Advocating for Justice: An Evangelical Vision for Transforming Systems and Structures

by Stephen Offutt; F. David Bronkema; Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy

and

2 more

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2016

Overview

Christians are increasingly interested in justice issues. Relief and development work are important, but beyond that is a need for advocacy. This book shows how transforming systems and structures results in lasting change, providing theological rationale and strategies of action for evangelicals passionate about justice. Each of the authors contributes both academic expertise and extensive practical experience to help readers debate, discuss, and discern more fully the call to evangelical advocacy. They also guide readers into prayerful, faithful, and wise processes of advocacy, especially in relation to addressing poverty.

Key Features

• Seeks to encourage evangelicals to weave advocacy into the fabric of their religious lives and communities
• Provides practical lessons and narrate experiences to show how a faith community might strengthen its relationship with God and be faithful in its call to advocacy
• Lays out a theology of advocacy, exploring the nature of God as it relates to concepts of advocacy

Contents

Part 1: The Problem Defined

• An Evangelical Approach to Advocacy: Definitions and Underpinnings
• Transformational Advocacy: Past Foundations, Current Challenges, and New Frontiers for Evangelical Action

Part 2: An Evangelical Theology of Advocacy

• Theology of Advocacy: God, Power, and Advocacy
• Transformational Advocacy and Power: The State and Social Institutions
• The Role of the Church

Part 3: An Evangelical Practice of Advocacy

• Transformational Advocacy Practice: Witness of the Local and Global Church and the Parachurch
• Challenges and Tensions in Transformational Advocacy and Steps for Overcoming Them

Praise for Advocating for Justice

This book respectfully equips evangelicals with a deep theology for advocacy that moves beyond just an identification of need. Instead, the authors embed the call to action in the nature of God, who yearns for justice. It is a welcome book at an opportune time.

Sandra F. Joireman, Weinstein Chair of International Studies and professor of political science, University of Richmond; chair of the board of directors, Bread for the World

Jesus spoke up on behalf of the vulnerable, the marginalized, and the voiceless. By offering clear biblical foundations, Advocating for Justice lights the path for Christians seeking to discern what it means to follow Jesus’s example. It shows how wise advocacy practices can and should flow from authentic Christian discipleship and become part of evangelicals’ broader witness to the good news in this world.

Lynne Hybels, advocate for global engagement, Willow Creek Community Church

An excellent book that meets an urgent need. In recent decades, evangelicals have greatly expanded their concern for the poor and oppressed. To a large extent, however, we have not understood how advocacy for improved public policies could produce important change in the lives of the poor. This very readable, solidly biblical book shows us how to do that. Every Christian should read it.

Ron Sider, president emeritus, Evangelicals for Social Action

Product Details

• Title: Advocating for Justice: An Evangelical Vision for Transforming Systems and Structures
• Authors: Stephen Offutt, F. David Bronkema, Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, Robb Davis, Gregg A. Okesson
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Print Publication Date: 2016
• Logos Release Date: 2025
• Pages: 216
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subjects: Christianity and justice; Evangelicalism
• ISBNs: 9781493403547, 1493403540
• Resource ID: LLS:DVCTNGJSSTRCTRS
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-11-18T03:04:32Z