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WORD OF GOD and CHURCH TEACHINGS
Amos 5:14-15
14 Seek good, not evil, that you may live.
Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is.
15 Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts.
CATECHISM FOR FILIPINO CATHOLICS
Evangelizing and Social Justice
Social and justice, these two words come together and make a concept of fair and just relations
between individuals and society, as measured by any means that involves the society. In older
Asian cultures and in Western culture, social justice is usually mentioned as the process of
ensuring that individuals fulfill their societal roles and receive what was their due from society.
Social justice is sometimes neglected, but it actually assigns duties and rights in the society. By
this, people are then able to receive the basic benefits and burdens of cooperation. In today’s era,
this has been a wild issue because of the current happenings that lead to finding the real meaning
of social justice, and why is it being forgotten by many.
1419. A further balance must be maintained between the evangelizing mission of proclaiming the
Gospel and the thrust for justice and liberation. Evangelization and human liberation, while not
identical, are clearly intimately connected. PCP II speaks of a renewed evangelization which does
not stop at the building of the Church. It seeks to transform the whole fabric of society according
to the values of the Kingdom and of Christ. Thus, the Church promotes human development,
integral liberation, justice and peace in society and the integrity of creation. The need for such
evangelization is shown by the fact that while our churches are filled on Sundays, our society
remains a sick society.
Catholic social teaching is a central and essential element of our faith.... Because this commitment
to social justice is at the heart of who we are and what we believe, it must be shared more effectively.
We offer these reflections to address the pressing need to educate all Catholics on the Church's
social teaching and to share the social demands of the Gospel and Catholic tradition more clearly. If
Catholic education and formation fail to communicate our social tradition, they are not fully Catholic.
- Sharing Catholic Social Teaching: Challenges and Directions U.S. Bishops, 1998.
“The Church teaches this responsibility in these seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching
reminding us that, if we want to live as followers of Jesus, we need to live as people for others.” (Joe
Paprocki, D.Min., Social Justice - Catholic Social Teaching)
QUADRAGESIMO ANNO 7, 58, 71, 74, 88, 101, 110, 126
To each, therefore, must be given his own share of goods, and the distribution of created goods,
which, as every discerning person knows, is laboring today under the gravest evils due to the huge
disparity between the few exceedingly rich and the unnumbered propertyless, must be effectively
called back to and brought into conformity with the norms of the common good, that is, social
justice.
Social justice is “the norms of the common good,” the pope says. It requires a just wage, he says in
71. If the family is in a situation of “extraordinary needs,” an employer must pay an even higher
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wage still. Social justice is part of the moral “law,” says the pope in 57. The Church, he says in 126,
is “striving to restore society according to the mind of the Church on the firmly established basis
of social justice.” By 1931, social justice has already been “firmly established.”
Catholic Social Justice teaches us that all people are made in the image of God and so possess an
equal and inalienable worth. Because of this essential dignity, each person has a right to all that is
needed to allow him or her to live their full potential as intended by God. As God is love, we were
created to love and be in relationship with each other. Human dignity is upheld when each
person’s needs are met and when he or she lives in harmony with others in a community that
together pursues the common good.
God’s call for healing, wholeness, and holiness in society (Sacraments of Healing)
The “Sacraments of Healing” are comprised of two sacraments: Reconciliation and the Anointing
of the Sick. As the name of this category implies, these sacraments bring about spiritual healing. It
is through these sacraments that the people of God can experience the healing hand of Christ in
their lives. Both of these sacraments forgive sin; therefore, only priests and bishops can
administer them to the faithful.
What, then, is the Christian view of social justice? The Bible teaches that God is a God of justice. In
fact, “all his ways are justice” (Deuteronomy 32:4). Furthermore, the Bible supports the notion of
social justice in which concern and care are shown to the plight of the poor and afflicted
(Deuteronomy 10:18; 24:17; 27:19). The Bible often refers to the fatherless, the widow and
the sojourner – that is, people who were not able to fend for themselves or had no support system.
