Social justice is a hot button issue these days. While this has always been the case there is an extra emphasis on it due to the presidency of Barack Obama and the recent passage of health care reform. Many of the conservative media personalities are highlighting this issue and Glen Beck is going so far as to suggest that social justice issues are anti God and that true believers should shy away from social justice issues. Unfortunately, many evangelical Christians listen to Beck and form their world view from his ideas.
The question that I would like to pose is as follows: What does the bible say about social justice and the treatment of the poor? Further to the point...what was Jesus position on social justice and treatment of the poor. In this article I am going to make some assumptions that may not be shared by people in general but, are indeed shared by evangelical Christians. Here are my assumptions. Jesus is the living Word of God, the unique only begotten son of God, the church is presently an expression of God’s people in the world and, God is essentially unchanging throughout the ages. Likewise, my assumptions include believing that the bible is God’s unique inspired expression to the world and that it is profitable for teaching, reproof and, instructions in righteousness. In other words, I am coming from a position that is consistent with the beliefs about Jesus and the bible that are widely held within evangelical circles.
Biblical Israel was a theocracy and, as such, provided government for both the religious and non religious aspects of day to day living. The elders in the gate were in essence the governing body of biblical Jews. Since Jesus was a Jew and further, since he was the Jewish Messiah, it is incumbent on Christians to see their Christian faith in the context of Judaism. Certainly, evangelicals see their God synonymously with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. There is no difference. The one God of Israel, according to evangelical Christians is indeed the one true God. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the views God held for the theocracy would indeed be the views held by him for all types of governments.
Interestingly, there is a mention of treatment of the poor in one hundred and fifty-nine verses in the Old Testament. Many of the blessings that people receive from God are predicated on their treatment of the poor. An example of this is found in the Psalms: Psa 41:1-3 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Blessed is he who considers the poor; The LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. (2) The LORD will preserve him and keep him alive, And he will be blessed on the earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies. (3) The LORD will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed. Considering the poor in this context means to prosper, deal prudently, teach etc.
In future posts we will delve into this in depth. Especially the scripture passages that show how the judgment of God fell upon Israel solely because of their mistreatment of the poor and their unwillingness to promote justice.... and yes Glen Beck... it was social justice, and yes, it was the government.
