BTW brought my attention to this important conversation between Marvin Olasky (whom I've referenced previously) and Jim Wallis, a modern proponent of the Christian Social Justice movement. The ideas of Compassion have been of great interest to me, especially as I've been involved with ministry to the under-priveleged and in full-time ministry. The best ways to "do compassion" are worth all Christians wrestling with. This exchange is a good start (about 1.5 hours). Here's a summary of Olasky's response to the conversation:
[In the debate, Wallis] kept trying to position himself as a centrist rather than a big government proponent. . . . [M]odern usage [of the term "social justice"] by liberal preachers and journalists is thoroughly unbiblical: Many equate social justice with fighting a free enterprise system that purportedly keeps people poor but in reality is their best economic hope. How to respond? I’d suggest four possible ways. . .
Challenge those who speak of “social justice” in a conventionally leftist way. If your local church is committed to what won’t help the poor but will empower would-be dictators, pray and work for gospel-centered teaching. If necessary, find another church.
A second: Try to recapture the term by giving it a 19th- (and 21st?) century small-government twist. The Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute are trying to do this. I wish them success.
A third way: Accept the left’s focus on systemic problems but not its faulty analysis. Learn about the biggest institutional hindrance to economic advance for the poor: the government’s monopoly control of taxpayer funds committed to education and welfare. Work for school vouchers and tax credits that will help many poor children to grow both their talents and their knowledge of God.
Fourth and best: Tutor a child. Visit a prisoner. Help the sick. Follow Christ.