The nation of Israel was commanded by God to care for society’s less fortunate, and their eventual
failure to do so was partly the reason for their judgment and expulsion from the land.
In Jesus’ Olivet Discourse, He mentions caring for the “least of these” (Matthew 25:40), and in James’
epistle he expounds on the nature of “true religion” (James 1:27). So, if by “social justice” we mean
that society has a moral obligation to care for those less fortunate, then that is correct. God knows
that, due to the fall, there will be widows, fatherless and sojourners in society, and He made
provisions in the old and new covenants to care for these outcasts of society. The model of such
behavior is Jesus Himself, who reflected God’s sense of justice by bringing the gospel message to
even the outcasts of society.
However, the Christian notion of social justice is different from the contemporary, secular notion of
social justice. The biblical exhortations to care for the poor are more individual than societal. In
other words, each Christian is encouraged to do what he can to help the “least of these.” The basis
for such biblical commands is found in the second of the greatest commandments—love your
neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39). Today’s politicized notion of social justice replaces the
individual with the government, which, through taxation and other means, redistributes wealth.
This policy doesn’t encourage giving out of love, but resentment from those who see their hard-
earned wealth being taken away.
Another difference is that the Christian worldview of social justice doesn’t assume the wealthy are
the beneficiaries of ill-gotten gain. Wealth is not evil in a Christian worldview, but there is a
responsibility and an expectation to be a good steward of one’s wealth (because all wealth comes
from God). Today’s social justice operates under the assumption that the wealthy exploit the poor.
A third difference is that, under the Christian concept of stewardship, the Christian can give to the
charities he/she wants to support. For example, if a Christian has a heart for the unborn, he can
support pro-life agencies with his time, talent and treasure. Under the contemporary form of social
justice, it is those in power within the government who decide who receives the redistributed
wealth. We have no control over what the government does with our tax money, and, more often
than not, that money goes to charities we might not deem worthy.
MATER ET MAGISTRA 39
“All forms of economic enterprise”—all forms “must be governed by the principles of social justice
and charity” (§39). The term is also found in §40 and 69.
BOOK OF AMOS – INJUSTICE
Background
Amos was a prophet raised by God to speak against the injustice of his day. Although outwardly
they appear to be religious, inwardly the society suffers from many aspects of injustice.
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5:21 “I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me. 22 Even though
you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice
fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. 23 Away with the noise of your songs! I will
not listen to the music of your harps. 24 But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a
never-failing stream!
Amos was a shepherd and a grower of sycamore figs. Because of his humble background, he
showed a heart for the downcast and oppressed in society.
Social Injustice: Being ungracious to the poor
Amos 1:6 This is what the Lord says: “For three sins of Israel, even for four, I will not relent. They
sell the innocent for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals. 7 They trample on the heads of the
poor as on the dust of the ground and deny justice to the oppressed.
The rich in those days were extremely ungracious to the poor. When the poor could not repay
their debts, the rich had them sold into slavery for debts as little as a pair of scandals.
Social Injustice: Exploiting the poor
Amos 5:11 You levy a straw tax on the poor and impose a tax on their grain. Therefore, though you
have built stone mansions, you will not live in them;
though you have planted lush vineyards, you will not drink their wine.
Throughout the Bible, God’s heart goes out especially to the poor. He despises those who take
advantage of the poor, who have no way defending themselves. In today’s context, exploiting the
poor could take the form of paying unfair wages to those who need jobs desperately. Some
companies in developing countries do that. Profits are high because the wages paid are so low that
the employees live in hardship. If we are Christian businessmen, we should ensure that our
companies do not engage in such practices. If we are not, do we invest in companies that have
been known to exploit the poor? If we do, we are indirectly supporting and condoning their
actions.
