Social Justice as a Social Construct
Social justice, as we understand it, is a social construct—it evolves over time, shaped by the ongoing discourse of the moment. Social justice is a product of discourse; it does not exist outside of that discourse. This means that our ideas about justice are not fixed or eternal; they are influenced by the specific cultural, political, and social contexts in which we live. The definitions of justice have shifted from one era to the next, from one place to another, and from one group to another. What one society deems just in one era may be radically different from what another society deems just in a different period. This ever-changing nature challenges us to engage critically with the definitions of justice we inherit and live by, questioning how our current understanding aligns with or deviates from the wisdom of the past. It also calls for humility—an acknowledgment that the way we think about justice today may not hold the same weight or relevance in the future.
Isaiah 1:17 - “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.”
Example: The civil rights movements of the 20th century in the United States offer a clear example of how the discourse on social justice evolved. In the 1960s, activists called for the dismantling of segregation laws, arguing that such systems were unjust. Today, the discourse has expanded to include broader issues like economic inequality and environmental justice.
The Expansion of Social Justice from Ancient to Modern Times
In ancient times, social justice was about providing accommodations to the marginalized, ensuring they had access to the power and resources that others enjoyed. While anciently it was just about making special accommodations in order to extend access to power and resources to those marginalized, today we've added to that the idea that these systemic power asymmetries can be deconstructed and the system can be reconstructed. The focus back then was often limited to providing the oppressed with a fair shot at the resources available, leveling the playing field as much as possible. Today, however, our understanding of social justice has expanded. It’s not just about accommodating the oppressed; it’s about dismantling the very structures that keep them oppressed in the first place. The goal has shifted from merely giving marginalized groups equal access to power and resources to rethinking and reshaping the systems themselves to ensure that inequality is not perpetuated. It’s no longer enough to allow people into the system—it’s about breaking down the barriers that prevent them from entering in the first place. And this evolution reflects a more radical approach to justice, one that aims for systemic transformation rather than temporary fixes.
Micah 6:8 - “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Example: In the early 20th century, social justice movements focused on securing voting rights and education for marginalized groups. Today, movements like Black Lives Matter aim to deconstruct systemic racism and transform police practices, focusing on long-term societal change rather than just reforming individual laws.
The Bible's Call to Address Inequality
At its core, social justice has always been about addressing the deep-rooted inequalities embedded in society. Social justice is all over the Bible, it's all over the Hebrew Bible, it's all over the New Testament. The scriptures repeatedly emphasize the need to address injustice, particularly when it comes to how the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed are treated. Whether it’s the Hebrew prophets calling out the exploitation of the poor or the teachings of Jesus condemning the neglect of the needy, the Bible is unmistakably clear: justice involves both the redistribution of resources and the dismantling of social structures that create inequality. This concept of justice is not a new or radical development; it has been central to spiritual teachings for centuries. What is radical is the insistence that social justice is not optional but integral to living a righteous and faithful life. Justice is not merely a social issue; it is a spiritual one.
Proverbs 31:8-9 - “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Example: The story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) embodies the biblical call to social justice, showing that true neighborly love involves caring for those in need, regardless of societal divisions.
Faith Communities and the Ongoing Struggle with Social Justice
Faith communities concerned with social justice often find themselves in an ongoing struggle to define their role in the pursuit of justice. Yet, despite this, there’s often resistance to fully engaging with the call to action. People within these communities wrestle with their responsibilities, seeking ways to rationalize away their duty to care for the marginalized. Just as we see in the parables of Jesus, faith communities struggle with reconciling their piety with the demands of social justice. There are those who, when faced with the suffering of others, ask, "Who is my neighbor?"—attempting to narrow the scope of their responsibility. And today, we hear similar rationalizations on platforms like Twitter, where people challenge the validity of using government resources to care for the poor. Both instances reflect a reluctance to take full responsibility for others, preferring to rationalize away the uncomfortable demands of justice.
Luke 10:29-37 - Parable of the Good Samaritan.
Example: Many religious communities today struggle with whether to focus on spiritual salvation or to address systemic injustices like poverty and racial inequality. For example, some churches in the U.S. have been criticized for focusing on individual salvation while not speaking out on issues like racial injustice or economic inequality.
