Pastor Ralph Posted March 18 Report Share Posted March 18 Q7. (1 Kings 3:16-28) Why does the Scripture emphasize justice for the poor and disadvantaged, the alien and the orphan? Why are courts often inclined to favor the wealthy? Why do societies throughout the ages tend to perpetuate discrimination against outsiders? In what ways should social justice be a value for followers of Yahweh and of Jesus in our day? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicolaas A.P. Mostert Posted May 6 Report Share Posted May 6 Q7. (1 Kings 3:16-28) Why does the Scripture emphasize justice for the poor and disadvantaged, the alien and the orphan? This is people who most of the time cannot defend themselves because of cannot afford it or lack of knowledge. The is the people JESUS instructed us to look after. Why are courts often inclined to favor the wealthy? They can afford the best lawyers and the wealthy language. Why do societies throughout the ages tend to perpetuate discrimination against outsiders? They are not of the same culture, not the same nation, not the same country some times not of the same language. In what ways should social justice be a value for followers of Yahweh and of Jesus in our day? GOD is LOVE and therefore love us first, JESUS said as I love you so you must love your neighbor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clelie Posted May 7 Report Share Posted May 7 God is a just God who does not show partiality and accept no bribes.He is just in all His dealings with mankind . He cares for the poor ,the lowly, those who are trodden down by the wicked society of this world.He is love and cares for those who are helpless and defenseless . Courts where justice is not the rule are corrupt and favour those who have power and influence .James 2:2-6 You have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich ones who oppress you and ones who drag you to court? Societies which are self centered would not want to share with outsiders . There’s also racial discrimination, inconsideration for those who seek asylum or refuge for safety from political issues etc. Followers of Jesus should learn to walk like Jesus . We have examples of Jesus though a Jew did not refuse to help those who were non Jews . He never turned away any need from anyone. He did not consider himself above any particular race or ethnicity.After his resurrection He commanded his apostles to go and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all things that He has commanded them. Today followers of Christ should promote justice in their societies as a witness to the living Christ., justice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krissi Posted May 7 Report Share Posted May 7 In the recent past, the poor, aliens and orphans were shoved aside by the court system, unable to defend themselves against other citizens or from the government itself because the system was rigged against them. Today, courts are corrupted and politicized in a different way with different victims. For example, "lawfare" harms a political opponent by using the court system to destroy his reputation, bankrupt and silence him. Today's courts are above the law. They create, not interpret, laws and use these newly created or fantastical re-interpretations of existing laws to destroy political opponents or people they don't like. Once targeted, a citizen's life will never be the same. He or she will never feel safe and will constantly worry about the next trumped up accusation their political enemies will make. Today's legal system uses the laws as a weapon to coerce submission and silence. Ray Donovan (who had some sort of job under Reagan, I believe) after finally being acquitted (as well as bankrupted), famously quipped, "Which office do I go to to get my reputation back?" He had been ruined by the courts. Unjustly. His acquittal didn't help him because his entire life, career, family and health had been devastated by weaponized courts. There are tens of thousands of people who have had experiences like Ray Donovan's ... harmed and destroyed by the government's judicial system. Today's court perverters of justice intellectualize the problem by pretending that justice is an airy-fairy concept that no longer exists -- "whose justice ... which rationality" -- but the rest of us know that justice remains an understandable concept. Corrupt judges are part of a corrupt system. That system seeks to harm individuals who critique or oppose it. Americans can no longer safely voice contrary opinions or challenge the government -- free speech has been gutted. For this reason, Solomon's wise sayings don't fit today's circumstances. In fact, Solomon's situation has been turned on it's head! The poor, disadvantaged and aliens are actually protected and acquitted by the courts even when guilty, while Christians, the innocent and reformers are persecuted relentlessly even though innocent. There is a positive bias toward criminals and Leftists in today's courts -- witness the lax punishment of those who steal, destroy property or are a public menace in San Fransisco and Portland, for example. The court is part of the insider's club which excludes true Christians -- governmental elitists are a law unto themselves. Social justice only will be manifested when governmental insiders are unable to change the laws to benefit themselves or to consider themselves above the law. Personally, I no longer think it is possible for Christians to work within the system to reform the system. Governmental corruption is too endemic and pervasive to be changed with the typical remedies of voting and activism. