Those that followed in the apostles’ footsteps continued to maintain a strong emphasis on biblical justice, often expanding its application to different forms of injustice. One of the key Christian figures in the fourth century was St. Basil the Great (330-379).
He believed that Christians were called to live out the teachings of scripture in ways that involved sacrificing one’s wealth for the sake of the poor in their community. He writes
“Care for the needy requires the expenditure of wealth: when all share alike, disbursing their possessions among themselves, they each receive a small portion for their individual needs. Thus, those who love their neighbor as themselves possess nothing more than their neighbor[1].”
Similarly, he argues that the scriptures teach that everything that we have is ultimately of God, and so we are not simply ‘sharing’ but rather giving to each one what is due to them. Christians are to “zealously imitate the early Christian community, where everything was held in common-life, soul, concord, a common table, indivisible kinship – while unfeigned love…[2]”
Basil was not only interested in the proper distribution of resources to those in need, he also condemned unjust business practices that would disadvantage the marginalized and fail to provide them access to common goods[3] and argued against predatory lending practices[4] and even condemned acts of generosity that were funded by unjust means. He states that
“Acts of charity made from unjust gains are not acceptable to God, nor are those who refrain from injustice praiseworthy if they do not share what they have. It is written concerning those who commit injustice and then attempt to offer gifts to God, “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord (Prov 15:8). Regarding those who fail to show mercy, however, it says “If you close your ear to the cry of the poor, you will cry out and not be heard” (Prov 21:13).
As the church grew over the centuries, many of her leaders were committed to living justly, in ways that elevated the needs of the marginalized, sought to correct unjust systems, and foster equity among fellow image bearers of God.
Intro: Justice For All
Part I: Justice in Scripture
Part II: Justice in Church History – St. Basil
Part III: Justice in Church History – The Puritans
Part IV: Justice in Church History – Modern Evangelicals
[1] St. Basil, On Social Justice (United States, St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 2009), 43.
[2] Basil, Social Justice, 38.
[3] Basil, Social Justice, 7.
[4] Basil, Social Justice, 89.