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SOCIAL JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS - Coggle Diagram
SOCIAL JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS
PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION
Prejudice and discrimination are unfortunate things that regularly happen within modern society.
People normally have prejudices on others when they feel someone is different to what they deem to be normal (stereotype) and therefore may discriminate as a result of these views.
Christians view prejudice as cruel and unloving as God created all humans in his image with love and thought. Therefore, Christians believe all people should be treaded equally and shown unconditional love, despite their differences (agape).
"There is neither jew nor gentile, nor slave nor free, nor is there male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus our Lord"
"Love thy neighbour as yourself"
"For God does not show favouritism"
DISABILITY
A huge number of the world's population has a disability of some sort. These can be cognitive, visual or physical.
People who have disabilities can often be discriminated against as a result of misunderstanding (e.g turned down job applications or restricted access)
Christians condemn discrimination against people with disabilities as it disregards Jesus' teachings to love others despite differences and to show others compassion.
As Jesus healed the sick and needy, Christians believe that they should do their best to help.
GENDER
In the past, society was entirely patriarchal and rather misogynistic. Sexism is still very prevalent within society and the media today, however improvements are being made.
Most Christian denominations would very much oppose sexism as it disregards Jesus' teachings yet again.
Catholic and Orthodox churches don't support women becoming priests as they believe that Jesus only selected men to become leaders (all his disciples were male). Although they believe men and women are equal, they believe they both have different roles.
Non-conformist (Congregationalist) churches have ordained women for many years.
"Women should remain silent in the church. They are not allowed to speak ... for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in church"
SEXUALITY
Heterosexual relations have always been seen as the social normative within society.
In recent years, there have been large movements to stop prejudice against homosexual relationships (PRIDE) as people shouldn't be suppressed in expressing their sexuality and love for others.
Within Christianity, heterosexual relationships are viewed as a part of the natural law that God created and intended for humanity.
God created Adam and Eve so that they could procreate and fill the earth.
"That is why man leaves his father and mother and is united with his wife, and they will become one flesh"
In the Bible, God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah for their homosexual actions. The Church primarily opposes being gay as the principle purpose is for procreation. However, other Christians may view this discrimination as unloving and sinful in itself.
Same sex marriage is also legal now, and as the bible states
"let everyone be subject to the governing authorities"
it may be permitted.
RACE
Christians oppose racism as there is only one race, the human race, which was created by God out of his unconditional love.
The human race is diverse and must be celebrated rather than discriminated against.
"You are all one in Christ Jesus
the parable of the Good Samaritan
"Meet hate with love"
- Martin Luther King - baptist minister who led the Civil Rights Movement in the 60s against the oppression that African American citizens were facing.
Protested peacefully (e.g bus boycotts, sit-ins)
The Dutch Reformed Church used to support the apartheid in South Africa which included segregation between black and white people.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
The overall Christian teaching is that no one should be discriminated against for the personal choice in religion.
"Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion"
However, individual Christian groups have varied opinions about religious freedom:
Exclusivism - Christians believe that people of other religions are delusional and need to be converted to be connected with Christ and God as Christianity is the only religion with the whole truth.
"I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the father except through me"
"I urge you brothers and sisters to stay clear of those who try and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teachings you have learnt"
Inclusivism - Christians believe that only Christianity contains the whole truth yet other religions contain partial truth.
Pluralism - Christians believe that there are multiple path to be connected with God. All religions encourage tolerance and harmony and share common views about God.
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient bearing with one another in love"
SOCIAL INJUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Life is unfair, however society ensures that all of its members are protected and treated fairly with human rights.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
"All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights ... they should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood"
Many Christians have been inspired by their faith to help resolve the injustice within society (e.g Elizabeth Fry - prison reformer and William Wilberfore - anti-slavery
Christians believe that God will provide justice for those in society as he is merciful, fair, and without prejudice.
"Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness in a never-failing stream"
"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, as there is no authority except that which God has established"
Christians believe that they should put their faith into action to try and prevent social injustice.
"faith without deeds is useless"
WEALTH AND POVERTY
"But remember the Lord, your God who gives you the ability to produce"
Therefore, some Christians give a tithe to the church.
In the Old Testament, the belief was that God blessed believers with wealth as a result of their faithfulness
The New Testament focuses using God's gift of wealth with responsibility rather than with greed and ignorance.
The Bible warns against temptation and selfishness taking over people's focus on God.
"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven"
People with riches must use their wealth to help others (
Lazuras and the Rich man
)
Poverty is a very prevalent issue within society. It is caused by numerous things: War, Lack of Education, Lack of Employment, Lack of Healthcare, Debt, Natural disasters, Disease, Corrupt Leaders, Unfair Trade.
Christians believe that they have a responsibility as stewards of the world to take responsibility for others and help their unfortunate circumstances.
Christians will encourage people in poverty to attempt to break out of the poverty trap and be self-sufficient.
"The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat"