Social Justice and the healing of society

 

I saw a statement recently that said ‘the social justice movement is destroying the family.’ This intrigued me and caused me to do some research and unpacking to show that generally the opposite is true. I am finding that many Christians are confused with some of the terminology out there and what sometimes can happen is people tend to lump all the terms in the same boat/under the same banner and treat everything as evil and destructive. Some of these terms being: social justice or social justice movement, woke, grooming, politically correct, the race card, critical race theory, restitution, justice, diversity, inclusion, equity etc

A quick Google search helps to unpack these terms and bring some understanding and insight.

First up would be a one liner I found that said the Golden rule for social justice is ‘treat people as you would like to be treated.’ (fowpal.org) Simple, universal, powerful and Biblical.

So how then can social justice be destructive to the family? It is so important to critically evaluate the sources of information we are listening to and to ask, ‘what does the Bible actually say?’ It’s not the healthiest response to react to words, headings and titles and not do the work of finding out what it’s all about, because in the long run that then sidetracks and hinders us from the good works that God has set aside for us to do.

A message of fear speaks against ‘being in the world’, it speaks against being close and our proximity to the pain and mess in our world and making a courageous difference like Jesus did. When there is a message of fear, it speaks of a small God who wants us to stay far away and hide in our small corner and not reach out in love. It’s not speaking to loving the image of God in every living person. It’s forgetting about loving your neighbour, it’s actually speaking against the power of God. We have been told we will have trouble in this world, but to take heart because He has overcome the world. It forgets about who Jesus was and is. What did he do on this earth to show us a better way? We cannot ever be deceived into thinking that by staying away from the very real issues in our world that we are following Jesus. Jesus was right there with everyone, all included. Complete diversity. Complete equality. His character is inclusion, belonging and giving us our identity and free choice as in everything being permissible, but not always being beneficial.

Instead of having conversations and discussions of what we stand against, why are there not more conversations and discussions about what we do stand for and how exactly we are going to implement God’s restorative justice in our world? I absolutely stand with what God requires of me as a kingdom follower and of kingdom values and principles. I can also get annoyed at the ‘there goes the woke crowd again’ comments. Why? These terms have been around for years, but in recent years there has been an onslaught from a certain sector of society of slamming the terms, of creating confusion about the terms, of creating fear about them and creating false narratives about them. We need to be careful as to what we are standing against and what we are standing for or with. The term woke originally started out as being alert and wide awake to racial prejudice and discrimination. In the following years other forms of oppression and injustice were included to make it more about being socially aware and empathetic. So, it’s important to know what you are dismissing and frowning at. Be wide awake church, because the devil is prowling around and showing his face and trying to promote injustice in our midst. The heart of Jesus for the world has been politically hijacked with people being scared of terms and shying away from getting involved in social issues. “Christianity is not a solo project.” says Brian Zahnd. No-one is asking you to sacrifice your beliefs as that too would work against the pillars of social justice, but we need to take note that Jesus calls us to stand against prejudice, discrimination, oppression and injustice.

Justice is the concept of fairness. Social Justice is fairness as it manifests in society. Fairness in healthcare, employment, housing, education, opportunity and more. In a socially just society human rights are respected and discrimination is not allowed to flourish. (Humanrightscareers.com)

The term probably arose around 1780 at the time of the Industrial Revolution. It was initially around economics, but has expanded significantly and now applies to all parts of society. Human rights are respected, protected and promoted. Everyone has access to equal opportunities and the resources necessary to thrive. It doesn’t mean people will always take the opportunities or always be happy, but it gives everyone a fighting chance at a life they might want and they aren’t held back by the things they can’t control like systemic barriers, prejudice and discrimination. (Humanrightscareers.com) This is basic humanity 101!!

Social Justice is not dark, it’s not destructive, it’s not evil, it’s not some bad ideological standpoint! Social Justice is for the individual, it stands for the family, it stands for healthy and thriving communities, it stands for society as a whole. It is not there to work against these things. It’s there to enhance and make better. It is not about destruction. It’s about creating a better foundation to work from. It’s going to get louder and louder and there will be more smoke the longer we have people trying to silence people.

I like this definition too. What is the main goal of social justice? It’s both a process and a goal. Full and equal participation of all groups in a society that is mutually shaped to meet their needs. A vision that is equitable. All members are physically and psychologically safe and secure. (ucmerced.edu)

If a nation values Social Justice and remains committed to its principles, true progress is possible. I certainly want that for South Africa and the world.

There are 5 pillars of Social Justice: (compiled from author's own thoughts and experiences and gleaning from humanrightscareers.com)

Access – access to essentials and resources like shelter, water, food, the justice system, medical care and education. If access is restricted or denied based on factors like race, class or gender, it leads to suffering for individuals, communities and society as a whole. Access is not for a few select groups.

