Unit 3: Justice and Injustice Flashcards
What is justice?
Justice is the fair and equal treatment of all people within a society.
What is injustice?
Injustice is when unfair action is allowed and can often lead to people’s rights being interfered with.
What does the Bible teach about justice?
- In Psalm 97:2 it says that righteousness and justice are central to the nature of God.
- It is against a perfect standard that God measures all humans acts so that He can respond with justice
- Forgiveness is part of God’s system of justice
- Any penalty for failing to meet God’s standard of perfection is paid for through the acceptance of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross
What is God’s nature towards those who are unjustly treated?
- In the Bible, God condemns and punishes those who abuse others
- He has compassion for those who suffer injustice
- Defends the weak and afflicted
- Sets the oppressed free
How are Christians required to treat the needy?
- Christians are required to show a sacrificial love to those in need
- Christians need to plead for the weak and speak up for the voiceless
- Defend the rights of the afflicted (Proverbs 31:9)
What is Christian justice?
- Christians justice isn’t simply about love and forgiveness, it demands that wrongdoing is appropriately punished and that forgiveness is offered only if the wrongdoer is repentant.
- Someone who has repented is given the chance to reform and move on
- This approach to justice is a reflection of the way Christians believe God deals with the wrongdoings of humans against Him
What is social justice?
Social justice is defined as ‘justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within society.’
What is social injustice?
Social injustice results in unequal wealth, unfair treatment of individuals because of race, sexuality or religion and laws that support segregation.
The relationship between peace and a just society
- When a society is just, there is less conflict
- Even in diverse communities, there’s no need for conflict if there is mutual respect
- Terrorism is reduced if communities value the chance to experience diverse cultures because people feel less marginalised
- Significant link between peace and a just society
Ways Christians work for social justice
- Christians believe it’s important to work for social justice and towards achieving fair treatment for all people as equal and valuable before God
- For example, many Christians choose to buy Fair Trade products as part of their action for social justice
- Raise awareness about human trafficking
- Support the Salvation Army, which helps those involved in human trafficking
How do Christians view social injustice?
- Christians believe in the value and dignity of all humans, including those who are weak or part of other minority groups
- Don’t accept that any human should possess fewer rights or values than another
- All Christians are opposed to any form of social injustice
- The value of every human is equal in the eyes of God
- Christians aim to achieve justice for all people
