Biblical Justice and Social Justice Part 1

Definitions of Terms

Biblical Justice 

The Hebrew word for “justice,” mishpat, occurs in various forms more than 200 times in the Hebrew Old Testament. Its most basic meaning is to treat people equitably. It means acquitting or convicting every person on the merits of the case, regardless of citizenship, race, or social status. Anyone who does the same wrong should be given the same penalty. Mishpat includes giving people what God desires, if its punishment or protection or care. In the Bible, Mishpat constantly describes taking up the cause of widows, orphans, immigrants and the poor.

Social Justice

Social justice is justice that follows the principle that all individuals and groups are entitle to fair and impartial treatment. Social justice attempts to prevent human rights abuses. Social justice is based on notions of equality and equal opportunity in society. It focuses on the full and equal participation of all citizens in economic, social and political aspects of the nation.

Systemic Racism 

• Joe Feagin is a U.S. sociologist and social theorist, he said "Systemic racism includes the complex array of antiblack practices, the unjustly gained political-economic power of whites, the continuing economic and other resource inequalities along racial lines, and the white racist ideologies and attitudes created to maintain and rationalize white privilege and power. Systemic here means that the core racist realities are manifested in each of society’s major parts [...] each major part of U.S. society—the economy, politics, education, religion, the family—reflects the fundamental reality of systemic racism." 

• Derrick Johnson, President NAACP, defined systemic racism, also called structural racism or institutional racism, as "systems and structures that have procedures or processes that disadvantages African Americans."

• Glenn Harris, president of Race Forward and publisher of Colorlines, defined it as "the complex interaction of culture, policy and institutions that holds in place the outcomes we see in our lives."

• A Biblical proposal that encompasses all races and ethnicities - Racism resulting from the inherent biases and prejudices of the policies and practices of social and political organizations, groups, or institutions.

Important principles to shape a reasonable discourse and frame a Biblical response:

Stay present oriented 

There should be no debate regarding the past abuses and tragic reality of racism. To continually resort to past problems as justification for present change is misleading. If there are past issues relevant to present day problems, they deserve examination. [Examples of past issues are Jim Crow Laws (outlawed by 1964 Civil Rights Act and 1965 Voting Rights Act, and Redlining of neighborhoods (outlawed in the 1968 Fair Housing Act and the 1977 Community Reinvestment Act) are relevant to a sad history but are not topics of current reform].

Stay principle oriented 

The debate around social justice and systemic racism is filled with strong emotions and intense disagreement. This is understandable given the well-publicized instances of egregious abuse and criminal activity. Finding effective and workable courses of action, however, requires a different level of conversation. To address systemic problems it is imperative to find systemic solutions. Finding such solutions means discussion around principles and reforms that are applicable to the entirety of the issues. If an example illustrates a principle, it is valuable. If, on the other hand, an example becomes an emotional flashpoint the use of that example is not productive.

Stay S.M.A.R.T. 

Legitimate calls for reform require goals that are SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-bound). Sweeping generalizations leave the issues vague and solutions impossible to conceive much less implement.

• Specific – An example of a specific goal is to change a law. The civil rights act of 1964 is a good example of a specific goal. Eliminate all racism as a goal is not specific, but vague as well as subjective. Specific goals avert “scope creep” and “moving goal posts” which prevent effective change.

• Measurable – A measurable goal is a goal that can be evaluated based on agreed on metrics. An example might be the elimination of a law such as redlining. Other measurable examples include things you can count. Number of unjustified shootings for example.

• Achievable – This means is it possible? A goal of eliminating all instances of prejudice or racism is not achievable as there will always be individuals who will not be swayed. In addition, sin is a part of the human condition that will not change. Achievable goals are those that within our capability. We may not be able to force hearts or attitudes to change, but we can enact laws, regulations, and consequences which address the issue.

• Realistic – This asks a second question; can the goal be realized without causing unreasonable harm or sliding into an overreaction? Defunding law enforcement puts people at risk. A careful assessment and potential reallocation of resources based on information, analysis, and consideration of all is realistic.

• Time-bound – What is the agreed upon time frame for accomplishing the goal? When goals are not time-bound they tend to fail in their completion. Time-bound goals bring accountability.

Stay mutually respectful 

One of the greatest hindrances to finding solutions around the issue of systemic racism is the unrestrained rhetoric and refusal to listen or give respect to those who disagree. Real change and hope comes from individuals engaged in thoughtful and respectful conversation working together toward a common end.

We believe in an all-knowing and all-wise God. He has provided everything we need according to the Bible (“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” 2 Peter 1:3). As a result, our response to the issue of social justice is to be biblically based and follow God’s prescriptions for justice and equality: Biblical Justice.

Three fundamental aspects of Biblical Justice to be considered in future parts:  

1.    The origin of Biblical Justice 

2.    The system of justice considered

3.    The administration of justice considered