4 Principles of God's Justice Standard; Guest: Dr. Cal Beisner
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Segment #1: Interview with Dr. Beisner
Dr. Beisner has an extensive resume of expertise in the areas of history, philosophy, economics, and justice. He is the founder of the Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation.
The Cornwall Alliance is a network of about 70 evangelical scholars. The multidisciplinary teams includes about 1/3 natural scientists, such as biologists, chemists, physicists, and climate scientists; 1/3 are economists, including those who specialize in development and environment; and 1/3 are theologians, philosophers, ethicists, pastors, and religious ministry leaders.
Together, these professionals work together to educate the public and policy makers in three areas:
Biblical earth stewardship--Genesis 1:28
Economics of development and the environment
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Dr. Beisner addressed this question extensively:
Is Social Justice the same as Biblical Justice? If not, what are the differences?
Over the last century and a half, the term "social justice" has a developed a very specific content...it currently means an approximation of equality of distribution...of wealth, of power, of position in society.
Equity, which is a legal term that used to mean justice or fairness, as in a "fair and just" trial in a lawsuit. However, equity has now become synonymous with equality, which has robbed us of an otherwise helpful term.
The bottom line: Social justice relates to a quest for equalizing wealth, power, and position in society, but THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE while leaving people free to be themselves, to pursue their own interests. Therefore, social justice and personal liberty are incompatible.
Definition of Biblical Justice:
Rendering impartially and proportionally to everyone his due in conformity to the righteous standard of God's moral law.
Four criteria:
Impartiality--not playing favorites (Deut 1:16-17). Considers the individual, NOT judging people as a collective/groups
Proportionality--making sure the punishment fits the crime, not over-punishing or under-punishing
Giving someone their due--"eye for an eye"; the reward should fit the conduct
Conformity to God's law--the moral laws bind all people everywhere, forever
Regarding reparations: "The soul that sins must die" Ezekiel 18:20.
The reparation has to come from someone who actually did the crime or, at the very least, from someone whose property clearly can be defined as having come from that crime. The farther we get from the individual(s) who did the crimes, to where the property is now, to where those are who have benefited or who have been harmed, the more difficult it becomes to determine who is responsible and for how much.
Resources:
Dr. Beisner's book, Prosperity and Poverty: The Compassionate Use of Resources in a World of Scarcity
Recommended by Dr. Beisner: The Book That Made Your World: How the Bible Created the Soul of Western Civilization
Recommended by Dr. Beisner: Thomas Sowell's book, The Quest for Cosmic Justice
Dr. Beisner's book: Social Justice vs Biblical Justice: How Good Intentions Undermine Justice and Gospel . **FREE for any donation made to the Cornwall Alliance.
When making your donation, type "social justice" in the comments field. Donations are 100% tax deductible.**
Connect with the guest
Find Dr. Beisner at the Cornwall Alliance:
Email: stewards@cornwallalliance.org
Segment #2: (Big) Announcements and Tweet of the Week!
Krista announced that she is transitioning out of her longtime job and will be joining the ministry of CFBU full-time!!! This is a big step of faith!
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