Why Justice Is Important: Christians (after this test move church to separate thing) Flashcards
What are four points?
The Bible teaches that God is the ‘God of Justice’
Jesus’ teachings
God’s judgement
Fighting injustice as to bring about the just society that God requires
The Bible teaches that God is the ‘God of Justice’
‘There is no God but me, a just God and a Saviour.’ (Isaiah 45:21)
Humans are made Imago Dei and so God expects his people to treat each other justly also
Jesus’ teachings
The Golden Rule: ‘So in everything, do unto others what you would have them undo to you.’ (Matthew 7:12)
Christians should follow the teachings of Jesus
People want to be treated justly so should treat other justly as this is what they would want also
God’s judgement
“God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you.” (2 Thessalonians 1:6)
On Judgement Day, those who have been unjust will go to hell On Judgement Day
This is an incentive to treat people justly and be rewarded with heaven instead
Fighting injustice as to bring about the just society that God requires
“He has sent me to … set the oppressed free,
and announce that the time has come when the Lord will save his people.” (Luke 4)
Christians should follow Jesus’ teachings and example
What does the Methodist Church say about punishments for crime?
“the aim of punishment is not primarily retribution, still less revenge, but the reform and rehabilitation of the offender.”
What does the United Reform Church say about punishments for crime?
“It is society’s role to offer that possibility of reform through systems of confinement and imprisonment which the state organises.”
What do the Quakers say about punishments for crime?
“Quakers would like to see a more positive approach taken towards everyone involved with crime and punishment.”
This is because they believe that prison has negative effects on the offenders and rarely stops crime
What did Jesus teach about about retribution?
It is not the best way, but instead you should forgive a person and use love to overcome injustice: “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, let him slap your left cheek too.” (Matthew 5:38-39)
What did the Old Testament teach about justice?
The idea of justice was one of retribution: “…the punishment shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth” (Exodus 21: 23-5)
What is the example of Jesus?
“Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.” (Luke 11:4)
Jesus taught that it was very important to forgive
Christians should follow the example of Jesus