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hanks Posted May 9 Report Share Posted May 9 Q7. (1 KINGS 3:16-28) Why does the Scripture emphasize justice for the poor and disadvantaged, the alien and the orphan? Why are courts often inclined to favour the wealthy? Why do societies throughout the ages tend to perpetuate discrimination against outsiders? In what ways should social justice be a value for followers of Yahweh and of Jesus in our day? This is because these people are the most vulnerable in our society. They do not have the means to protect themselves as do the rich and powerful. Outsiders are discriminated against mostly because of their threat to local employment, and perhaps because of cultural differences. Today, as it was in Solomon’s time, failure to appoint honest, righteous, and impartial leaders will lead to many problems as Israel discovered to their own detriment. As believers we are to imitate our Lord’s love and seek justice for all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katy Posted May 10 Report Share Posted May 10 Q7. In God’s eyes we human beings are all equal. So whether we are poor or wealthy we deserve the same treatment and respect from others and particularly from those in authority and the judiciary. In the Scriptures we see how Jesus sought out and interacted with those who were on the fringes of society, this is a great example for us of how we deal with those that are not acceptable by society in general. In our study we see how fervent Solomon was about treating his people with justice and respect. In his writings in Proverbs and Psalm 172 he speaks about the lowly and oppressed and how they must be treated. This is an example for us and a reminder of how we should treat others. To have wealth is to have worldly power, which people respect. I am not sure why the wealthy are treated with favour by the courts. I suppose the wealthy tend to know people in high places who put in a good word for them. This may have influence on the courts but should not influence them, no matter what the circumstances are. If someone has committed an offence they need to accept the punishment of the courts. Outsiders tend to be discriminated against because they are seen as a threat . People don’t like to see strangers coming in to the country and getting housing, jobs etc, when people in our own country are on endless waiting lists for housing etc. Others are just racist and intolerant of anyone who is different. Unfortunately this is often based on ignorance. As followers of Jesus we are walking in His footsteps, He was our greatest example. Jesus showed kindness and compassion towards those who were lowly , poor, and vulnerable. We also have Solomon’s example of how he treated his people , he wanted from God above everything else, wisdom so he could rule his people properly, in the way that God would want him to.We may not have people to rule over but we can use the principles he used. We can also ask God for wisdom to treat people with dignity and respect. Always being mindful that we may one day be in similar situations and need help and support from others in a strange and foreign land. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paula Price Posted May 14 Report Share Posted May 14 God created man to worship him. We are all his creation. When sin came into the world, by choosing to be disobedient, we were separated from God and out of his will. God sent his son Jesus to die for our sin so we would have a way to get back in the right standing with God. God loves everyone of his creation and does not want to loose any one of us. Just as he is righteous and fair, even when we sin, when we ask for forgiveness, he forgives.. if he can do it for us, we should be able to do it for others. We are all made from the same dust and breath of God. We are his creation. None of us are deserving for we are sinners, but it is by the mercy and grace of God that we have a chance at eternal life in the kingdom with him! It is because of his love for us, his creation, that when we choose to be rightousness and holy and follow his commandments, we can extend the same kindness and forgives to all mankind!! Treat others as we want to be treated, regardless of our have or have nots!!! Jesus came as a lowly servant to show that we are all welcomed in the kingdom!! If we choose to follow him and be obedient to God! This world is the place where Satan resides and is working his evil to separate us from God!! Yield not to temptation for it is a sin!!!! Come out of Babylon, the world of sin and walk and live in the light of Jesus who is our Savior! Although we are in the world we do not have to live in sin as the world does.. We can choose to walk in the light of Jesus and be saved from the evil of this world!!! for every evil there is a righteous!!! There are those in our government and high places who are doing right and doing the will of God, but we choose to focus and bring attention on the evil rather than the good!!! We need to keep our eyes on Jesus and light his light shine through the darkness of this evil world!