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What is social justice?

A general definition of social justice is hard to come to and even harder to implement. In essence, social justice is concerned with equal justice, not just in the courts, but in all aspects of society. This concept demands that people have equal rights and opportunities; everyone, from the poorest person on the margins of society to the wealthiest deserves an even playing field. Social justice is justice exercised within a society, particularly as it is applied to and among the various social classes of a society. The term 'social justice' implies fairness and mutual obligation in society: that we are responsible for one another, and that we should ensure that all have equal chances to succeed in life.

Origin

Social justice as a secular concept, distinct from religious teachings, emerged mainly in the late twentieth century, influenced primarily by philosopher John Rawls who has been the most influential thinker on social justice. Rawls argues for a balance between social equality and individual freedom. However, social equality and individual freedom are

frequently seen as in tension, and debate continues as to how, and to


what extent, they can be balance.

Bible and Social Justice


What, then, is the Christian view of social justice? The Bible teaches that God is a God of justice. In fact, all his ways are justice (Deuteronomy 32:4). Also, the Bible supports the notion of social justice in which concern and care are shown to the plight of the poor and afflicted (Deuteronomy 10,24,27). The Bible often refers to the fatherless, the widow and the sojourner that is, people who were not able to fend for themselves or had no support system. The nation of Israel was commanded by God to care for societys less fortunate, and their eventual failure to do so was partly the reason for their judgment and expulsion from the land. In Jesus Olivet Discourse, He mentions caring for the least of these (Matthew 25:40), and in James epistle he expounds on the nature of true religion (James 1:27). So, if by social justice we mean that society has a moral obligation to care for those less fortunate, then that is correct. God knows that, due to the fall, there will be widows, fatherless and sojourners in society, and He made provisions in the old and new covenants to care for these outcasts of society. The model of such behavior is Jesus Himself, who reflected Gods sense of justice by bringing the gospel message to even the outcasts of society.

Bible and Social Justice


Another example of state sponsored distributive justice in Israel involved one form of tithing. Deuteronomy 14:28-29 states, At the end of every third year you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in that year, and shall deposit it in your town. The Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance among you, and the alien, the orphan and the widow who are in your town, shall come and eat and be satisfied, in order that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.

Adam Taylor, vice-president of advocacy, World Vision US wrote: The Bible makes social justice a mandate of faith and a fundamental expression of Christian discipleship. Social justice has its biblical roots in a triune God who time and time again shows His love and compassion for the weak, the vulnerable, the marginalized. Biblical references to the word justice mean to make right. Justice is, first and foremost, a relational termpeople living in right relationship with God, one another, and the natural creation. From a scriptural point of view, justice means loving our neighbor as we love ourselves and is rooted in the character and nature of God. As God is just and loving, so we are called to do justice and live in love.

Cristian Kim Mirtha Irrazabal Steffi Krahn

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