The term “social justice” was originally a Catholic term that was first used around 1840 near the end of the Industrial Revolution. The primary concern at that time was economics and the exploitation of human labor. In the years since then, the term has come to include other issues such as race, gender, and the environment, and it has come to mean different things to different people.
Dictionary.com defines social justice as the fair treatment of all people in a society, including respect for the rights of minorities and equitable distribution of resources among members of a community. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society. The United Nations says that it may be broadly understood as the fair and compassionate distribution of the fruits of economic growth. These definitions sound nice, but notice their use of the word “distribution.” What do they mean by fair and equal distribution? Who defines it and who is in charge of it?
The San Diego Foundation states that the core values of social justice are equal rights, equal opportunity, and equal treatment. I understand these concepts and agree with them. No one should be discriminated against or persecuted because of their skin color, religious affiliation, gender, or economic status. Everyone should have the same opportunity to compete and should play by the same rules. But there is a difference between equal opportunity and equal outcome. Ten people with the same rights, opportunity, and treatment may produce ten very different outcomes because some people are stronger, faster, and smarter than others. And some people are more motivated, creative, and resourceful. However, equal distribution requires that all ten receive the same outcome regardless of their abilities, efforts, and contributions. Is it fair and equitable for hardworking, industrious, innovative producers who follow the rules to receive the same outcome as lazy, apathetic, and unmotivated people who take advantage of the system? Also, what about the "common good?" Who defines what the common good is? Who determines what is best for a society? Let's see what the Bible says.
