Justice Spirituality

Justice Spirituality : 

Justice Spirituality Viv Grigg By Urban Leadership Foundation

Beginnings: Walking with the God of Justice: 

Beginnings: Walking with the God of Justice He structured the Universe and his voice sustains it. Jesus was the man of justice (Isa 42:11-4) The Spirit guides us often to speak out on injustice If we walk with God, we walk doing justice (Micah 6:8) .

Discernment as Foundational to Spirituality: 

Discernment as Foundational to Spirituality Honed skills of collective social analysis Each door leads to another and these determine our pathway The pathway is not always straight nor upwards as we confront evil we suffer setbacks to our role, our influence. Wisdom (James 3:13-18)

BEGINNING SPIRITUALITY: GOD WHO DWELLS AMONG THE OPPRESSED AND DISPOSsESSED: 

BEGINNING SPIRITUALITY: GOD WHO DWELLS AMONG THE OPPRESSED AND DISPOSsESSED Section 1

SPIRITUALITY & JUSTICE COnTEXT: IN AUTHORITY, ABLE TO STRUCTUre SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTS: 

SPIRITUALITY & JUSTICE COnTEXT : IN AUTHORITY, ABLE TO STRUCTUre SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTS Section 2

DOING JUSTICE from THE TOP: 

MOSES, JOSEPH,DANIEL, DAVID, NEHEMIAH, ESTHER How deep, how long were the years of failure for Moses, Joseph and King David? What is required of a King? What marked the lifestyle of Daniel (Dan 6:10) ? Why was cutting the robe of King Saul in the cave the turning point for David (1 Sam 24:4,5)? INTERCSSOR, PROPHET, JUSTICE-MAKER What role did intercession have in each of these lives? DOING JUSTICE from THE TOP

SPIRITUALITY FOR PROTESTING INJUSTICE Context: BEING IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE POOR: 

SPIRITUALITY FOR PROTESTING INJUSTICE Context: BEING IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE POOR Section 3

Questions about Spirituality and Injustice: 

What is the role of rage? Is rage against injustice godly? Or does it come from dysfunctionality ? (Discuss article by Grigg). Questions about Spirituality and Injustice Is God a protester (Isa 42: 2,3, Jesus in the temple)? an anarchist? A rebel? (Read Proverbs). Is there a different spirituality for those who create just structures in society and those who oppose injustice from underneath? What is the relationship of peacemaking, and bringing justice? Is healing of our spirits so we bring peace a pre-requisite to effective justice-making? These are two mega-themes with many interrelationships. Here are some questions. Item 1 Item 2 Item 3 Item 4

Relationship to Authority: 

an- arche or non-involvement Frantz Fanon Politics are evil Anabaptists Pentecostals Respectful Opposition Ghandi-ji Nelson Mandela Martin Luther King Non-violence Peacemaking Franciscans Baptists Wesleyans Active Involvement US Evangelicals 2011 Salt Light In but not of the world Peacemaking through Force State churches Presbyterians, A nglicans Lutherans, Catholics Relationship to Authority

SPIRITUALITY for CONFRONTING INJUSTICES: 

SPIRITUALITY for CONFRONTING INJUSTICES Section 4

Victorious Joy in the Midst of Suffering Oppression: 

Victorious Joy in the Midst of S uffering Oppression The end is one of victory. We know our destiny. Though we lose battles and suffer shame, we look to an ultimate reward. With this eternal perspective, we have to make decisions at times as to what we can and cannot do. We have to leave justice in his hands and sing the blues. Jesus kept his mouth shut (John 19:9).

Spirituality involves Discernment: 

Spirituality involves Discernment Which country is more injust ? Is exact equality the Biblical goal?

Is Violence ever an Option?: 

Is Violence ever an Option? Jesus said to turn the other cheek to one who smites you. He smote the money-changers. Bonhoeffer became engaged in a plot against Hitler, John Knox sought to bring a revolt against the British, Naga Christians are fighting for their existence against the Indian army, the African Christians of Southern Chad have had to defend their people against the white Arabs. What is the spirituality of such contexts? When is radical change preferable to incremental change of systems? How far does non-violence go?

Integrating Justice Spiritualities Walking with God in: : 

Integrating Justice Spiritualities Walking with God in: Simplicity in the Midst of Opulence Just Exercise of Authority (on behalf of God) Wise Administration A Lifestyle of Intercession Structuring for the Poor Incarnational Among and Solidarity with the Suffering Suffering with Joy Protest on behalf of others Respect for Authority Discernment through Social Analysis Intercession that Brings Change Peace Peacemaking Non-Violence

Readings that have contributed to this Presentaiton: 

Smithies, Ruth & Wilson, Helen (Eds.). (1993). Making Choices - Social Justice for Our Times . Wellington: Epworth Bookroom. Stassen, Glen H. (1992). Just Peacemaking: Transforming Initiatives for Justice and Peace . Louisville, KY: Westminster. Wolterstorff , N. (1983). Until Justice and Peace Embrace . Grand Rapids: Eerdmans . Wren, Brian. (1977). Education for Justice . London: SCM. Christian, Jayakumar . (1999). God of the Empty-Handed . Monrovia, CA: MARC. Rantisi , Audeh & Pat. (2003). Blessed are the Peacemakers . Trowbridge Wiltshire: Eagle. Robert J Suderman . (1998). Calloused Hands, Calloused Souls (W. Derek Suderman , Trans.). Monrovia: MARC. Grigg, Viv. (2004). With Justice for All. In Companion to the Poor . Monrovia, CA: Authentic Media. Conn, Harvey. (1982). Evangelism: Doing Justice and Preaching Grace . Grand Rapids: Zondervan . Dorr, Donal . (1984). Spirituality and Justice . Dublin. ---. (1991). The Social Justice Agenda: Justice, Ecology, Power and the Church . Melbourne: Collins Dove. Escobar, Samuel & Driver, J. (1978). Christian Mission and Social Justice . Scottdale : Herald. Gremillon , Joseph (Ed.). (1976). The Gospel of Peace and Justice: Catholic Social Teaching Since Pope John . Maryknoll , NY: Orbis Books. National Conference of Catholic Bishops. (1986). Economic Justice for All . Washington: United States Catholic Conference. Perkins, J. (1982). With Justice for All . Ventura: Regal Books. Scott, Waldron. (1980). Bring Forth Justice: A Contemporary Perspective on Mission . Grand Rapids: Eerdmans . Readings that have contributed to this Presentaiton