Thoughts - "Social Justice"

This was written before I really got together my format for the Thoughts. I happened to think of it this evening, so I thought I'd put it up. Enjoy!
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But What Is Social Justice?

Over recent months, I've heard the words "social justice" a lot. What's rather more amazing is just how much I've heard those particular words repeated. Actually, what's interesting in that is that the words seem to be used to the exclusion of any synonymous words or phrases, to the point that I fear the phrase has become merely a buzzword. That's unfortunate, yet understandable, because, while we talk about social justice, about how important it is, etc., what we've failed to do is say what it actually is.

Now to some it may seem rather pedantic to go over a phrase with such an obvious meaning. And, on one level, that's true. However, the more I hear it used, the less convinced I am that we have truly figured out what it means. I think we have some ideas, but nothing cohesive or comprehensive enough to be at all useful.

Connected with that problem is the problem of what do we do with what we know. To put it simply, if we don't know what social justice truly is, how on earth can we put it in practice? Sure, we have some examples, but are they the only, or even the best, ways?

Let me submit to you a candidate for a working definition. I'll take it straight from the horse's (er, Savior's) mouth: "Thou shalt ... love thy neighbor as thyself." (Matt. 5:39) Now, that may appear a little too obvious. However, I would say three things regarding that: 1) simple is good for a childlike faith, 2) for fun, I asked a random Christian to provide a synonym for social justice, and it took them a couple minutes to reach this point, so it's apparently not as obvious as it looks, and 3) it provides some important insights into the topic that should be pulled out. Let me flesh out #3 a bit more.

First, this definition says something about the scope of "social justice." Jesus did a good job of explaining who our neighbor is - see the parable of the Good Samaritan. I'll simply add that even the Samaritan didn't have unlimited resources or reach, but he did well by being ready when God did put someone in his path. We certainly can't help everyone ourselves, but we also can't help but find someone who needs the kind of love Christ commands us to give. Since none of us is a hermit, finding a “neighbor” in need shouldn't be too hard.

Second, it says something about the level of social justice. Just as most of us have no lack of love for ourselves, so we are to spread our love to as many others as possible.

So, are you feeling better now? This isn't so bad. But there are a couple of other things that need to be pulled out:

The third thing this passage addresses is how we approach social justice. Even a cursory understanding of the human condition in the Christian worldview reveals nothing deserving of love in any of us, but instead much that seems completely unlovable. But, although it flies in the face of the demands of justice, we continue to love ourselves, in a kind of self-mercy. Because of this, I find Social Justice to be a rather odd term – if we love ourselves via mercy, not justice, then what place can true justice have in our love for others? The kind of love we are called to give goes beyond, even contrary to, reason and justice – it's an extravagant love, not unlike what Christ showed to us in His crucifixion. It's a love that won't be fulfilled by putting money in an offering plate, a love that won't be satisfied with an afternoon in a soup kitchen, a concern for others that refuses to say “that's enough.” It's also, I might add, as much for myself as others, a love that not only is willing, but desires to turn the other cheek to a slight or injustice against oneself.

Fourth, and finally, it places social mercy in its proper context. As Christ Himself said, loving one's neighbor is only the second-greatest commandment (Matt. 5:39a). Social ministry never supersedes the greatest commandment, to give God His proper worship, in the fullest meaning of the term. Quite bluntly, the social gospel is no gospel of Christ's. You can feed billions, clothe millions, even save thousands from the horrors of human trafficking, and be a total failure in the greater picture. Honestly, what good will a warm fuzzy feeling for you, or a full stomach for them, do when both of you are burning in eternal torment? (see Matt. 18:9) Social mercy is pointless outside of the framework of godliness, and such a framework cannot be attained by putting God in the backseat. God demands that He be placed first and foremost in our lives, not just for His glory, but also for our benefit. Because, interestingly enough, God, in all His God-liness, loved us so much that He died to save us, the greatest act of social mercy ever to occur. If the goal of Christianity is godliness, then, as we mature in Christ, how much greater will our motivation to minister to our neighbors be, and how much more will we be able to love them in a way that can not only provide for them now, but give them greater treasures above?

When all is said and done, it is #4 that truly defines how social “justice” (really mercy) works. It's not contrived, it's not conjured up, it's not random. It's not something to just up and do either. True social ministry can only happen when we are in an intimate relationship with God. When that is the case, we'll see who we are, who we can help, and be driven to help them in a way that serves God's will. When you're working within God's will, it doesn't matter whether you're feeding the hungry, donating to a project somewhere else, or simply listening to the person down the hall – all are true social mercy, and will bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. When you leave God out of it, or use Him as a figurehead for your own ideas, the best of intentions will be misdirected, misapplied, and end up being a hindrance to God's plan.