(Cross-posted here).
If you are Christian or Jewish, the importance of the Bible may be obvious to you.
If you are not (which is also fine -- I am not trying to convert anyone), please note that 85% of the American population identifies itself as Christian, and millions more identify themselves as Jewish. Therefore, if you are trying to reach Americans, it might help to know a little about the Bible. If you can quote scripture, you may more easily reach people who might not otherwise listen.
The Bible mentions justice over 200 times -- more than just about any other topic. The Bible asks us to do justice and to stand up to ANYONE -- including powerful leaders -- who do injustice or oppress the people.
"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)
While many churches and synagogues focus on other issues, they have ignored this most important of God's demands of us. As pointed out by a leading Christian ministry, which rescues underage girls trapped as sex slaves in third world countries:
"In Scripture there is a constant call to seek justice. Jesus got upset at the Pharisees because they neglected the weightier matters of the law, which He defined as justice and the love of God . . . Isaiah 58 complains about the fact that while the people of God are praying and praying and praying, they are not doing anything about the injustice."Should Christians pray for justice and leave the rest to God? NO! We are God's hands for dispensing justice, and God uses us to "administer justice." (Hebrews 11:33) . We have to "walk our talk" and put our prayers into action.
God demands that we do everything in our power to act as "God's hands" in bringing justice. And as Saint Augustine reminds us, "Charity is no substitute for justice withheld."
Please reflect on the following Scripture:
'The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. He saw that there was no one, He was appalled that there was no one to intervene.' (Isaiah 59:15-16) (this is the only place where the word appalled is used for the way God feels -- in other words, the only thing which we know God is appalled by is if people are not doing justice)
"Blessed are they who maintain justice . . . ." (Psalm 106:3)
"This is what the LORD says: Maintain justice and do what is right . . . ." (Isiah 56:1)
"This is what the LORD says: Do what is just and right." (Jeremiah 22:3,13-17)
"Follow justice and justice alone.” (Deuteronomy 16:19, 20)
"For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice . . . ." (Job 11:5,7)
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
