The Bible Requires Social Justice

Christians should not limit the gospel of Jesus Christ to a place of prayer and praise that is distinct and set apart, ignoring the world and its political and social systems.

This is a central message contained in “Social Justice 101: Finding Answers to the Questions We’re All Asking,” a short, teaching tool that is being featured on the website of the Christian Reformed Church’s Office of Social Justice (OSJ).

Made up of 14 Q&As, the OSJ feature lays out the role of social justice in a Christian’s life, offering history on the topic and seeking to answer questions commonly posed by critics.

Some Q&As address whether there is  biblical evidence for Christians to become actively involved, in various ways, in seeking social change.

The answer: Yes.

While the Bible may make no real mention of voting, running for office or advocating for changes in government policy, says OSJ, the “Old Testament includes explicit commands for the way the nation of Israel ought to live, worship, and be governed.”

And these commands are for establishing just kingdoms that consider the needs and care for the people of Israel. Not to do so is sinful and disturbs God.

The New Testament is all about the transformation of individuals and of society, underscoring that Christians whose consciences have been shaped by Christ have no other choice but to seek crucial changes in society, says the OSJ material.

“Our faith reminds us that justice, love, and mercy must be important considerations in a conversation about how we engage politics... especially on behalf of those who experience oppression as a result of the way that political power has been wielded,” says the OSJ feature.

Christians should seek with God’s grace to follow the command “for us to treat other people with love and justice and to act in a way that restores right relationships …”

In today’s society, that might mean bringing awareness to climate change, seeking justice for Native peoples, or fighting on behalf of illegal immigrants.

Contrary to some misconceptions, says OSJ, the term “‘social justice’ is a concept deeply rooted in the historic, biblically orthodox traditions of Christian faith.”

The phrase was coined by a Catholic Jesuit monk who based it on the teachings of Italian philosopher and theologian Thomas Aquinas.

Focusing especially on educating the church about important concerns, OSJ is a social justice-ministry developed in response to world hunger reports adopted by Synods 1979 and 1993.

A similar advocacy ministry in Canada had operated as the Committee for Contact with the Government. It is now known as the Centre for Public Dialogue.

This news article was updated 3/1/13.