Introduction
Social justice is a perennial topic for discussion that requires a collective effort to be achieved and maintained. It implies a fair attitude to people and equal distribution of rights and responsibilities (Lupton 73). The opposite of justice is social injustice which “occurs when power is used to exploit, abuse, and even destroy” (Hoang and Johnson 65). When I witness the acts of injustice, I believe that everything that happens is a God-given test to stretch the limits of human character and let people make the final choice of their true identity. I think that striving for justice is a divine mission not because it will allow one to be distributed to Heaven but to create a better world on Earth. I maintain this personal theology even though I witnessed a lot of social inequity enough to stop believing in God’s existence. Indeed, the stories of neighbors’ daughters being raped and beggars on our streets are examples of social injustice. Justice was one of the ultimate goals of Christianity because only through doing good and right to others can people obtain a divine blessing from God.
Calling to Social Justice: Personal Story
I became interested in social justice when my High school friend’s stepfather was raping her for two years since her mother’s second marriage. She was afraid of asking for help from anyone, but she decided to escape after her mother refused to believe her when the girl finally revealed this continuous sexual assault. Luckily, she came to our house, and my parents called social services and police to investigate this case. Medical examination confirmed that the girl was raped, but her stepfather managed to disappear; thus, the official identity of the rapist was not proven. My friend had to move to Pittsburgh to live with her aunt because she could not tolerate her mother’s betrayal and her approach to life. Neither her mother nor stepfather were employed and were accustomed to receiving aid from church and public services. Indeed, according to Lupton, the “compassion industry…may be hurting more than helping” because it removes the need for “personal initiative,” converting people into lazy complainers whose moral boundaries disappear (3). This case was an example for me of how toxic forms of charity create indolent and monstrous behavior.
The Four Methods of Social Action
Justice starts with the right action, which is often misinterpreted in the modern world. Four methods of social solidarity are known: arts, direct action, solidarity, and community development. First, community development is the method that aims to transform low-income families and communities into self-sufficient groups through education and work (Lupton 139). Second, community development is impossible without the direct action that enables social change. Third, art, which is often viewed as the opposite of action, plays an essential role in creating social justice by generating objects and performances that can teach lessons and change people’s mindsets (Desai 13). Fourth, solidarity networks are powerful tools that can solve some critical community issues, creating difference (Desai 17). These four methods are vital for generating change and attaining justice in society because these tools inspire people to alter their worldview and behavior to become better individuals, allowing for collective improvement.
Biblical Basis for Social Justice
The sacred texts are frequently cited for calling people to act for the common good. According to Hoang and Johnson, from the beginning of time, when people became familiar with the Bible, they learned that God wants society to strive for justice and righteousness (406). Indeed, the authors of The Justice Calling discuss many stories of social inequity to highlight the importance of acting right and preventing dishonesty and unlawful acts. For example, the first story of a young man, Boola, who became the victim of slave owners, demonstrates that even small actions can initiate a chain of events that will result in a positive outcome. The authors claim that everyone could ignore Boola’s call for help, but God’s hand directed people to take action and release this man. Indeed, God asked his saviors to manifest justice: “God calls us to join in the pursuit of justice as we use our power to seek what is right and just in the world” (Hoang and Johnson 64). This case may appear nearly miraculous, but it shows that the divine mission is to create a world devoid of wrongdoing and injustice.
Another important message of the Bible is talking about the importance of help and support to other people. For example, biblical texts often emphasize that disadvantaged groups of the population need help: “Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt is perfect, go and sell that thou hast and give to the poor” (King James Bible, Matthew. 19-21). Furthermore, all oppressed and poor people are considered to be “righteous” in the Bible because it “is a reflection of God’s faithful love in action and his desire for justice and righteousness in this world” (Hoang and Johnson 99). Still, humanitarian aid can also be the source of social injustice because it creates a chronic need to wait for help, causing degeneration of personal responsibility. Moreover, religious charity “is often the most irresponsible” because it establishes addiction to this type of assistance and passive income (Lupton 4). Indeed, a real help to people in need is providing jobs and education to elicit a desire to participate in social justice and contributing to their communities through work.
Personal Areas of Responsibility and Circles of Influence
Global change toward a better social justice system starts with small circles. Although I do not have a tremendous influence on my colleagues in the hospital, I believe that I have a responsibility to changing their perception about fairness in society. Many of my older colleagues attend church on Sundays and donate clothes, food, and money to needy neighbors. Undoubtedly, they involve in charity for a moral purpose, but this help may be destructive to the receivers. Social aid that will not harm is the one that is provided in emergencies and promotes independence (Lupton 9). Since I do not spend enough time in the hospital yet, there is not much time to deliver this message to my co-workers. Therefore, before the COVID-19 pandemic, my friend and I used to teach schoolchildren Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics for free to widen their worldview and motivate them to receive a college education in the future. After I talked about this community activity at work, some of my colleagues were convinced that this type of aid is more valuable than passive donations of exhaustible supplies.
Achieving Justice
Despite my beliefs about healthy charity, it is still challenging for me to convince my relatives not to be involved in its toxic forms. Indeed, helping others gives an instant sense of gratification for the providers, which is also addictive. However, charity should be directed toward saving people from slavery, sexual abuse, unemployment, severe health problems, and substance abuse. As Lupton claims, creating a healthy and educated community should be prioritized (133). Furthermore, developing leadership skills and personal responsibility among these people is crucial to eradicating poverty (Lupton 139). Unfortunately, the only obstacle to realizing this method is human brain chemistry, which creates pleasure from giving and receiving.
Conclusion
To sum up, social justice is a scientifically and theologically complex concept that requires a shift in the mindset of several generations to be attained. The Bible promotes the idea of striving for justice and righteousness by helping others; thus, many Christians consider charity a virtuous act. However, this type of aid is harmful to poor people because it destroys personal initiative, promoting laziness and passivity. Conversely, helping disadvantaged people save them from violence, assault, ignorance, and unemployment is genuinely heroic. Although I tried to conduct charity work in our community by providing free classes to children from low-income families, I struggle to spread the idea about toxic and healthy aid. Indeed, enabling community development through social solidarity and direct action can transform these people. Unfortunately, the main obstacle to this transformation is society’s perception of good acts acquired from biblical texts. This mindset created the need for regular donations, resulting in reliance on this help among disadvantaged groups. Breaking this loop will require changing neurochemistry in givers and receivers by encouraging different habits and attitudes.
Works Cited
Desai, Dipti. “Educating for Social Change Through Art: A Personal Reckoning.” Studies in Art Education, vol. 61, no. 1, 2020, pp. 10-23.
Lupton, Robert. Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help (And How to Reverse It). HarperOne, 2011.
Hoang, Bethany and Kristen Johnson. The Justice Calling: Where Passion Meets Perseverance. BrazosPress. 2016.
King James Bible.King James Bible Online.