This month we address the fourth form of Biblical Justice: Economic Justice.
What do I mean by the phrase Economic Justice?
Economic Justice is 1) a social system that 2)organizes and manages financial affairs in a 3) fair and righteous manner. Economic Justice calls for an economy that provides dignity in work and assistance for those unable to provide for themselves. As people of faith, we are talking about God’s economy where God’s will is “done on earth as it is in heaven.”
What does the Bible say about Economic Justice?
The Bible has a great deal to say about God’s economy or Economic Justice. In both the Old and New Testaments, one gleans a model of an economic system that is fair and just and righteous.
Pharaoh’s Dream (Genesis 41:1-39)
When Joseph interpreted pharaoh’s dreams to mean that there would be seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine, Pharaoh responded by establishing a government program, funded by taxes, to store grain produced when there was plenty to be used during a time of scarcity.
A just economy takes advantage of abundance in order to overcome scarcity. This is Economic Justice.
Bread from Heaven (Exodus 16:1-31)
God gave the people bread from heaven and water from rocks. In doing so God also established a fundamental rule for the management of the resources necessary for survival in the desert. Each person was to gather only enough manna to meet his or her needs. Anything extra spoiled and was filled with maggots.
A just economy recognizes everyone’s a human right to food, shelter, health and liberty. This is Economic Justice.
The Sabbath, the Sabbath Year and the Year of Jubilee (Exodus 20:8, Deuteronomy 5:12-15: Leviticus 25)
The law of Moses established the Sabbath, the Sabbath year, and the year of Jubilee each of which had deep and profound implications for the way Israel’s economy would be structured.
Sabbath. There was to be no work on the seventh day of the week. Even God takes time for rest and renewal; the Israelites were liberated from the seven day work week when God led them out of Egypt.
Sabbath Year. Every seventh year, Israel was instructed to give the land rest. The land itself needed time to rest and rejuvenate.
Year of Jubilee. After seven Sabbath Years, the law provided for the Year of Jubilee. Every 50 years, all debts were canceled and all property returned to its original owners.
A just economy rewards labor with time and resources for rest and recovery. A just economy liberates people from the bondage of debt and protects laborers and the earth itself from exploitation. This is Economic Justice.
Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-15)
In the parable of the workers in the vineyard, all of the laborers are given a job and paid a denarius. A denarius was valued as a day’s labor – enough for the laborer to meet a family’s needs. It did not matter what time of the day you were hired. Those looking for work at noon, 3pm and 5pm were given a job with a living wage.
In a just economy, everyone has access to a job that pays enough in wages and benefits to meet a family’s basic needs for food, shelter, health and liberty. This is Economic Justice.
Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-9; Mark 4:1-8; Luke 8:1-8)
The parable of the sower teaches us that God is generous to a fault. Seed is scattered where crops cannot grow because even in the most unlikely of circumstances there is the potential for an extraordinary yield.
In the Palestine of Jesus day, the poor, the foreigners, lepers and the disabled depended on this extra yield. When the field had been harvested and the needs of the laborers were met, are those who are unable to provide for themselves had access to the gleanings the crops at the edge of the field and the grain left behind after the harvest.
In a just economy, an abundance of goods and services are produced so that the poor and indigent and outcasts may share in the abundance and have their needs met as well. This is Economic Justice.
The Fellowship of the Believers (Acts 3:45-46)
According to Luke the first Christians took all of this very seriously. “All the believers were together and had every thing in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” (Acts 3:4-46)
In God’s economy those who have a great deal are expected to give and to share so that those who are in need may not suffer. The generosity of those with resources meet the needs of those without. This is Economic Justice.
What is the United Church of Christ Stand on Economic Justice?
The UCC and all of its predecessor bodies have been ardent advocates for labor rights and the basic human rights of all people to have their needs for food, shelter, clothing and liberty met.
In the first third of the 20th century, St John’s was part of the Evangelical Church, a progressive denomination deeply involved in the “Social Gospel” movement. Our evangelical ancestors fought for the rights of Americans to organize in the workplace and enjoy the benefits of their labor. During the depression, they supported efforts to meet the needs of the disabled and elderly through a new government anti-poverty program — Social Security.
Immediately before, during and after WWII, St John’s became part of the newly formed Evangelical and Reformed Church. Hospitals cared for the sick. Orphanages and Homes for the Developmentally Disabled provided for those who could not take care of themselves. Continuing within its progressive Social Gospel heritage, the E&R’s were advocates for organized labor and the poor. Returning veterans found broad support for the G. I. Bill among the E&R’s.
In 1957, we became part of the United Church of Christ. Economic Justice grew as we fought for equal pay for equal work, economic rights for women, African Americans and other minorities. The UCC has continued its advocacy for the poor and disenfranchised, the sick and the persecuted.
Throughout our history, the UCC and its predecessor bodies have been strong and vocal advocates for Economic Justice.
D Gene Kraus 