The Church’s shift in its approach to social action is, on the whole, a good thing. While the model of charity is a vital aspect of justice, alone it offers little other than “band aids” on problems that are often large and systemic. The problem I see with the model of social justice is that the issues are so large and so diverse that it is practically impossible for a single individual, group or organization to even comprehend let alone solve. It is so easy to be overwhelmed. This fact alone is often enough to turn people away from the entire notion of social justice. People may ask themselves, “How am I even making a dent in the problem? How are my actions really helping anyone?” Charity cannot be abandoned for two reasons: it is necessary in order for the materially poor to survive in the short term, and it gives people a sense of control over situations that are otherwise beyond anyone’s ability to affect personally.
The greatest strength of social justice and the Church’s dedication to systemic change is the fact that all people – regardless of their “day job” – are called to action. In particular, Option for the Poor and Vulnerable requires that each person make decisions based on how those decisions affect “the least.” How empowering for lay people! The choices one is forced to make are rarely easy. Nevertheless, the notion of joining forces with each other and changing hearts toward God’s kingdom on earth is rousing. We can make a difference!
Dangers do exist, however. I have learned from personal experience that it is sometimes difficult to convince people that Option for the Poor and Vulnerable is a necessary consideration. Many fail to see how their decisions can make any impact on the bigger picture. It is easy to give in to feelings of insignificance. Losing (or never having) sight of our role in God’s hope for the world is a difficult trap to escape. I believe that this is the reason why many people prefer works of charity to acts of justice.
The other side of the coin is that issues are often so convoluted that a just course of action does not seem to exist. My decision to boycott Wal-Mart illustrates this point: I made this choice years ago because of Wal-Mart’s abuses both abroad and domestically (ie. sweat shops and denying health insurance to employees). In discussions with Beth Longo, however, I learned that employment at Wal-Mart has made a positive difference in people’s lives in West Virginia – people were able to climb slowly out of poverty because of Wal-Mart’s job opportunities. Now I am thrown into doubt. Should I support my fellow West Virginians who need Wal-Mart in order to feed their families? Or should I continue to stand in solidarity with the citizens of third world countries who are negatively affected by Wal-Mart’s business practices?
Even though I struggle with the question of what social justice means for me, it has nonetheless become an important part of my life. Charity in the traditional sense is difficult for me at this time in my life because of my own economic issues, but I firmly believe that it is also a vital part of the Christian call to serve. Both social justice and charity need to work in tandem – one is ineffective without the other.
The greatest strength of social justice and the Church’s dedication to systemic change is the fact that all people – regardless of their “day job” – are called to action. In particular, Option for the Poor and Vulnerable requires that each person make decisions based on how those decisions affect “the least.” How empowering for lay people! The choices one is forced to make are rarely easy. Nevertheless, the notion of joining forces with each other and changing hearts toward God’s kingdom on earth is rousing. We can make a difference!
Dangers do exist, however. I have learned from personal experience that it is sometimes difficult to convince people that Option for the Poor and Vulnerable is a necessary consideration. Many fail to see how their decisions can make any impact on the bigger picture. It is easy to give in to feelings of insignificance. Losing (or never having) sight of our role in God’s hope for the world is a difficult trap to escape. I believe that this is the reason why many people prefer works of charity to acts of justice.
The other side of the coin is that issues are often so convoluted that a just course of action does not seem to exist. My decision to boycott Wal-Mart illustrates this point: I made this choice years ago because of Wal-Mart’s abuses both abroad and domestically (ie. sweat shops and denying health insurance to employees). In discussions with Beth Longo, however, I learned that employment at Wal-Mart has made a positive difference in people’s lives in West Virginia – people were able to climb slowly out of poverty because of Wal-Mart’s job opportunities. Now I am thrown into doubt. Should I support my fellow West Virginians who need Wal-Mart in order to feed their families? Or should I continue to stand in solidarity with the citizens of third world countries who are negatively affected by Wal-Mart’s business practices?
Even though I struggle with the question of what social justice means for me, it has nonetheless become an important part of my life. Charity in the traditional sense is difficult for me at this time in my life because of my own economic issues, but I firmly believe that it is also a vital part of the Christian call to serve. Both social justice and charity need to work in tandem – one is ineffective without the other.
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