Participation/Inclusion – Who gets to have a say? All voices should be respected. Giving people opportunity and the platform to participate in making policies that affect their wellbeing. Marginalized and vulnerable groups are often silenced (hence the need for placards, noise and smoke). The voices of those most affected need to be heard. Social injustice occurs when a small group of individuals makes decisions for a large group of people. We need to bring diverse voices to the table. Solutions, without listening properly will fail or make things worse. If you were being silenced, you would not like it and you would fight to be heard. Listening, really listening is such a gift to society. Action to create equal participation is the next gift.

Equity – Equity takes into account the effects of discrimination and aims for an equal outcome. Critical Race Theory comes into play here because it is designed to figure out where in society things are happening at a systemic level that are creating discrimination based on race. (The people who don’t want equity are those who have sown the seeds of division against CRT!)
An often cited and adapted graphic (originally created by business professor, Craig Froehle) is of 3 people trying to watch a baseball game over a fence. All of them stand on a box. One can easily see the field, while the other can barely see, while the last person is still unable to watch. Equality has given everyone just one box to stand on, even though the tallest person doesn’t need a box and one box doesn’t allow the shortest person to see. Equity gives the tallest person’s box to the shortest person, allowing them to see. Now everyone can watch the game.

Can you see the game easily? Are you even aware of those who can’t? How could you help them?

Diversity – Acknowledge and celebrate the differences in people. There is richness in diversity. We need to craft policies that address everyone’s needs, realizing that some societal groups face more barriers than others. This strengthens our understanding of equal dignity of all human beings. It helps us to see how people from different backgrounds can come together to work and create in inclusive and ethical settings.

Human Rights – the most important principle of Social Justice and it forms a foundational part of the concept. Basic human rights are recognized internationally. They are inherent to all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status. Our Constitution and Bill of Rights lays out the specific rights that are protected under law in South Africa.
Human rights/Social Justice are terms that can be used interchangeably in our current times. They are technically different, but one doesn’t work without the other. If you had your human rights at stake you would be fighting for them. If you are on a scale where your human rights are not at stake, then you might not see the need. (Hence you will hear the mention of tables, graphs and theories to show who is more or less affected in society, and where the systemic barriers exist. These are all vitally necessary to assess where and how to help and how to keep it fair.) We cannot be blinded to the needs of others just because we are ok in society. We cannot think we are being oppressed and under attack because those who are really oppressed are fighting for fairness with placards, noise and smoke. Maybe if there was more listening and action to promote fairness, the noise and smoke wouldn’t be necessary.

Using all the correct terminology is not 'politically correct'. It is taking into account the real issues we are facing in society. It is recognizing the differences, and it is recognizing the journey we have been on and continue to travel along. One that is leading us to a better place. Saying something is ‘politically correct’ can be highly inflammatory and discriminatory. Last December I was in a shop and asked the price of the elves and the lady said the price and then pointed to a specific section saying these are ‘our politically correct elves!’ (they had brown skin.) Really? I was horrified and unfortunately silenced by shock in the moment. So, having brown skin is politically correct? How bad can we get? This is not ok. I mention this because it’s a term that is being so misused. We need to stop smudging things because times have changed and more people are able to participate and be a part of society. Saying certain things is not ok anymore because why? No, not because you might get cancelled or land up in a viral social media video, but because they are hurtful, harmful, derogatory and actually completely unbiblical and not the way of Jesus. Don’t derail other people’s work in this world that aligns with the kingdom of God just because it makes you uncomfortable and expects a change/transformation from you.

Don’t be thorny ground. Listen to what the Spirit is saying to the church. Be open, humble and filled with love to go and love our hurting world towards Jesus.

Let’s have a look at how so much that has been spoken about aligns with God’s Kingdom. That’s our ultimate aim as followers of him, to bring heaven to earth, not to make hell on earth for people made in his image.

God’s Kingdom stands for:

Diversity – Rev 7:9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no-one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.

Inclusion – This is crucial to the whole gospel. John 3:16 He died for the whole world. Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition, or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of others.

Participation/fellowship – Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds.

Equity – Psalm 9:8  He rules the world in righteousness, and judges the people with equity.

Humanity – Philippians 2:7 Rather, He made himself nothing, by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Working together/teamwork – Psalm 133:1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity. Colossians 3:14 And over all these virtues put on love which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Fairness – Proverbs 31:9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Justice – Micah 6:8 He has shown you oh man 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.

Made in the image of God – Genesis 1:27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Healing and wholeness – 1 Thessalonians 5:23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Empathy – Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Colossians 3:12 Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved,  clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Awareness of social needs – Deuteronomy 15:11 Therefore I command you to be open handed towards your fellow man who are poor and needy in your land.

Treating others how you want to be treated – Matthew 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. This sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Caring for others – Galatians 6:2 Carry one another’s heavy loads. If you do, you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Social Justice aligns itself with many Kingdom principles which are on the heart of God. Let’s listen, lean in, learn, dissect and hold up to the light of God’s Word what is being called for. If all these things were addressed we would be strengthening and healing the family, society and our whole country. Let’s stay curious. Investigate for yourself. Find out. Ask questions. We need each other to see all there is to see.