This emphasis on meritocracy is a core component of the American value system. It presupposes that experiences of injustice are usually tied to lack of effort. I’ve heard this repeated from many, from upwardly mobile White people to successful Asian immigrants to highly educated Latinos: “If these people only worked harder, they would not be poor.” “If they pursued an education, they would live in greater freedom.” “If they didn’t rely on the government, they would experience success.” It’s ironic that Christians who believe in salvation by grace and not our merit can be so formed by a social
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