Practical Justice

Practical Justice.  Living Off-Center in a Self-Centered World.

By Kevin Blue

Why this book matters:   Kevin Blue has written a very approachable book on the topic of justice, within his overall concern that we understand that the world is rapidly urbanizing and poverty itself is becoming more urban within global trend.  He makes clear, basic connections between faith in Christ and the need to think and act justly. 

Blue helps us to develop a basic language out of which we can begin to seriously discuss justice issues in the (white evangelical) church.

Overview: 

Initially the author sets the stage for the importance of thinking about justice by considering the overall movement of the kingdom of God (evangelism, healing, power and dealing with evil and injustice).   Next he encourages us to see that Christ calls us to recognize and respond to injustice around us – but to do so cautiously.  Caution is due in part so that our ministry is genuine and effective and so that we are prepared to count the cost.

Following these introductory chapters Blue follows an outline of Justice thinking and response following the proverb (long known and modified by John Perkins)

1.     Give a man a fish (immediate need)

2.     Teach a man a fish (redistribute skill)

3.     Fix the pond [create access] (deal with the system[s])

Blue then moves on to issues central to the discussion about justice such as race, class and lifestyles of justice.   

Chapter worth the price of the book:    Fixing the Pond.  If for no other reason than this chapter helps believers to see things they are often blind to and what might begin to be done about them. 

Quote:

 "We fall short of honoring the Lord’s desire if we only throw some money , food and shelter to the homeless and do not address the causes of hunger and homelessness.  Especially if they are structural in nature and not simply the results of drought and famine or personal sin.  Scripture calls believers to be directly involved in these issues and we should pray against unjust systems as well."  p 72

If you liked this book you may want to consider:

Divided by Faith. By Michael Emerson and Christian Smith.  (a good book to read to give added context to understanding sin within structures.)

Thiers is the Kingdom. By Robert Lupton

Deep Justice in a Broken World. By Chap Clark and Kara Powell