A Response to "Scot McKnight & the Kingdom" - A Unitive Conversation

A few days ago I heard that two good friends of mine disagreed about an interview that was published on-line.  So I decided to find out what was being said so I could have some informed interaction.  As I read the article I found myself getting upset.  It happens to be a subject I am very passionate about: "Social Justice and the Gospel of the Kingdom."

I have liked much of what McKnight has written. However, he is very confused here. No doubt he is responding to a movement which has become "trendy" and as such may need some correction and clarification among the "hoi poloi." But I don't think he understands the real "Justice Movement." 

I've been to 2 Justice Conferences (http://thejusticeconference.com) and have visited an International Justice Mission (IJM.org) office in India where my daughter was working. In both places "Kingdom work" was being expounded and practiced. King Jesus was ruling and redemption was happening. McKnight goes off like a loose cannon, dropping names like James Cone, who I read in seminary 28 years ago, but has apparently no awareness of what's happening today with Gary Haugen, Nicolas Wolterstorff, Eugene Cho, or Lynne Hybels.  The Church is God's chosen people to bring the Kingdom and it is happening.

 McKnight says the Kingdom has to do with Land and gets very physical. I agree. That's one reason why it mustn't be seen as interchangeable with the church. The Church is people. The Kingdom has to do with extending God's territory. All that talk about people not knowing their Bibles and then he says that Jesus came to condemn the world! What about John 3:17? 

He suggests that many people who are pursuing Social Justice do not care about Evangelism.  

Today, in every evangelical church of any size you will find the especially the young adults to be active in social justice but have almost no interest in evangelism.

In my experience, it is precisely because of my interest in evangelism, and my history with attempted "outreach" that I wholeheartedly embrace the Church's pursuit of "Social Justice."  Have you ever wondered why Paul tells us "We commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God?" 2 Cor. 4:2  I have discovered that almost everyone responds positively when they hear that we are going to Mexico to build a house for a family in need.  And without exception people were intrigued when they heard that my oldest daughter decided to live in India and place herself in harm's way on behalf of families held in slave labor.  

Incidentally, the work in Mexico is done through the recommendation of local churches, thereby enhancing the credibility of the pastors and congregations who have an ongoing witness and ministry in these communities.  It sounds like Scot McKnight would want to make sure that homes are only built for christian families, if it is to be authentic "Kingdom Work."  There seems to be little warrant for such a distinction biblically, though the church in Acts seemed to mainly take care of their own, we are commanded to "do good to all men, especially those who are of the household of faith."  Beyond that, the LORD himself says, "If you love only those who love you, what good is it?"

Picture a community where the church has provided housing, but only for their own members.  There might be a strong incentive for others to join, but it hardly demonstrates the "love that God has lavished on us" or that love demonstrated in that "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

 The work in India was also being done by the church, in the name of Jesus (and wouldn't be possible apart from His power.)  And no, those released from miserable lives of forced labor are not asked about their "personal relationship with Jesus" or required to be card carrying church members.  They are "set free" somewhat indiscriminately, by God's grace.

McKnight's shallow analysis is "going off half-cocked" and deserves a better rebuttal than I can give him. But there are plenty of people to do it, not just in words, but in deeds as well. "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power." I Corinthians 4:20