Generous Justice, Tim Keller
Class #1. Relevant Justice
From Introduction (“Why Write This Book?”), pg. xiii-xviii
This study is relevant because…
- As Messiah, Jesus pursues justice. Luke 4:17-18; Isaiah 42:1-7 Note the word “justice” three times in the first four verses.
Keller’s theorem: “A true experience of the grace of Jesus Christ inevitably motivates a man or woman to seek justice in the world.” (pg. xviii)“There is a host of young Christian believers who respond with joy to the call to care for the needy.” (pg. xiv)
2. The millennial generation’s interest and emphasis on service can be discussed here. Note for discussion Keller’s comment, “While many young adults have a Christian faith, and also a desire to help people in need, these two things are not actually connected to each other in their lives.” (pg. xv)
3. There are people who approach the subject of “doing justice” with suspicion. (pg. xv). Because of the Biblical shallowness associated with the “Social Gospel” movement, they link “doing justice” with the loss of sound doctrine. (pg. xvi). Keller wants this group to know “when the Spirit enables us to understand what Christ has done for us, the result is a life poured out in deeds of justice and compassion for the poor.” (pg. xvii)There is a host of new atheists who charge that religion “poisons everything” (Christopher Hitchens words), believing that religion is a promotor of injustice on our planet. (pg. xviii)
4. Regarding all these groups of people, Keller writes, “They all fail at some level to see that the Biblical gospel of Jesus necessarily and powerfully leads to a passion for justice in the world.” (pg. xviii). Thus, “Generous Justice” is a needed and relevant study.
Regarding all these groups of people, Keller writes, “They all fail at some level to see that the Biblical gospel of Jesus necessarily and powerfully leads to a passion for justice in the world.” (pg. xviii). Thus, “Generous Justice” is a needed and relevant study.