Injustice: Taking bribes
Amos 5:12 For I know how many are your offenses and how great your sins. There are those who
oppress the innocent and take bribes and deprive the poor of justice in the courts.
(Prov 17:23 NIV) A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice.
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EXAMPLES OF SOCIAL INJUSTICE
Different issues about social injustice always come to the forefront at different times. Some might
be more relevant across different nations or governments, societies and even cultures. These
issues affect people’s access to goods, services and opportunities that everyone should have. Equal
human rights should be simple to achieve. However, because of the spreading social injustices
around the globe, equal human rights are never that simple. The views of people have morphed
over the years, some do not realize they are perpetrating social injustice. Here are some of the
examples of social injustice.
1. Racial Inequality
While several global organizations are looking to provide equal rights to all,
racial discrimination is still a hot topic. There are laws in place around the world, but incidents
still happen to illustrate that racial discrimination has not been irradiated. Because of the recent
publicly seen oppression of a black man in the United States, the movement “Black Lives Matter”
take over the world. The United States still struggle to get away from their troubled history about
racism. From the country’s colonization and founding by the white landowners who enslaved
millions of people from Africa and their descendants, to the police who murdered George Floyd,
racism hasn’t stopped. Though the Civil War ended the practice of legal slavery in the U.S., racial
disparities, racist attitudes, and systemic problems persist to this day.
Under racial inequality; slavery, stereotyping and segregation are three of the specifics.
2. Slavery
Although this was abolished in America in 1865, this cannot be forgotten. Slavery is an ultimate
example of racial inequality or racial discrimination. African Americans and people of color were
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forced into servitude on homes and farms, and they were treated deplorably. You would think that
slavery was a non-issue in current culture. However, it’s still a social injustice issue found round
the world. 40 million people around the world were still trapped in some form of slavery,
including marriage slavery and forced labor, according to Free the Slaves, in 2017.
3. Stereotyping
There is positive and negative stereotyping. The latter is the issue that needs attention. Since the
9/11, Muslims have faced discrimination and prejudice in America. This was sparked by fears of
terrorism and acts committed by their fellow Muslims, the Taliban.
4. Segregation
Segregation happened in the United States. This was when the Black Americans were segregated.
They were required to use specific schools, houses, and medical services, among other institutions
and facilities, that were separate and of lesser quality than white Americans.
5. LGBTQ+ Oppression
The members of the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and
other sexual orientations or gender expressions) community have made significant progress in
their fight for equal rights in the United States. Non-heteronormative culture has started to change
the way people view what were previously known as traditional values and gender expressions.
However, there are still many individuals and institutions that discriminate based on gender or
sexual orientation. It wasn’t until 2015 that the Supreme Court struck down all same-sex marriage
bans, formally legalizing same-sex marriage in the United States, but those couples still face
discrimination in many parts of the country. For example, it’s still legal in many places to re
someone based on sexual orientation. Legislators have introduced a bill known as the
Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would end this practice. The bill has been through
Congress many times, but it has yet to pass.
6. Ageism
Discrimination comes in all shapes and sizes. The number of birthdays that you have accumulated
is another example. Ageism, where the elderly is discriminated against, creates negative
stereotypes of the elderly being weak, feeble, or unable to change. A few examples include being
denied work and or being seen as a burden to society.
7. Denied Work
Many times, the elderly is forced into retirement or looked over for work. For example, workers
that are over 60 years of age may be asked to retire from their career. They may be laid off to
bring in younger, less experienced workers. Those who do contractual work, like farming, may be
looked over because of their age, leaving them with little way to support their families.
8. Seen as a Burden
An older individual might also be seen as a burden by their family and their society. For example,
many neighborhoods tailor themselves to younger generations through playgrounds and new-age
restaurants. Those of advanced age may be put into a nursing home or retirement community the
moment that society sees them as being no longer useful. However, Senior Lifestyle has shown
that children who grow up with an older individual can benefit tremendously.
