![]() ![]() It is important to note that support for this ideology does not solely derive from NT text. The OT Scriptures advocate this point of view an example of this is found in Psalms 68:4-5. Translated, the whole text means: if we walk closely/intimately with God, then we must do justice (fight for, be the voice for, the weak and poor) out of a motivation of merciful love. Keller provides the definition for the Hebrew terms for “mercy” and “justice” which turns out to be a seamless singular definition with a multi-dimensional meaning. To no longer assess them with a passing nonchalant, biased, and assumptive cursory glance has been the biggest transformation. I must, in a sense, undergo a paradox shift, so to speak, which I have. In order to lead myself well and eventually others, there is a need to allow God’s word to retrain the way I view the poor, the marginalized and the disenfranchised. This reflects the multi-level approach that Keller describes in his book. In the same way, Keller explains that it requires a multifaceted plan of action: “Doing justice in poor communities includes direct relief, individual development, community development, racial reconciliation, and social reform”. ![]() Just as the Scripture reference in Micah implies, doing justly is not an entirely separate entity from loving mercy and walking humbly with God. According to Keller, in order for Christians to genuinely live out their faith and ‘love thy neighbor’, one must Do Justice in its most organic and holistic form. Yet, the opposite is equally true preaching to, and evangelizing someone and ignoring their immediate and materialistic needs is showing a lack of love and reveals a heart that has not truly embraced the message of the Gospel. In the following discussion, we will delve more deeply into Keller’s holistic methodology to doing justice by exploring his overarching principles of combining traditional theological and evangelical methods with social reformation, radical generosity, justice and mercy.ĭoing Justice, as the Bible instructs, involves more than that of giving of ‘alms’. We will explore in more depth Tim Keller’s appeal to believers and leaders, that they address the complex issues of poverty, race and social injustice as wells as a host of other issues affecting the disenfranchised and marginalized in the same radical way Jesus dealt with such matters in His time. This Biblical principle of doing justice directly impacts the way leaders are to view and serve the people within the realm of their influence. “To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). It would result in a world defined by shalom, a comprehensive peace, a world in which human beings flourish.The profound question was asked thousands of years ago “What does the Lord require of you?” The world and the Christian community, leaders and lay people alike, are still grappling with the answer to this day. Generous Justice is the best book I’ve ever read about putting Christian faith into action… Were all Christians to respond to Keller’s understanding of Biblically based justice, it wouldn’t simply result in more social programs, food and shelter and health care for the needy. Justice skeptics and justice proponents alike will learn from Generous Justice. This is the most biblically informed and intellectually careful (read the footnotes!) “social justice” book I know of. Here is a book for believers who find the Bible a trustworthy guide as well as those who suspect that Christianity is a regressive influence in the world. ![]() In Generous Justice, Keller explores a life of justice empowered by an experience of grace: a generous, gracious justice. Isn’t it full of regressive views? Didn’t it condone slavery? Why look to the Bible for guidance on how to have a more just society?īut Timothy Keller sees it another way. It is commonly thought in secular society that the Bible is one of the greatest hindrances to doing justice. ![]()
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