I've been watching the news reports of the "occupy" movement and one of the things that amazes me is the seemingly lack of interest in the objectives of the movement. It seems like many people have decided that they are likely part of the 99% and can feel a sense of solidarity in the movement but most of us (likely including most of the participants) are unsure exactly what this movement is about.I don't pretend to know the aims or objectives of any individual or group but I've been curious as well about the growth of what many people are calling 'social justice'. I'm a stickler for the meaning of words and have found myself challenged by what people mean by social justice particularly in what are traditionally conservative church circles.
For example, many of us are pleased with the church's involvement in feeding the poor, reaching out to the homeless, providing educational opportunities, etc. Some churches have taken an even more active role in things like educational and mentoring programs for young people and adults. Here in South Florida, our church is involved in stopping human trafficking, foster parenting and adoption, all of which are considered to be the practical manifestation of God's kingdom on earth. Many that are involved in these programs embrace the term 'social justice' as an all-encompassing category of doing good works.
However, the definition of the term social justice is important. Outside of the church, advocates would normally define social justice as 'equality of opportunity' and to manufacture 'equality of outcome'. Their rally points include things like more progressive taxation, income redistribution, equal rights for same-sex marriage and property redistribution.
The 99% and "occupy" movements are also sited as examples of people that are involved in social justice. Regardless of what some of the people that are involved in these movements consider their objective there are many that are looking for completely new economic and political systems, an end to Capitalism and freely embrace the statement, "From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs". That quote was popularized by Karl Marx in 1875 and was the fuel for the communist revolutions of the early 20th. Century.
Here is another quote you may want to consider, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)
