Systemic sin has, lately, been related to liberation theologies, social justice movements, and significant theory. Each of those areas of study offers unique insights into the symptoms and patterns of systemic sin. For instance, Derrick Bell, well known as the daddy of critical race theory, highlights the “principle of interest convergence” arguing, “The interest of blacks in achieving racial equality can be accommodated only when it converges with the interests of whites.” Bell is identifying an issue rooted in a society through which the Triune God’s authority just isn’t a governing constraint. That problem could also be stated as follows: rejecting God’s authority creates a vacuum through which another authority is established.
Again, the issue just isn’t authority per se, however the inherent limitations of any governing authority. To put it in a different way, if those at the highest were to seek out themselves on the underside and vice versa, society would exhibit different problems moderately than having no problems in any respect. That just isn’t to suggest that systemic sin mustn’t be addressed, but to acknowledge that aside from discipleship the suitable constraints for addressing systemic sin are lacking.
Does the shortage of constraints mean that Christians can only address systemic sin through discipleship? In a way, yes. Discipleship is the one way the constraints of God’s authority could also be applied throughout the world. Those constraints are the one option to transcend the restrictions of this world—to, as Juarrero suggests, “create alternatives.” Discipleship doesn’t lead us away from participating in economic, political, or social. Instead, it leads us to participate in a different way, knowing that whatever progress may be made can be fleeting and insufficient unless or until Christ’s authority is recognized. Fleeting and insufficient progress just isn’t trivial since it is fleeting and insufficient. Such progress continues to be value pursuing, but, for Christians, it can’t be an end in itself. It have to be something we pursue as we seek to make disciples for Jesus Christ.
Systemic sin, in line with theologian Cornelius Plantinga, “comprises an unlimited historical and cultural matrix that features traditions, old patterns of relationship and behavior, atmospheres of expectation, [and] social habits.” Our world is corrupted and corruptible, partly, because we diminish God’s authority, giving lesser authorities pride of place. Our traditions, relationships, expectations, habits, etc., now not sit under the authority of God. As such, combatting systemic sin may involve social justice movements, political participation, or initiatives to root out partiality, however it must involve discipleship because making disciples draws people under and teaches them to live under the authority of Christ.
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