Salvation and Social Justice in Christian Scripture
One of the most important lessons in Christian scripture is the inseparable link between salvation and social justice. There is not a single syllable of Christian scripture that supports the notion that salvation is achievable in the absence of and even in opposition to social justice. This teaching challenges individualistic interpretations of salvation that prioritize personal salvation above the welfare of others. Throughout the Bible, salvation is framed not as an individualistic pursuit but as a communal one. A person’s relationship with God is deeply intertwined with their relationship to others—especially those who are suffering or oppressed. The notion that one can be saved while ignoring the needs of the marginalized is simply incompatible with the teachings of scripture. Salvation, in the biblical sense, is not just about the soul; it’s about justice for all, and it cannot be separated from the call to care for the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed.
Matthew 25:35-40 - “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…”
Example: In the book of James (James 2:14-17), the writer insists that faith without works is dead, emphasizing that salvation involves practical expressions of love and justice toward those in need.
The Prophetic Tradition and Social Justice
The Hebrew Bible’s 8th-century prophets were among the earliest social justice warriors, boldly condemning the injustices of their time. The Hebrew Bible's 8th Century prophets were the original social justice warriors. These prophets weren’t just religious figures—they were political and social activists. They used their influence to critique the powerful elites who oppressed the poor and marginalized. They condemned the misuse of wealth and power, calling for a society where justice and fairness prevailed. Their prophetic voices still resonate today, reminding us that true spiritual leadership requires speaking truth to power and advocating for systemic change. These ancient voices continue to inspire those of us committed to justice, showing us that social justice is not just a modern concern but a central tenet of our spiritual traditions.
Amos 5:24 - “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”
Example: The prophetic messages of figures like Martin Luther King Jr. today echo those of the 8th-century Hebrew prophets, calling out the injustices of their respective societies, such as racial segregation and economic inequality.
The Heart of the Law and True Obedience
In the Bible, true obedience to God’s law is not about ritual or sacrifice but about justice and mercy. For you to engage in the outward performances of obedience to the law and piety while violating the very beating heart of the law is an abomination to God. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God’s law is not meant to be a mere checklist of pious acts; it is meant to guide us toward a life of justice and compassion. The prophets in the Hebrew Bible were not criticizing the outward observances of the law itself but the hypocrisy of those who performed rituals while simultaneously exploiting the poor and marginalized. True obedience requires us to live out the values of the law, not just perform it for show. It challenges us to consider whether our acts of worship and devotion align with our responsibility to care for those in need, particularly those who have been pushed to the margins of society.
Hosea 6:6 - “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.”
Example: In the New Testament, Jesus' critique of the Pharisees (Matthew 23:23-24) highlights this same issue, rebuking religious leaders for their outward acts of piety while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
The Critique of Power and the Call for Justice
The Bible’s prophetic critique is often directed at the social elites, those who have access to power and resources but use that access to perpetuate inequality. The critique is always directed at the social elites, the people who have access to power and resources, and it condemns them because they're using that access to power and resources to structure things in their favor and to oppress and to marginalize. This critique remains relevant today, as we continue to see how power is often used to maintain the status quo, keeping the rich and powerful at the top while pushing the marginalized further down. The call for justice in the Bible is not just about addressing the individual acts of injustice but about challenging the entire system that perpetuates inequality. This is a powerful reminder that the pursuit of justice must extend beyond surface-level reforms; it must seek to dismantle the structural systems that maintain the imbalance of power. Whether it’s through the work of social justice activists or through the actions of faith communities, the biblical call to justice is a call to confront the forces that sustain injustice and to advocate for a more equitable and compassionate world.
Luke 4:18 - “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.”
Example: Modern-day critiques of economic inequality, such as the fight for a living wage or the push for corporate tax reform, echo the biblical condemnation of elites who use their wealth and power to exploit the less fortunate. These movements challenge the systems that favor the rich and powerful, much like the biblical prophets did centuries ago.
The biblical teachings on justice reveal a deep, unwavering commitment to addressing inequality, not only through acts of charity but through the transformation of the very systems that perpetuate injustice. By examining the social constructs of justice, the role of faith communities, and the prophetic call to action, we are invited to engage in a process of self-reflection, reform, and radical societal change. These ancient and sacred texts continue to serve as a reminder that justice is not a passive ideal but an active, ongoing pursuit that demands engagement from each of us, both individually and collectively.
