Before you read this article, I want to express my appreciation for you engaging with the content I’ve been writing. Because of their length, you might enjoy them more by reading smaller portions at a time, or selecting sections that are of particular interest to you. At the end of this teaching I answer a few questions people have been asking me.
I plan to write 1-2 more articles on this subject as I believe it is a watershed moment for our culture and, especially, the Church in America. So many of you who are reading this material have responded very positively stating that you have been informed, challenged, and motivated. Many of you are talking to others or passing on the teachings. The articles will continue to be posted on my blog: daleebel.org, so that in the future you can refer back to them or recommend them to others. Thank You.
Now the article…
Did you know that the SJM is a highly moral movement? As followers of Christ, our spiritual ears ought to be quickened when a question about morality and SJM is brought up. We ought to be the champions of discerning biblical morality, how it intersects with justice, and how a given morality squares with the Word of God.
Consider the words of the prophet Isaiah:
14 “Justice is turned back, and righteousness [up-right moral behavior] stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the public squares, and uprightness cannot enter. 15 Truth is lacking, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. The LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice.”- Isaiah 59:14-15
Once again, I am awe-struck of what the Word of God says as to our present condition in our present culture. Aren’t you?
In the context, true justice — the Hebrew word means righteousness, which is doing what is morally right repeatedly — was being thwarted because the peoples’ sins kept them from experiencing God’s blessings. In some ways, we can hardly identify with these verses because our secular culture is so far removed from the notion of a healthy fear of God.
Nevertheless, I share these verses because of how righteousness, that is, God’s Morality, is tied with Justice. As an outcome of not following God’s laws and statues, truth becomes secondary. In our culture today, and even in many socially minded churches and Christian organizations, we see incomplete love, blind acceptance, and indiscriminate tolerance as the new morality. All of this is typically celebrated and reinforced under the banner of “unity.” Love is the new morality, and love is defined as acceptance, regardless of verifiable facts or in consideration of what Scripture says (see 1 John 5:3).
What is even more illuminating from the Isaiah passage above, is that if you side with God’s truth you become the prey. Is it any wonder why so many churches and Christian organizations are accommodating and conforming to the ideological persuasion of the SJM? Many churches are jettisoning orthodox biblical teaching in an attempt to align themselves with the core presuppositions of the emerging ideology. This is typically motivated out of a desire for self-preservation. In my own strength and survival instinct, I know I don’t want to become the prey. However, is that a reason to stop advancing the principles of God? Of course NOT!
The embraced belief that we ought to jettison orthodoxy (which is a false belief), believes that, unless we conform to the reigning worldview, churches and Christian organizations (CO’s) will be marginalized and weakened.
I think just the opposite.
Collectively, if believers stood for a balance of truth and biblical love, our churches would once again bring God’s righteousness back into the public square.
Allow me to paraphrase Isaiah 59:14-15a:
“Guilty mankind has so rejected justice, righteousness, truth, and uprightness, that godliness is persecuted. Truth has stumbled in the public squares (our present culture). The people no longer publicly acknowledge an overarching standard of truth. Falsehood is freely proclaimed and readily accepted as truth. He who departs from evil (i.e., the evil that people are presently doing) makes himself prey (i.e. he is hunted like an animal).” – The Dale Ebel Paraphrase ;0)
Do I need to say more?
A Distorted Morality
As I said above, ideological social justice is a highly moral movement. It has a precise definition of right and wrong, and its followers relish their expression of righteousness and moral purity.
This morality looks nothing like our historical virtues of honesty, kindness, purity, forgiveness, marital fidelity, modesty or civility. No, it means one thing: overturning oppressive systems and liberating marginalized groups who have their own moral codes.
The movement is also very aggressive in its efforts to impose its morality on others. It obsesses over maintaining a sense of moral purity, not only within the ranks, but also imposing it on others through social media shaming, mobbing, by increasingly leveraging private and public authorities to impose rules and regulations, and to levy punishments on evildoers.
Below are comparisons between Biblical Morality and Social Justice Morality (SJM).
