Oppression is a constant adversary to God’s plan, both in the past and today. As Christians, our response to these societal evils often aligns with our political leanings, which can lead us down different paths of action. Some Christians are deeply concerned about oppression, viewing the world as a place filled with social injustice and unfair systems that keep certain groups down. To them, the fight is against big corporations, the wealthy, and other powerful groups that maintain this inequality, perpetuating the cycle of oppression and hindering the pursuit of equity.
On the other hand, some focus more on fighting immorality. They believe evil comes from within people’s hearts, leading to greed, selfishness, and other sins. For them, the critical battle is against personal wrongdoing, and they believe in the importance of individual redemption.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the left’s perspective, which puts a spotlight on oppression. In a future post, we’ll explore the other side of the spectrum.
Progressive Left’s View of Oppression and Equity
The progressive left offers a distinct perspective on oppression, rooted in the belief that dominant systems perpetuate inequality and suffering. Central to their ideology is the notion that dismantling these systems will pave the way for equity—their version of heaven on earth.
For progressives, history unfolds as a series of struggles between oppressors and the oppressed, with socio-economic status serving as the defining factor. Those with property, education, or belonging to dominant racial groups are cast as oppressors, while those lacking in these areas are labeled as the oppressed.
In the pursuit of equity, the progressive left seeks out minority groups, positioning them as innocent victims in need of emancipation from unjust systems erected by oppressors. According to their narrative, humanity can only thrive sustainably and lovingly in a world devoid of superiority, whether in health or wealth. This vision necessitates a process of saving and dismantling—saving oppressed groups from their oppressors and dismantling the structures that perpetuate inequality.
In this worldview, minority groups are seen as innocent victims, poised to usher in a new era of justice by dismantling oppressive structures. The quest for equity demands the continual identification and enlightenment of victim classes, whose consciousness must be raised to recognize their oppression at the hands of those in power. Thus, they continually search for new victim classes, raising awareness of their victimization and advocating for their liberation. For example, women, African Americans, LGBTQIA individuals, refugees, and others are seen as oppressed groups in need of emancipation from oppressive power structures. The more minority status intersects, the more oppressed that person is.
The end goal is a utopian society where all people are equal—no superior groups, no minority groups. Equity – socially, economically, racially, etc. – is their battle cry.
Considering the progressive left’s approach to oppression and equity, it’s essential to juxtapose it with the biblical perspective, which offers a distinct lens through which to view these issues.
Contrasting Perspectives: Progressive Left vs. Biblical View
While the progressive left’s stance may share some similarities with a biblical view of oppression, there are notable differences in approach. Unlike the progressive left, the biblical perspective does not demonize power itself but rather condemns the abuse of power by individuals with malicious intent.
Scripture teaches God blesses individuals with prosperity and expects them to be good stewards of their blessings. A righteous and benevolent ruler, for example, is not automatically deemed an oppressor simply by virtue of their power and wealth. Instead, it is the actions of individuals that determine whether power becomes a force for oppression.
Similarly, the biblical view acknowledges that not all minority groups are innocent victims, as some may have lived lives marked by rebellion and wrongdoing. Rather than attributing all societal injustices to external oppressive forces, the biblical approach calls for discernment and compassion in addressing individual circumstances.
Having explored the differences between the progressive left’s view and the biblical perspective, let’s turn our attention to the biblical call for compassionate justice. This vision transcends socio-economic categories and emphasizes the importance of extending compassion to all in need.
Biblical Call to Compassionate Justice
Isaiah 1:17 reminds us to “learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” This teaches us to have compassion alongside justice, emphasizing the importance of addressing oppression without demonizing individuals based solely on their socio-economic status. It’s about recognizing and addressing injustice wherever it exists, extending compassion to those in need without vilifying others based on what they possess – possessions or physical traits.
So, the biblical perspective rejects placing individuals into predetermined victim or oppressor categories based solely on their socio-economic status. Instead, it emphasizes compassionate justice, offering relief and assistance based on their unique needs and circumstances. It challenges us to resist the temptation to demonize or victimize based on external factors and instead strive for a society where compassionate justice prevails.
While the progressive left advocates for dismantling oppressive systems to achieve equity, the biblical perspective emphasizes discernment and compassion in addressing individual circumstances. Ultimately, God desires compassionate justice—a justice that seeks to uplift the marginalized without condemning those characterized by dominant socio-economic categories. It’s a reminder that true justice requires an approach that looks beyond those categories and focuses on extending compassion.