Additional social justice reviews
from Joe Ginder:

Brief introduction to each of
the four books reviewed

Welcoming Justice
by Charles Marsh & John Perkins

When Helping Hurts
by Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert

Compassion, Justice, and the Christian Life
by Robert D. Lupton

---

SOCIAL JUSTICE HANDBOOK
by Mae Elise Cannon

See this item in the bookstore...


review by Joe Ginder

Micah 6:8
He has shown all you people what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.

Who should read this book? This book is written for those desiring to increase awareness of social justice issues in a typical American church of the majority culture. It is not a serious how-to book for those already engaged in social justice ministry or those getting started in working with the poor. It is oriented toward being a powerful resource for Christians who are starting to build awareness of and action for social justice in American churches. In this, it succeeds. Mae Elise Cannon has done a great service in gathering information for those who are walking this path after her. Think of this book as sort of a tourist’s guide to social justice. For those who already live in the area, it may still be useful in finding unexplored areas and for having collected many references in one place. But its real utility is for those newly exploring.

Cannon’s book grew out of the author’s experience in ministry focused on social justice at Willow Creek Community Church and Hillside Covenant Church. After meeting with many ministry leaders involved in social justice, Cannon was pushed into a personal struggle with the practical issues of how to go about pursuing social justice and biblical justice. She compiled what she was learning in these areas and this book is the result. She considers this book to be “Social Justice 101”—fundamentals rather than comprehensive coverage. Cannon intends her perspective on social justice to be rooted in scripture—a faithful Christian approach to putting biblical belief into action where we live. Here again, she succeeds.

The book is also intended to be a call to action for the church; not simply a theoretical consideration of the issues. However, I found it to be less effective as a call to action than as a reference tool. The facts are there—and one might hope that this is enough to serve as an effective call to action. History says otherwise. Cannon lacks the punch of John Perkin’s in building an effective call to action. She is younger and more concerned about avoiding offense than Perkins; her concern to retain credibility within the evangelical establishment seems palpable. To her credit, she says the right things; but Perkins, at his advanced age and level of experience, can tell the stories and draw the inevitable conclusions that will ruffle feathers. From where I sit, those feathers need to be ruffled. Isaiah or Ezekiel would have said it more like Perkins!

Let’s get into the structure of the book. The three-page table of contents at the front of the book is excellent, and essential. It lists all the chapters and articles, including the small topical articles scattered throughout the book.

The first portion of the book is intended to be an introduction to social and biblical justice from a Christian perspective. It is a chapter by chapter progression establishing a general foundation. Chapter one does a credible job at providing biblical underpinnings to a social justice theology. Chapter two establishes definitions and argues that much effort spent on compassion (effects) would better be spent on social justice (causes). There is an extended discussion of various aspects of justice.

Chapter three is historical background, considering events significant to understanding social justice in the Americas. The coverage is useful but very basic and somewhat uneven. Significant chapters of Christian engagement in social justice go unmentioned while some included examples seem, well, a bit of a reach. (Example: The hospitality of Pilgrim communities is considered significant; but the "Holy Experiment" in Pennsylvania and peaceful living with native Americans goes unmentioned? One wonders when Quakers are hardly mentioned in a survey of social justice issues in America. John Woolman?) The story of Christian involvement in social justice in America is richer than it is here portrayed. On the other hand, much useful information is gathered together in an accessible resource.

Chapter four is about the process of promoting transformation of apathetic Christians to become “agents of justice.” There are some good, practical suggestions for those coming from a well-educated and privileged American cultural perspective, and some exhortation for others. The clinical approach Cannon takes provides accurate information; however, inspiration for change is better found elsewhere. Even so, this chapter is helpful to those seeking to establish social justice as a priority. Cannon identifies nine components that help Christians to move to advocacy: prayer, awareness, lament, repentance, partnership and community, sacrifice, advocacy, evangelism, and celebration. She gives significant consideration to issues of partnering with humility and paternalism in this chapter, introducing these important concepts clearly and cogently.

Chapter five is about solutions to injustice. Whose job is it to bring social justice, anyway? In this chapter, Cannon considers personal, church, and government involvement in social justice in a perfunctory manner, noting how Christians can take responsibility themselves and cooperate with others.

Scattered throughout the book are small, well-placed articles to spice up the reading. These articles include profiles of people involved in social justice, ideas on how to raise awareness of the issues, and exercises for spiritual reflection to consider how God is calling the reader to respond to what they are learning. In addition, there are many references to other resources for further research scattered through the text of the book.

The second portion of the book is a sort of encyclopedia of many social justice issues. This part of the book is intended to be an easy reference for those wanting an introduction to certain social justice issues. There are over 130 pages of brief background articles, each with references to additional resources. Each article provides suggestions to begin thinking and acting for justice on the topic it covers.
Of course, there is more coverage of some social justice issues than others. For example, there is little mention of oppression directed at immigrants and those working for immigration reform, or of the injustice resulting from the morass of conflicting and confusing immigration laws. There are dedicated Christians working for social justice in this area. One might be tempted to think this omission could reflect a desire to avoid controversy; but consider that Cannon includes an article strongly advocating that women should not be limited in the use of their gifts in the home, workplace, or church. So we’ll have to chalk up the lack of coverage of immigration issues to something else. It would be hard not to leave something out!

After the second portion of the book, there are several very useful appendices giving lists of resources. These include lists of organizations, books, documentaries and unrated movies, and mainstream movies which are useful in exploring or introducing the social justice issues introduced by the book.

Overall, this is a fine book and a great resource for Christians concerned about getting involved in social justice. It is a fine “tour guide” for those gaining exposure to the many areas of social justice covered, and a fine reference work for ministry leaders.