Tim Keller, minister at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, relays a story about a young man, named Mark, who moved into one of the poorest and dangerous part of Baltimore to join with other leaders in the community to establish a church and a set of ministries to transform the neighborhood. When Tim asked him why he was doing this, Mark said simply, "To do justice”. 

What does it mean to "do justice"?  Why should the Church care?

The term "social justice"  was coined by an Italian Jesuit scholar in 1840 and the concept has been further developed over the years by theologians.  In the last half century, the idea of social justice has taken on the secular meaning of ensuring that all humans are treated equally and have equal access to liberties, rights and opportunities regardless of gender, race, class, age, disability or other factors. While these ideas are important, they do not cover the full aspect of the original, biblical meaning of social justice, which must flow out of our understanding of God and our relationship with Him.

There are two words in the Bible that are associated with justice.  Mishpat is the Hebrew word for "justice" and means giving people what they are due, whether punishment or protection or care. It is also called "rectifying justice".  In the Old Testament, the word mishpat is typically associated with taking up the cause and care of the so called "quartet of the vulnerable" - widows, orphans, immigrants and the poor.

Tzadeqah is the Hebrew word meaning "being just" or "righteous" It means conducting oneself in all relationships with fairness, generosity and equity.  It is called "primary justice" in that, if tzadeqah was the behaviour present in the world then rectifying justice would be unnecessary because everyone would be living in right relationship to everyone else.  For example, it means taking the time personally to meet the needs of the elderly, unemployed or homeless in our community.

Mishpat + Tzadeqah = Social Justice

Going back to our beginning story, although Mark was living a comfortable, safe life, he became concerned about the most vulnerable, poor and marginalized members of our society and made a long-term personal sacrifice in order to serve their interests, needs and cause.

That is, according to the Bible, what it means to "do justice".

Why should the Church and Christians care about social justice issues?  In his article, What is Biblical Justice, Tim Keller says the answer is simple.  We should care because God cares.  He points to the numerous times that God is introduced in the Bible as the defender of the vulnerable.  For example, Psalm 68:4-5 describes God as "a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows".  This is one of the main things God does in the world.  Mr. Keller goes on to say that if you are trying to live your life in accordance with the Bible, the concept and call to justice are inescapable.  To not care for the vulnerable would be  unrighteous (i.e. unjust) and therefore a violation of God's law.

The Old Testament refers to the widows, orphans, immigrants and the poor as the "quartet of the vulnerable".  What social classes might be added to the list of the vulnerable today?

Review the list of vulnerable classes. How could Westminster display mishpat (rectifying justice) and tzadeqah (primary justice) to these individuals? What systemic issues may need to be addressed?

 

 

 

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