The is not an expansive list, but some significant tenets of each.
SJM—A person is immoral if: they insist that the male/female binary (related to two) is a fact—a biological reality.
Biblical Morality: Genesis 1:27 “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” And the Lord Jesus Christ affirmed this “binary” relationship in Matthew 19:4, 5.
SJM- A person is immoral if: they assert that marriage is a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman.
Biblical Morality: This is what the Lord Jesus Christ affirmed in Matthew 19: 4-6 4″Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
SJM- A person is immoral if: they believe that sex should be reserved for marriage.
Biblical Morality: Christ gave a very insightful broad umbrella for sexual immorality: “20 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, [illicit; forbidden by laws sexual intercourse that is outside of the confines of marriage], murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” – Mark 7:20-23 NKJV. Fornications is the broadest term of any sexual activity outside the laws and statues of Scripture and, therefore, covers them all: sex prior to marriage, sodomy, incest, homosexuality, bestiality, lesbianism, and transgender sexual relations, orgies, etc.
SJM- A Person is Immoral if: they fail to affirm and celebrate homosexuality, lesbianism, transgenderism, or any other sexual identity.
Biblical Morality: “That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. 27 And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.” – Rom 1:26-27 NLT
SJM– People of Color are considered oppressed no matter what, and are automatically deemed innocent when any subjective experience is proclaimed. The SJM argues their opinions from the social culture of the day and not judicial judgment, where facts are to be verified. They label it as racism with no Judicial or objective verification, and the culture is so timid that they agree with their subjective evaluation. They also falsely adhere to the tenet that only the oppressor (usually whites) are racist. A person of color can NEVER be racist.
Biblical Morality- Justice in the Bible is of a judicial order and not based on the opinions or sway of the masses.
2 “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd, 3 and do not show favoritism to a poor person in a lawsuit” – Exodus 23:2-3 NIV
The Scriptures are replete with discovering the facts before rendering an opinion.
“The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him” – Proverbs 18:17 ESV
And a powerful passage from Deuteronomy—
“A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established” – Deuteronomy 19:15 ESV
In the SJM mindset, the concept of finding objective facts is pretty much considered, passé. A pastor recently allowed a women of color to stand before the congregation and make the accusation that she and her boy have experienced racism without authenticating the facts. This subjectivism is never questioned…but is this biblical?
On one occasion, I allowed a man whom I later found out to be a pathological liar, the opportunity to give a testimony in front of our congregation. We genuinely felt for this man, prayed for him, all the while never checking the facts. Simply believing and giving him the benefit of the doubt. After that experience, any person who spoke in front of our congregation was more seriously scrutinized and their experience substantiated. I was ignorantly duped because I was too trusting and naïve. I made the assumption that all “professing Christians” have the right motive with the desire to do what is right and honoring to our Lord Jesus Christ. This simply is not true.
Consider the words of Jesus Christ:
24 “But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, 25 and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man” – John 2:24-25 NASB
We have pretty much cut up the New Testament and taken the parts we like about Jesus; the parts that go along with our culture, and simply thrown out what doesn’t align with the modern masses.
What is equally tragic is that the New Tolerance now demands, not merely acceptance, but wholehearted approval of evil practices. Many people today willfully support, condone, and justify sinful behaviors and especially if the sin touches a family member or close friend.
“…who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them” – Romans 1:32 NKJV
The tenderization of the American Church makes us a prime target for false teachers and false doctrines to creep in. I see so many pastors deceived, and many people in the congregations now leaving these churches. It’s about time.
A profound realization for me after my study of justice was, I discovered that the word “Justice” is NOT found in the New Testament, but the words the “righteous judgment of God,” or simply, ’Judgment,’” are used to convey the concept of justice. This is very interesting to me, but I’ll need to study more to discover why God did this.
More assertions:
SJM- Abortion is a positive, fundamental, human right. It is a matter of social justice—reproductive justice.
Biblical Morality: The Scripture is very clear and precise about the life of the not-yet-born. Life begins at conception.
