Justice in Christianity
The definition of justice varies between religious groups. One difference exists between the Christian meaning of justice and the world’s view on justice. Most jurisdictions in the world view justice as the payment for the wrongdoings of people. On the other side, Christians view justice as an extension of righteousness. For example, human beings are different from other God’s creation due to the understanding of justice. The nature of God is based on righteousness, and justice cannot be separated from God’s character. The bible talks about justice severally from the creation story to the end time narration in revelation. However, the sermon on the mount gives a more precise portrayal of justice concerning God. Haugen talks about God’s position n justice and the compassion of God towards victims of injustice. Also, the judgment that God has towards justice and injustice as well as the rescue that God offers to victims of injustice form Haugen’s work.
The Christian definition of justice is the acceptance of what is right. God’s nature is based on righteousness and does not show unrighteous anger towards the perpetrators of injustice. Haugen believes that God is intensely concerned about justice[1]. Besides, the love of God on Justice is founded on keeping His holiness and moral excellence in the world. Therefore, God does not delight in the presence of injustice. Also, the sermon on the mountain insists on the importance of justice[2]. For example, Jesus promises blessings to Christians who remain righteous. Moreover, righteous Christians are pledged to the chance of becoming the children of God. Therefore, justice is the primary goal of God’s love, and any form of injustice gets the attention of God.
Victims of injustice live with the hope that God will show compassion. According to Haugen, God directly witnesses cases of unfairness and suffers from the victims. The response of God, however, comes at the right time, and victims have the responsibility of the remaining patient. Also, the sermon on the mount in the fifth chapter of the book of Matthew talks about God’s promise towards victims of injustice[3]. For example, victims of persecution are promised to inherit the kingdom of heaven. God’s promise to Christians is that God is always present even in times of injustice.
The definition of justice in Christianity changes due to the introduction of the moral clarity of God. Haugen believes that God’s moral clarity is not compromised by injustice[4]. God differentiates between what is right and wrong. Also, God’s righteous anger allows for forgiveness to offenders who ask for forgiveness. Generally, the allowance for repentance ensures justice is served to individuals who are guilted by conscience to seek for forgiveness.
Moreover, God does not remain silent in times of injustice. God rescues victims of injustice through various means. The rescue procedure of God is done through people with the ability to save the victims. According to Haugen, the kingdom of God has overwhelming power and ability to offer rescue operations whenever needed[5]. Besides, God has given His people various gifts that can be used to rescue victims of injustice. Also, the sermon on the mountain offers hope to victims of injustice and also encourages Christians to embrace justice. For example, in the gospel according to Matthew (5:9), the keepers of peace are promised the inheritance of the earth[6]. Peace is the first assurance of the prevalence of justice. Therefore, Christians have a responsibility of keeping the peace so that other people can benefit. Generally, God’s love is sufficient to ensure that justice prevails and that the people of God rescue victims of injustice.
In sum, Haugen talks about God’s position on justice and the compassion of God towards victims of injustice. Also, Haugen talks about the judgment that God has towards injustice and the rescue offered to victims of injustice. God’s promise to Christians is that God is always present even in times of injustice. Generally, God’s love is sufficient to ensure that justice prevails and that the people of God rescue victims of injustice.
Bibliography
Haugen, Gary A. Good news about injustice: A witness of courage in a hurting world. InterVarsity Press, 2009.
Carson, Donald A. Matthew. Zondervan Academic, 2017.
[1] Haugen, Gary A. Good news about injustice: A witness of courage in a hurting world. InterVarsity Press, 2009.
[2] Carson, Donald A. Matthew. Zondervan Academic, 2017.
[3] Carson, Donald A. Matthew. Zondervan Academic, 2017.
[4] Haugen, Gary A. Good news about injustice: A witness of courage in a hurting world. InterVarsity Press, 2009.
[5] Haugen, Gary A. Good news about injustice: A witness of courage in a hurting world. InterVarsity Press, 2009.
[6] Carson, Donald A. Matthew. Zondervan Academic, 2017.