Dear TRA Families:

Definitions matter. For example, here are two very different definitions of the same word:

Justice: “Just treatment of all members of society with regard to a specified public issue, including equitable distribution of resources and participation in decision-making; usually used in combination,” (Dictionary.com).

Justice: “The virtue which consists in giving to everyone what is his due; practical conformity to the laws and to principles of rectitude in the dealings of men with each other; honesty; integrity in commerce or mutual intercourse,” (Original Webster's 1828 Dictionary).

Which one is correct?

Historically and biblically, justice meant to give each person what they deserve based on their actions. When thinking about this spiritually, we run into problems because none of us have done perfectly right, which means we justly deserve punishment. Paul's argument in Romans is precisely this, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, AND [emphasis mine] all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus,” (Romans 3:23-34). Praise God for this good news.

Historically, when it comes to societal justice, we see a similar notion. Take a look at this 15th century painting depicting justice:

What do you notice about the items “Lady Justice” is holding in her hands? In one hand is a scale, which we can interpret as a fair and balanced assessment of what a person is rightly due given their actions. In the other hand is a sword, which is there to dole out a proper punishment given a person's actions.

Isn’t this interesting given the more modern definition I quoted above from Dictionary.com? Rather than giving each person what they deserve or what is their due, instead, the definition has to do with equality—specifically an “equitable distribution of resources and participation in decision making.”

How does this differ from historic and biblical justice? First, the modern definition ties justice to a public issue. This is where we get phrases such as social justice, economic justice, or environmental justice. Justice is now tied to issues rather than an individual's right or wrong actions.

Second, it removes the scales of balance and right judgment from the equation and replaces it with the word equitable, which means equal or the same. No need for discernment here; we all get exactly the same regardless of merit or effort. Third, it requires equal participation in decision making. “Do not be deceived, God cannot be mocked: A man reaps what he sows,” (Galatians 6:7). Biblically, we see a clear connection between actions and results, between what we do and what we will experience as a result of those actions.

When personal responsibility is removed from the equation, I can’t help but wonder if we are no longer talking about justice—certainly not biblical or historical justice. In this case, I believe we should instead use a different word to describe what we are after. In other words, when phrases like “social justice” are used, are we really talking about justice in its truest sense, or are we talking about fairness or equality? If so, we should use the word best suited to our intent and purpose.

Finally, what if everyone had equal say in their own just punishment? How would that go as a society?

We live in a challenging time and one in which our children will need to be very discerning about these types of issues. This is why we are actively talking with our students about things like justice vs. equality and why the definitions matter.

Thanks for partnering with us here at TRA to raise the next generation of Christian leaders.

Have a great week!

Eric