Prophet Amos and the Early Call for Social Justice
One might assume that an increase in conversations related to social justice within the context of religion is a recent phenomenon. However, social justice has been an essential matter in Abrahamic religions long before the rise of Christianity. In particular, Prophet Amos, who lived and prophesied in the Kingdom of Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II (793-753 BC), emphasized social justice almost eight centuries before the birth of Jesus Christ.
According to Akintola (2021), Amos spoke only of one great sin — selfishness and greed that prevented the fair distribution of resources among the people of Israel. The prophet vehemently criticized the “feasts and solemn assemblies” of the Israeli ruling elite and religious authorities (as cited in Akintola, 2021, p. 407). In his criticism, Amos implied that the Israelite cult had turned faith into mechanical, soulless worship for the wealthy, rejecting the idea of Yahweh’s justice. Without social justice, religion has become an instrument of oppression, a justification of social order where only a few thrive while many others suffer. Therefore, religion and social justice have a long history of interconnectedness, rendering the claim that social justice is a purely political issue invalid.
Modern Christianity and Social Justice Challenges
Moreover, the Christian Church faces numerous social justice challenges today, and finding answers to them is a severe test for Christianity in modern times. Firstly, the Church is not free from racism, as a social and institutional legacy of racial segregation and colonialism still separates people of color from God. In addition, patriarchy, the marginalization of women, persists even in congregations that appear to be egalitarian at first glance.
Furthermore, Christianity is vulnerable to so-called Christian nationalism, an idea of nationality or ethnicity being a factor in religious practices. Essentially, Christian nationalism contradicts the teachings of Jesus by promoting ideas of xenophobia and bigotry, the rejection of strangers and outsiders.
Finally, the Christian Church is not free from gender and sexuality-based prejudice since LGBTQ+ people can face rejection and hatred (Gravity Leadership, 2022). In this regard, one can see clear parallels between the times of Prophet Amos and the situation of modern-day Christianity. Like in the 8th century BC, our faith is tested by social justice.
The Misconception of Social Justice as Political Ideology
However, the most significant social justice challenge to Christianity lies in attempts to separate religion from social justice through accusations of so-called politicization. For instance, some evangelical Christian preachers in the United States connect social justice to socialism and other ideas that supposedly misinterpret Scripture and drive people away from God and Jesus (Manderson, 2021). This argument is based on a false premise — a Christian person can be a socialist, a conservative, or a liberal.
The central aspect of social justice is providing people in need with love, compassion, and support, which directly aligns with the core ideas of the Christian faith and the teachings of Jesus. On the other hand, a significant amount of anti-social justice criticism comes from pro-Republican evangelists (Manderson, 2021). As such, the argument of social justice mixing politics with religion can easily be used against these preachers who essentially act as a mouthpiece of Republican propaganda.
Christianity and Social Justice as a Spiritual Commitment
Given these thoughts, I firmly believe that Christianity and social justice are spiritually connected rather than politically. In my opinion, the concept of social justice originates from the core of the Christian faith and the teachings of Jesus. Therefore, every Christian should stand up for social justice by making a personal contribution or spreading the word.
One should remember that Jesus stood up for the oppressed by challenging the influential Pharisees (Belliard, 2021). Jesus made a clear statement, saying that the Lord sent Him “to proclaim good news to the poor” and “to set the oppressed free” (Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011, Luke 4:18-19). In this regard, Jesus sent a message similar to the ideas of Prophet Amos. Once I delved deeper into social justice, I became convinced that the ministry should champion social justice ideas since they represent the very essence of Christianity.
Lessons from Marian Wright Edelman and Active Faith
In conclusion, I would like to commemorate Marian Wright Edelman, a renowned civil rights activist whose ideas have significantly shaped my ministry. In her memoirs, Edelman (1999) offered several vital lessons to mentors who work with people and influence their lives. In Lesson 1, Edelman (1999) urged mentors to remember that they and their followers are God’s children, making everyone worthy of respectful treatment. I apply this lesson to my ministry and believe it perfectly matches the concept of social justice. I am convinced that social justice encompasses mutual respect and support, rather than politics, and I strive to adhere to this principle in my ministry.
Furthermore, in Lesson 5, Edelman (1999) advised against being afraid to speak up and make mistakes. Prophet Amos and Jesus Christ tried to improve the world by openly speaking and acting against injustice. Therefore, I strive to adapt that mindset in my ministry and encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to be brave and active. Ultimately, we can make a difference, improve our communities, and do it in a truly Christian spirit.
References
Akintola, G. O. (2021). Amos’ call for social justice in Amos 5: 21-24: A model for prophets in the Apostolic Church LAWNA, Nigeria. Old Testament Essays, 34(2), 404-427.
Belliard, N. (2021). Does the Church have a role in working for social justice? Spectrum.
Edelman, M. W. (1999). Lanterns: A memoir of mentors. Beacon Press.
Gravity Leadership. (2022). How to address the challenges the Church faces today.
Holy Bible, New International Version (2011). Bible Gateway.
Manderson, N. (2021). Now evangelicals want to depict “social justice” as un-Christian: I hope God will forgive them. Salon.