.
October 13, 2021
This is an excellent book written by Jon Harris about Social Justice. Social Justice is a Troyan Horse in the Church. The book is very helpful to understand the issue. It does not avoid to name names.
December 3, 2021
Great read!
You brings to light much information about the Gospel coalition and big eva, also he has the proof Great, challenging work for everyone who is concerned about the direction of the Western Church today.
You brings to light much information about the Gospel coalition and big eva, also he has the proof Great, challenging work for everyone who is concerned about the direction of the Western Church today.
March 8, 2022
Great book for those looking to learn more about how social justice is creeping into churches and destroying Christianity from the inside out. Good for discernment so false social justice teachers can be called out and excommunicated before it is too late.
December 26, 2022
Essential to understanding how social justice undermines biblical reformed Christian theology.
July 2, 2023
Clear, well-researched, and to the point. Definitely would recommend to those who would like to better understand the thinking behind the social justice/woke movement from a biblical perspective.
December 1, 2023
Concise, wise, and true. No wasted pages.
May 26, 2025
Another fine book by Jon Harris
October 18, 2021
Jon Harris' use of primary sources, especially given the emotional issues he addresses in this emotive times, is one more reason to read this book, reread it, and buy some for your friends to read.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews