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SimpleJustice, wealth and eco-ChristianityEco-friendlySIMPLE The up-and-coming generation see through the lie that says that we can build an ideal world, but they still care. They avoid formal reasoning (e.g. 'This is justice and it's real, not limited to philosophy or unreadable books', p.16), but they still think. Therefore Helen Jaeger writes in the informal language of youth to help them care more. She takes three broad subjects: justice in an unjust world, wealth among a wealth-obsessed people, and caring for God's creation (including us). Her concern is not to argue the rights and wrongs of particular issues, but to ignite a desire to live in a distinctively Christian way. She does not speak to the great and the good, but the ordinary and the sinful. The book is positive in outlook, emphasising what can be done, rather than what is out of reach. It is motivated by grace, not law: 'Justice-making comes out of knowing God and knowing he loves us' (p.37). However, through identifying too closely with the culture into which she reaches, Jaeger sometimes fails her readers. At times she twists God into man's image ('"Party and make others party" seems to be a much-ignored motto of God', p.41) or limits him ('God is not limited by our talents, only by our lack of willingness to roll up our sleeves', p.25). At times Jaeger takes up too uncritically the alternative culture exemplified by Greenpeace and the Fair Trade label. In a practical book, it is important that the spiritual nature of the struggle is shown accurately. Jaeger is careful to point to Christ: 'Our inspiration and ability to carry it off is always and only a personal relationship with Jesus' (p.117). What is missing is a clear and consistent picture of how sinners may know God. Finally, if you have read the caveats with relief, why? If it is because you don't want to read something that might challenge your lifestyle, then perhaps you should read this after all, whether you are young or not. Then lend it to one of those fearsome teenagers in your home or church and talk about it. They might find they have more in common with you than they realise. Dr. Tim Mitchell, © Evangelicals Now - January 2004 |