The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of BCNN1.
In a recent study from Barna, more than 15,000 people between the ages of 18 and 35 rated the church’s impact on issues of poverty and injustice. The results were surprising. 73% of the respondents who identified as practicing Christians believe that the church as a whole is making a positive impact in its effort to fight injustice.
However, that is a significant contrast from their non-Christian counterparts, 68% of whom are not at all convinced that church is effective in its efforts for justice.
These two very different perceptions cannot both be true. So, which group is right, and what is the cause of the different view of the other group?
Is the church really making a difference or not?
According to the same study, Christians are “almost twice as likely as those with no faith to be inspired to give of their time to help others in need (56% to 32%)… [and] to report that their beliefs compel them to give of their own resources (46% to 26%).”
The reality is, Christians, churches and parachurch non-profit organizations across the world are doing a lot to help those in need. One recent example is a church in Missouri that erased $43 million in medical debt for families living in the state. Another relevant example is the many churches on both sides of the US/Mexican border that are providing shelter for asylum seekers by building bunk beds in their Sunday school classes.
Some Christian organizations have also brought in volunteer lawyers to help these people understand the immigration laws. “We don’t refer to them [as migrants and asylum seekers],” one pastor said. “We refer to them as our guests.”
These are just a few of the many ways churches and parachurch organizations fighting injustice across the world. Contrary to popular opinion, many churches actually have a tremendous impact.
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SOURCE: Christian Post, Kenneth Reid
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