9. Child Exploitation
Social workers and human rights activists are working tirelessly to combat issues relating to
children and their welfare. Despite their efforts, there are still several problems children face that
are harmful to their health and mental wellbeing. Laws are in place around the world to ensure a
safe work environment for children. These laws were drafted from historically harsh and
dangerous working conditions for children. While many would like to believe that child labor is a
thing of the past, it persists in some areas around the globe. One example would be the scenario in
India, children is still working in forced labor, producing carpets, clothing, footwear and yarn. Not
only are conditions unhealthy and unsafe, but the work hours are also very long.
10. Poverty
Poverty is a pressing issue for human rights and social injustice. Not only do men, women and
children in the U.S. and abroad lack access to housing and food, but many also lack access to the
basic human necessity of clean water. Dive into social injustice issues created by poverty. When
you think of poverty, you might think of having little food or maybe living in a homeless shelter.
However, the sad truth is that many individuals don’t have access to food, clean water, schooling,
healthcare or even sanitation at all. According to The World Counts, more than 485,000 children
die from lack of food, shelter or clean water each year. More than two million children lack clean
water, especially the Native Americans. That is within the United States alone.
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SOLUTIONS OR THE WAYS TO ERADICATE SOCIAL INJUSTICE
1. Educate yourself
Before you get involved in any movement or take actions, make sure you understand what the
cause is, and what it’s trying to achieve. For example, if you’re interested in climate justice, check
out for the key facts and information about existing campaigns and actions across the world.
2. Eradicate poverty
More than 800 million people, or 11 per cent of the world’s population, are suffering from chronic
hunger. From crippling debt to the oppression of women, even the young ones, to wars and
conflict, concerns of social justice are intrinsically related to poverty and hunger. Due to social
injustice and discrimination the poor have limited access to health education, medical services and
other services as a result, problems of hunger, malnutrition and diseases.
3. Promote gender equality
A lot of women with an average of one out of three worldwide have experienced either intimate
partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. Women and girls, everywhere,
must have equal rights and opportunity, and be ready to live freed from violence and
discrimination. By highlighting the stories of the most vulnerable women, we can help empower
the next generation of female leaders to go even further and reach new heights. Take part in a
campaign; raise awareness on social media; or donate to an appropriate organization that helps
women in need. Your voice matters.
4. Fight for employment rights
There were around 300 million workers in extreme poverty. Fair treatment of workers should be
good a business practice. Offering free access to comprehensive, unbiased information about
workers’ rights is essential in any fair workplace. Studies have proven that equal sharing of wealth
is strengthened through equal opportunity for employment. Support diversity in the workplace.
5. Volunteer your time
77% of volunteer’s report changes in their social action after volunteering, with 55% of the total
being more involved as a result. By donating a few hours of your time, you can make the difference
in the life of a child and thwart a systemic, root cause of injustice. Before you get involved in any
movement, make sure you understand what the cause is — and what it’s trying to achieve.
Depending on the cause or movement, there are many ways you can volunteer to help others. For
example, if you’re concerned with homelessness, volunteer at a shelter. If you would like to fight
education inequality, volunteer at an inner-city school program platform for young activists.
6. Work on your habits.
Make sure you’re doing your best not to contribute to the problem at hand, before engaging others
or protesting an institution. It doesn’t make sense to ask others to help you combat racism if you
abuse white privilege or silence people of color, so be an example. You have to first unlearn bad
habits and behavior yourself before you encourage others to be better.
7. Use social media.
The internet is probably the most powerful a person could use to promote social justice. It only
takes a few minutes or even seconds to share your fight against social injustice. Platforms like
Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are incredibly popular in social justice communities.
I. DEEPENING
ACTIVITY : __________
1. What is social justice in your own words?
2. Do social injustices ever affect rich people, or are they simply poor people’s problems?
Explain.
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REFLECTION
ACTIVITY ____
REFERENCES/SOURCES:
