Social justice emphasis
A view held among orthodox Christians
A church's stance that gives strong, public emphasis to addressing poverty, racism, and other social wrongs as part of its ministry.
Also called: social-justice focus, social justice focus, social-justice emphasis
What it means
Scripture calls God's people to do justice, love mercy, and care for the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the stranger. Churches with a social justice emphasis put these concerns at the centre of their public ministry. They may run mercy ministries, speak to public questions of poverty or racial injustice, and encourage members to work for fairer laws and institutions.
At its best this emphasis reflects the prophets' concern for justice and the early church's care for the needy, and grows out of the gospel rather than replacing it. Faithful churches have long served their neighbours in these ways.
Concerns arise when the language and frameworks of social justice come from sources outside Scripture, when the church's mission shifts from proclaiming Christ crucified to political advocacy, or when justice is defined by group identity rather than the impartial standard God's law requires. The site records this as a view, and asks whether a church's justice work flows from and stays subordinate to the gospel.
In Scripture
The Lord requires us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
Judges must not show partiality to the poor or favour the great, but judge fairly.
Pure religion cares for orphans and widows and keeps oneself unstained by the world.
Do good to everyone, especially to the household of faith.
Of first importance is that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised.
Where it comes up
On this site: Church & state
Related terms
Two kingdomsA view held among orthodox Christians
The view that Christ rules the church and the civil order in different ways, so the church's calling is to preach the gospel and administer the sacraments rather than to pursue political programmes.
Neo-CalvinismA view held among orthodox Christians
A Dutch Reformed tradition that stresses Christ's lordship over every area of life and calls Christians to shape culture, work, and public life by a biblical worldview.
The gospelHistoric orthodoxy
The good news that God saves sinners through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and freely forgives and accepts all who turn from sin and trust in Him.
EvangelicalTerm
A Protestant Christian, or church, committed to the gospel of salvation through faith in Christ's atoning death, the authority of the Bible, conversion, and sharing the faith.