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Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Tuesday Book Club - Justice in the Burbs 4
At this point in our discussion of Will and Lisa Samson's Justice in the Burbs, I want to bring up the issue of what stands in the way of our engaging in justice. If we as Christians have been called to act justly and to "be Jesus" to those around us, it is obvious that we have not done a perfect job at this. In fact some people don't even know about justice and others go to churches that preach against it. Justice isn't happening as it should in the church today. So what stands in our way? What prevents us from doing justice, what excuses to we give?

Do we not know what we should be doing?
Do we not know what needs to be done?
Are we afraid of what others will think?
Are we afraid for our safety?
Are we to busy?
Do we think acting justly is too inconvenient or expensive?
Do we just not care?

Let's have an honest and open discussion about what prevents us from acting justly. Sometimes we ca talk about justice but never understand it in the context of our lives. I hope this discussion can help place justice within that context.
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posted by Julie at 10:04 AM ¤ Permalink ¤


2 Comments:


  • At 10/24/2007 09:55:00 AM, Blogger Lydia

    Here are some of the reasons I've thought of. They're maybe not all good reasons, but they are honest ;) :

    The problem seems too big; I don't even know where to begin.

    I don't know if I have enough charisma or knowledge to convince people that issue X is important.

    It's easy to get sucked into an apathetic mindset, especially when you're working retail during the holiday season. ;)

    I don't know whether I'm comfortable partnering with other Christians who have very poor track records when it comes to their treatment of women or people who are LGBT. Yes, social justice is very important. But will working with people who are so deeply prejudiced in other areas negate the good we could do working on the things we do agree on? Does working with them send the message that I agree with everything they do?

     

  • At 10/25/2007 08:03:00 PM, Blogger Jemila Kwon

    I think it's a a bit difficult to create new habits. Getting started is difficult -- getting catalyzed into the first steps of buying differently or driving less or spending more on fair trade or eating less-but-organic/local, finding out about local communities to get involved with -- when we're in survival mode just to keep our own families getting through the day, all that seems like it requires energy and initiative that seem overwhelming.

    Which brings up interesting questions about why it's typical for American families to be in survival mode...but that's another topic.

    It would be alot easier if someone would come up with an all-inclusive kit: The Justice Kit, or the Fair Trade/Eco Kit. A cute box with all you need to turn over a new leaf and start living a socially conscious, earth-friendly life:

    1. A brief but comprehensive list of where to buy the Fair Trade/Eco versions of stuff we want/need

    2.A simple poster of daily ways we can be gentle on the earth and one another

    3.A guide to fun ways to teach your kids about justice and get the whole family involved

    Oh, and some fair trade-recycled stationary and chocolate to give going Fair/Eco a sweet association :)

     
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