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janzie Posted May 16 Report Share Posted May 16 On 3/18/2024 at 7:16 PM, Pastor Ralph said: Q7. (1 Kings 3:16-28) Why does the Scripture emphasize justice for the poor and disadvantaged, the alien and the orphan? Why are courts often inclined to favor the wealthy? Why do societies throughout the ages tend to perpetuate discrimination against outsiders? In what ways should social justice be a value for followers of Yahweh and of Jesus in our day? Because God created everyone and loves everyone and that is God's way, and if we are followers of Jesus we should do the same. Because they can pay good lawyers or know someone who could get them off even though they are guilty. Because they are different in culture, nation, ways but, God did this, he made us all different. We are all a different mix - with talents, abilities, gifts, purposes. All to work together in this world to love one another, to get along and accomplish God's purposes. Mostly our leaders are not following the Lord, therefore, they introduce bills that don't reflect God's ways. We should follow what the Word teaches and to Love God with all our heart and to love one another and seek justice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irmela Posted May 17 Report Share Posted May 17 Q7. (1 Kings 3:16-28) Why does the Scripture emphasize justice for the poor and disadvantaged, the alien and the orphan? Why are courts often inclined to favor the wealthy? Why do societies throughout the ages tend to perpetuate discrimination against outsiders? In what ways should social justice be a value for followers of Yahweh and of Jesus in our day? The poor and the disadvantaged, the alien and the orphan, are the ones that most often cannot afford help for themselves. Often the wealthy or alternately the ones that are in the know, are favoured because a bribe is offered. many times it just seems they will loose face if they are treated the same as everyone else. Money talks. Many times outsiders are misunderstood as the cultures differ, also many times the thought comes up why should the outsider be favoured above the citizens of the country who are also in a disadvantage state. Fairness should operate but unfortunately it definitely does not. Social justice is mostly no longer justice. Society is seldom godly and changes rules and regulations on a whim depending on who is to be judged. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niyonka16 Posted May 21 Report Share Posted May 21 Q7. (1 Kings 3:16-28) Why does the Scripture emphasize justice for the poor and disadvantaged, the alien and the orphan? ANSWER: The Bible expresses particular concern for widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. The Lord cares deeply about those living on the margins of society. As Zechariah 7:9-10 declares, true justice is showing mercy and compassion to the widow, the fatherless, the alien, and the poor. God takes a strong stance on behalf of the poor, the widows, the orphans, and the stranger not because He is partial. He takes a strong stance because He is always on the side of right. Therefore He is also on the side of those who have been wronged. The poor and disadvantaged, the alien and the orphan, are the ones who are on the ‘wronged’ side of a situation of chronic injustice – a situation that God abhors and wishes to have redressed. Once again, in his hatred of injustice, God promises there will be consequences for people’s actions. Even as He continues to invite His people into righteous relationship, He ensures justice on behalf of those they have wronged. Why are courts often inclined to favor the wealthy? ANSWER: The courts seem to favor the rich/wealthy, who appear less often and have better representation when they ARE criminal. Why do societies throughout the ages tend to perpetuate discrimination against outsider? ANSWER: Automatic associations and unconscious responses are often driven by society's stereotypes and can result in discrimination. People are often biased against others outside of their own social group (out-groups), showing prejudice (emotional bias), stereotypes (cognitive bias), and discrimination (behavioral bias). These three aspects of bias are related, but they each can occur separately from the others. In what ways should social justice be a value for followers of Yahweh and of Jesus in our day? ANSWER: Justice is important to Christians because they believe in “a Gof of Justice.” The two guiding principles are love and justice. A Biblical view of justice teaches us to look to God's standard of right and wrong. It's a lifestyle that adopts Christlikeness in the way we see the world and serve people. Social justice is an extension of God's love and work in protecting and defending those who can't defend themselves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Edwards Posted May 28 Report Share Posted May 28 We mirror God's love when we take care of the destitute, and those who are in need. God revealed to Moses: attributes of God. By being kind, long suffering, patient and kind: we are living Epistles of God's love. Courts have favouring such terrible behavior due to rebellion to God's laws. Prophet Amos reiterate this time and time again. God will not accept worship if people hold stumbling blocks in their hearts. Ethnic groups are prone to this. The lack catholocity in their behaviors. Even churches are divided by ethnic boundaries. Churches are labeled Greek, Russian, Chinese eta, eta. No soup for you if don't fit the ethnic criteria. God of justice demands that our lives are based on the just commandments of God. Prophet Amos reiterate this is a number of times, so does the Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 58 is a beautiful exhortation to abide by the principles of justice: 1 Corinthians 13 is another Clarion call to be just in our daily lives; without that, God will not accept our worship. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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