Jesus, Justice and the Poor: A Call to True Christian Living

Last updated on: February 4, 2025 at 10:21 am by Rob Giannamore

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Jesus, Justice and the Poor: A Call to True Christian Living 2025-02-04T10:21:56-05:00 Rob Giannamore

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A Just God Gives Back

Another week of vindictive actions by President Trump have invaded our media feeds and many misaligned Christians have cheered him on. Simply castigating and pointing out the problem is not the solution, rather, here, I would like to consider concepts that have been with me since my Social Work and Center for Social Concern Days at Gannon University. This week, I want to explore restorative justice versus retributive justice and the Catholic notion of preferential option of the poor.

Retributive justice refers to the concept of seeking retribution against someone to address wrongdoing. In contrast, Jesus often emphasizes restorative justice. Restorative justice focuses on repairing the harm inflicted upon victims. This approach ensures that offenders are held accountable for their actions, understand the impact of their behavior, are provided with opportunities for redemption, and are discouraged from committing further harm.

If we turn to the Bible, we will find that the Bible is a very conflictual book when it comes to these concepts of justice. There is not enough time in this post to outline the cultures that influenced the Old Testament and why we would see the kind of God that is often portrayed there.

Jesus as an Example

In the New Testament, particularly the teachings and actions of Jesus, provide countless examples that align with the principles of restorative justice. Let’s explore a couple of examples:

Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Jesus consistently emphasized the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. He taught that true justice involves restoring broken relationships, not simply punishing the offender. His parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates this beautifully, showing the father’s overwhelming joy at the return of his lost son, despite the son’s wrongdoing.

Focus on Healing and Restoration: Jesus’ ministry was characterized by acts of healing and restoration. He reportedly not only healed physical ailments but also addressed deeper emotional and spiritual wounds. This emphasis on healing aligns with the restorative justice principle of addressing the underlying causes of harm. In medicine, we are taught to first, do no harm.

Emphasis on Compassion and Empathy: Jesus consistently demonstrated compassion and empathy for the marginalized and the outcast. He dined with sinners, interacted with the poor and the sick, and challenged the social norms of his time. This emphasis on human dignity and compassion is central to restorative justice.

It is important to note that the concept of restorative justice as we understand it today is a more modern development. Let me explain further.

I attended Gannon University, a Catholic college, in the late 90s. I studied Social Work and joined the Center for Social Concerns to learn about poverty and homelessness. Although I’m no longer active in the Catholic Church, I still support the preferential option for the poor.

The preferential option for the poor is a Catholic social teaching that emphasizes prioritizing the well-being of the poor and marginalized in society, reflecting biblical principles. It calls for Christians to actively support and advocate for the needs of the vulnerable, viewing this commitment as essential to their faith. I see this as the work of the Acts 2 Chruch.

Reflecting on poverty specifically, an area that seems to be looked down upon in American society right now, we must consider these thoughts from Gustavo Gutierez:

First, material poverty is never good but an evil to be opposed. “It is not simply an occasion for charity but a degrading force that denigrates human dignity and ought to be opposed and rejected.”

Second, poverty is not a result of fate or laziness but is due to structural injustices that privilege some while marginalizing others. “Poverty is not inevitable; collectively the poor can organize and facilitate social change.”

Third, poverty is a complex reality and is not limited to its economic dimension. To be poor is to be insignificant. Poverty means an early and unjust death.

While Jesus’ teachings contain many principles that resonate with restorative justice, it’s not accurate to say that he explicitly articulated a fully developed theory of restorative justice

Overall, the teachings and actions of Jesus provide a strong foundation for a restorative justice approach. His emphasis on forgiveness, reconciliation, healing, and compassion offers a powerful framework for addressing harm and building a more just and equitable society. Taking opportunities, funding or failing to recognize difference will not make us a better place. Jesus stood up for the poor and defenseless and put his life on the cross to show us how ridiculous we were being. As a Jewish man, community was everything to Jesus. As Christians, we must reflect this same posture.

We are just a short time into this new administration’s reign. It is time for Christians to think like Jesus, act like the Act 2 church and gather around our community. A just God gives back. In the creation story, God affirms the goodness of all creation. After the flood, God weeps over it’s destruction. The message is clear, God loves us, all of us, all of that which God created.

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About Rob Giannamore

Rob Giannamore is a modern day contemplative. His formal education includes a Bachelors of Arts in Social Work, a Masers of Divinity and a Masters in Mental Health Counseling. He is a member of the Order of Saint Benedict as an Oblate. Rob is a father of four girls and has been married 23 years to his wonderful bride. He is a martial artist, writer, college professor, endurance athlete and adventurer. You can read more about the author here.

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