I know that the argument for abortion is not just the mantra of the SJM but has become the accepted dogma in the public square. Nevertheless, the SJM has used it as a pillar of their morally perverse ideology.
However, the Word of God says God used, what we now call today, the double-helical DNA molecular program to bring about human life. This program organizes, part by part, the beautiful structure of the whole infant while in the womb of the mother. Once again friends, stand back and marvel at what you are reading here!
“13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together [a reference to the double-helical DNA molecular program] in my mother’s womb. 14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous–how well I know it. 15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together [literally, “embroidered,” which is a striking description of what the double-helical DNA molecule looks like under a microscope] in the dark of the womb. 16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” – Psalm 139:13-16 NLT
SJM- The LGBTQ moral revolution has made it clear that peaceful coexistence and neutrality is not an option. Total celebratory acceptance is the only option. Years ago, people like Josh McDowell defined that tolerance would become the New Tolerance where one MUST embrace the opinions, lifestyle or ideologies of another. L=Lesbian, G=Gay, B= Bisexual, T= Transgender and Q=Queer or Questioning. As I said above, we are now there.
However, I have noticed that there are people who are professing and practicing these lifestyles and they are not the ones leading the charge. They really don’t have to because there are the radical individuals who are paving the way for them. Many of those who follow one or more of these lifestyles simply go about living their lives away from the spotlight.
Biblical Morality: Observe a simple verse that gives clarity to all the above divalent behaviors:
“Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and NOT WE OURSELVES. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” – Psalm 100:3 NKJV
Sexual identity is not a social construct, as the SJM espouses, but it is a biological fact! Yahweh God made us, either male or female. We don’t choose to be one or the other. If people attempt to change their biological sex they are misguided or making an unnatural, detrimental choice which will lead to further destructive ramifications in their physical bodies, personality, and inner spirit.
This is what Romans 1:27 teaches. “receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.”
I have noticed that many parents are too quick to support a child who claims they are of a different gender. Kids go through a variety of feeling and thoughts which are not representative of their true nature. The subject of gender bending is a whole different topic, but I suggest you read Get Out Now written by Mary Rice Hasson and Theresa Farnan for an excellent treatment of physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual implications of people choosing to have a gender reversal. They also address the radical agenda of the gender movement, and how the schools and teachers have become “gender evangelists.” If you have a child in the public school this is a must read!
Questions people are asking me:
Below are some of the questions I have been asked by people challenged by the SJM.
If you are a follower of Christ and part of an institution that espouses SJ demagoguery and who have put SJ tenets in their policies, I would suggest a few things:
1. If you are an employee, you should comply with their policies, unless they are directly asking you to violate Scripture. In any given situation, however, you can still comply with their policies and as you interact with people in the company you can ask questions, make comments, or reference biblical principles without actually referencing the chapter and verse of the Bible. Remember, when Christ sent out His disciples He said: “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves, be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” – Matthew 10:16 KJV
2. Regardless of your occupation, do your job with excellence! However it works out in your context, and the many conversations and relationships you have to navigate, I know that the Holy Spirit will lead and guide you. “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” – Luke 12:11-12 NIV
Friends, this can be fun and thrilling to be the “lion’s den” so to speak!
“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit” – Galatians 5:25 ESV
3. If you cannot submit to the direction of your organization because of a violation of your biblical conscience (Romans 14:21), or to a particular policy, or are forced into overt conformity, then quit the company and look for another job. Linda and I did this years ago when we first were hired by a church in Oregon because the church was aligning itself with the heretical teachings of a particular denomination.
4. Should I keep attending a church that is supporting the SJM and are not providing an accurate biblical response? My answer is, no. Why? Because you will not change the mind of the leadership. There are probably many reasons they will continue to move forward in their ideological persuasion and will only compromise or comply more as the cultural squeezes this church into its mold. (Look at Romans 12:1-2.) Besides, do you want your money to be used for this ideology, when you can invest it in other viable Kingdom works?
