Issue 22 Voices of JusticeBlog | Pursuing the heart of justice
Pursuing the heart of justice
Author: Andy PeckPost Date: 10.03.20
The American social activist Jim Wallis was taking a break during a Christian retreat a few years ago - and nearly ran over the creator of a popular course on Christian basics. Coming down a steep hill while cycling in the woods he pulled up sharply after a nasty bend. Apologising profusely for his poor cycling skills he then asked about the eight week introduction to Christianity.
‘What does the teaching cover?’ asked Jim.
‘It’s about the key elements of the Christian faith’ said the leader, ‘the essentials of the Christian life.’
‘Really?’ said Jim. ‘You mean, support for the marginalised and the pursuit of justice? Caring for the exploited, those treated unfairly, or the victims of injustice? Those kinds of essentials?’
‘Oh no’ came the reply. ‘Not those things. Just the basics.’
A shiver goes down my spine whenever I tell that story. Jim was making the point that justice is too often seen as something outside the core of the Gospel, and not central to the Bible.
Look out for books that collate the most important passages of Scripture, or summarise the fundamental teachings of Christ and you will see what I mean.
