This is a continuation of conversations started a couple weeks ago in the postings My Journey Into Racism and What Can I Do? As we continue this conversation, let me be clear as to the reasons why I decided to address racism in a blog-site focused on practical theology. My reasons are (1) to not remain complicit through silence, (2) to work through my own understanding of systemic racism and the role I play, and (3) to invite fellow Christ-followers to do the same.
The term Practical Theology implies an understanding of God, his worldview, and how that informs the way we live our lives – the way we relate to others.
What could be more practical than gaining an understanding of God’s heart for all people, not just the predominant group? We do not need to spend much time in scripture to become aware of God’s desire for justice and mercy is for all his people, not just the predominant group (thus Micah 6:8 – And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God). We do not need to spend much time with Jesus to see that he walked away from the predominant group in order to seek the outsider (see Jesus’ Mission Statement).
We cannot act justly, let alone love mercy, if we do not have a clear biblical understanding of justice. But what is the biblical/theological understanding of justice? Fortunately, the BibleProject has created a six minute video that paints a very clear picture of the biblical understanding of justice. Enjoy – it’s captivating. Then be watching for my next post, What ELSE Can I Do?
Practical Theology Today 
Excellent Curt!
One of our former judges in Hennepin County used to say “ You want mercy you go to church! You want justice you go to court”!
Interesting?
Jim
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“Biblical justice is the active care and protection of the vulnerable, a generous love for the broken, and a desire for wickedness to be eradicated–treating all those who bear the image of God with dignity, from the motivation of the generous grace that God has bestowed upon us through Jesus Christ.”
I don’t know the author for certain, the definition is supplied from a pastor in Indiana that has a family connection to one the afternoon show hosts on our local Christian radio. I like it.
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Bruce,
Thanks for this quote – says it well! Now your job is to find the author. I would like to know the source.
Maybe you’ve seen this – I stumbled onto this video released a few days ago by Phil Vischy, the creator of Veggie Tales. He does a really good job of providing a historical basis for the racial inequities and disparities that we see today. It’s 17 minutes long and well worth watching. https://youtu.be/AGUwcs9qJXY
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