Why Social Justice Is Not Biblical Justice: An Urgent Appeal to Fellow Christians in a Time of Social Crisis

by Scott David Allen

This kind of everyday justice was the central message that John the Baptist preached to the crowds on the banks of the Jordan River. He warned the people of God’s coming judgment. In response, the people asked what they could do to avoid God’s wrath. John replied this way: “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same” (Luke 3:11). When tax collectors asked the same question, John responded: “Don’t collect any more [tax] than you are required to” (Luke 3:13). When soldiers inquired of him, he replied: “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay” (Luke 3:14). In short, justice is living out the Ten Commandments in our everyday relationships.