5. Many Christians are loyal to a fault. They typically stay around in these churches because of relationships. They have a child or grandchild who love the kid’s or youth programs, etc. I have suggested that people leave the church and bring their family and friends with them.
I believe that more parents need to lead their kids, as opposed to allowing their kids to lead them. They allow their children to lead because they can settle for less as long as their kids are benefiting from the church. Most parents are also motivated by the fear of losing them to the world system, or fearful that God will not provide another healthy church environment. He will provide another church! Perhaps this is the time to do your own “family church,” which is more in line with Scripture anyway (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)! We clearly have outsourced the spiritual education of our kids to the church for far too long.
6. The success or decline of a given church or organization can be summarized in four stages: Man (used generically) —> Movement —>Machine —> Monument. God starts, with a man or a women who has a God-given vision. The Holy Spirit uses that person to create a movement where spiritual life, service, and Christ-exalting discipleship takes place. Out of these movements more disciples are produced to bring about additional Kingdom works. This is the two-fold cycle in which the Spirit is free to accomplish the Lord Jesus Christ’s purposes. This is a true revival. Look at Paul’s words to Timothy: “and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” – 2 Timothy 2:2 ESV
The downward spiral, however, begins when the movement starts to operate with a strong managerial system. People soon start to defend their organizational turf and a slow death ensues, often without any awareness. What is more destructive is that “corporate mentality” sets in and the spontaneity of being led by the Spirit of God becomes a distant memory. Look at 2 Timothy 3:: 5 “… having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” (ESV) The apostolic – that is,the function of taking risks for God’s Kingdom – motif is squelched in favor of a managerial ethos. One of the best works about this apostolic ministry is Alan Hirsch’s book, The Forgotten Ways. This is a must read for any Christian leader of a church or a Christian organization! (Consider, Ephesians 4:11-12)
I just advised a man who was on staff at one of the largest the most successful evangelical organizations known in America, to leave that organization and start a new movement.
19 “For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved (by God) may be made manifest (recognized) among you.”– 1 Corinthians 11:19 KJV
This particular organization has drifted into the heretical ideology of the SJM. I suggested that he find and select people within that organization who see what is happening, are pure in biblical doctrine (teaching), and encourage them to start a new movement.
There are more spiritual entrepreneurs (apostolic Christ-followers) than we think!
Leave the organizations that are jettisoning from the truth and start over. This is how God has worked over and over again with the Nation of Israel. Here are the four cycles—obedience to God’s commands —> sin and rebellion —> judgment—> a remnant is raised up and revival takes place. Christ said it best: when the wine skins have become fermented on the inside, throw them away and get new wine skins !
“37 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. 38 No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.” – Luke 5:37-38 NIV
Ironically, this very concept of “new wine in new wineskins” is being promoted for the justification of ousting, or transitioning older pastors. It’s also used by Christian schools to allow the students to form their own “new wines” ministries, usually embracing the new cultural thought without biblical consideration.
A Few Suggested Actions:
1. Become significantly familiar with the passages of Scripture above by going to your Bibles and marking them up in ways that help you to absorb these powerful truths.
2. Start to verbalize with others the realities of these verses.
3. Learn how to ask open-ended questions which promote conversations about the distorted morality of the SJM and about biblical morality.
4. Attend a Bible-centered church. I know there are others, but in our area here are my two suggestions: Grand View Baptist Church in Beavercreek, Oregon. Pastor Mike Mutchler is a true follower of Christ overseeing a church with multiple programs for kids through adults. 14855 S. Leland Rd. Beavercreek, OR 97004.
Athey Creek Christian Fellowship Pastor Brett Meador, 2700 SW Ek Rd, West Linn, OR 97068. Athey Creek has become the center for finding biblical truth as people are leaving the SJ churches.
5. Initiate a small gathering in your home: watch online, pray, and discuss the teaching you have heard. Of course, with social distancing.
6. If you leave a SJ type of Church write a letter to the leadership team, not just the senior pastor, and tell them why you are leaving. Inform your friends why you are leaving also.
Well you deserve a medal for reading all 3,921 words! 🙂
In Christ,
Dale