This blog is about how the Christian faith relates to transformation and social justice. But why is it called Resistance & Renewal?
Resistance – standing against wrong doing and injustice
Jesus lived in a world of violence, injustice and a lust for power but he showed another way. He stood against the powers that be with a truer and deeper authority – and this is what led to his execution. He calls his followers to resist the idolatry, greed, selfishness and craving for status which underpin the injustice we see in the world.
Renewal – bringing hope and new life
Authentic faith goes beyond just deconstruction. So as well as resistance, the way of Jesus is the path of true renewal. The love and grace shown through his life, death and resurrection continue to bring new life and true hope today. He loves people as they are but does not leave them there. He brings transformation. He formed a community who would live out this way and share ‘the full message of this new life’ (Acts 5:20) with the whole world. Their message turned the world upside down and is still transforming lives today.
Interested in contributing an article to Resistance & Renewal? We do not mind controversial articles or carrying pieces we personally disagree with – we believe a good debate is important on these kind of issues.
About us:
Jon Kuhrt…works for the West London Mission, leading their work with people affected by homelessness, offending and chronic addictions. He, his wife and three children are part of Streatham Baptist Church in south London and he is a member of the Christian Socialist Movement. He likes football and loves cricket. Follow on twitter @jonkuhrt or email mrjonkuhrt@gmail.com
Jonathan Chilvers…leads a homeless project in the middle of Leamington and is part of Jubilee Church Leamington. He also stood as a candidate for the Green Party in local elections in May 2011, but is not writing on behalf of any of the above. Jonathan loves his wife and their cheeky toddler. Follow or contact him via Twitter: @jonchilvers
The authors of articles on Resistance & Renewal write in a personal capacity and unless otherwise stated, the articles do not represent the views of any of the organisations listed.
Jon Kuhrt
Jon Chilvers
R&R Guest writers
Hi Jon, I’ve been reading around your blog for a while now and share a lot of your sentiments! Perhaps you might like to read this blog post I wrote a while ago – I’m sure you’re up with Tom Wright’s theology on social justice – http://quirkycase.wordpress.com/2011/08/17/the-dangers-of-a-spiritualized-gospel/ I’d be interested to know what you think, especially about how social justice and the ‘spiritual’ gospel cannot be divorced from each other. Thanks!
Thanks for sending this link to me and I enjoyed reading it.
I was struck by your comment ‘Rather, the two go hand in hand, at best not separated at all, at least in theory. How this works out practically is, of course, another matter.’ I think how we actually do this bringing together is the key task facing the church – how it integrates the explicit message of God’s love – the verbal exchange of the good news – with the more implicit outward working of that love through social action and social justice. We need to do this in practice – I have found that a concern for social justice is the best way to share faith– if you are prepared to be brave and speak up when opportunities present themselves (which I have found they do) and not go all soggy theologically and pretend everyone believes the same thing. So all the best in finding practical ways to hold these things together – it makes reading Tom Wright even more enjoyable and nourishing! Thanks and God bless, Jon