Glenn Beck and Social Justice: A Response

Recently Glenn Beck made some comments about leaving a church if the priest or pastor speaks about “social justice”. He instructed his listeners to “look for the words ’social justice’ or ‘economic justice’ on your church website” and then told them that should they find those words to “run as fast as you can.” Why? Well Beck believes those are “code words” that have malevolent ties to communism and Nazism.

He spoke about his own church community and his pastor, and said proudly that if his church was about “social justice” he would report his church to the church authorities. So Beck, postures his argument as a churchgoer.

I have received a few emails and texts from people about these comments, so I thought I would respond to the many emails here.

Let me begin by saying that I do not presume to know how Beck defines social or economic justice. Perhaps he is referring to the ethos of caring for the poor and needy, or the demand for human rights in this world of ours. Maybe he is referring to the tradition of the prophets in the Hebrew Scriptures, like Amos who says:

You levy a straw tax on the poor

and impose a tax on their grain. 


Therefore, though you have built stone mansions,

you will not live in them; 


though you have planted lush vineyards,

you will not drink their wine.

For I know how many are your offenses

and how great your sins.

There are those who oppress the innocent and take bribes 


and deprive the poor of justice in the court …

seek good, not evil, that you may live.

This is what the Lord, the LORD God Almighty, says:

"I hate, I despise your religious festivals;

I cannot stand your assemblies.

Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings,

I will not accept them. 


Though you bring choice fellowship offerings,

I will have no regard for them.

Away with the noise of your songs!

I will not listen to the music of your harps.

But let justice roll on like a river,

righteousness like a never-failing stream!”

(From Amos 5.11-24, click here to read the whole chapter).

First, if Beck is speaking about justice along with Amos and the other prophets, then he is definitely talking about caring the for the poor and speaking about human rights. Many people are up in arms about his wanting to link this ideology to political theories such as communism and Nazism.

However, we need not become so upset. For true justice is rooted in the heart of God. As the Psalmist says, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne” (Psalm 89.4). If justice, then, is of God then we need not listen to Beck’s assertions. For God is not a Nazi or a Communist. Nor is he Democrat or Republican. In fact, God has no political affiliation. The rule and throne of his Kingdom is built on righteousness and justice.

Second, Beck calls for those who are a part of churches that preach social justice to run away. He goes on to instruct his listeners to report their pastors or priests to the church authorities. With this side of Beck’s argument I too have no issue.

For, some may, no doubt, leave their church because of preachers preaching about poverty, human rights, economics, and justice. And if they do, then I say, “Thank you Glenn Beck, now there is room for more who are desperate to see justice roll on like a river.”

And now, a word to Glenn Beck. I will not argue with your political viewpoint. Everyone is entitled to have his or her opinion, slant, or spin on any particular office, legislation, or politician. Each person also has a right to make their ideology known to whoever will listen.

However, when you speak as a churchgoer, and when you begin roping the Church into your rhetoric; things get a little more serious. I would encourage and exhort you to use more care, and to consider your words more carefully. You influence a lot of people in this world, and have the potential and power to do much for good.

My hope for you, is the same for myself; that your thoughts and words would move those who listen to you more toward the mind and heart of Jesus. May that be the end toward which we both strive.