"This book is unique: in it, noted biblical scholars weigh in on what the Bible says about social justice, a topical domain typically populated by sociologists, ethicists, and activists. The volume is remarkably comprehensive, sampling texts from across the biblical canon, and its discussions are robust and insightful. The volume introduces devout, learned evangelical voices into a conversation of great import both for the church and the poor and powerless in our world. Hear them well!"
--Robert L. Hubbard, Jr. Professor (Emeritus) of Biblical Literature, North Park Theological Seminary, Chicago
"Concern with social justice has rightly captured the imagination of those who follow Jesus. The Bible and Social Justice powerfully supports this passion with brilliant biblical exposition. I highly recommend this stimulating book that not only informs us but also stirs us to action."
--Tremper Longman III, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College
Cynthia Long Westfall is Assistant Professor of New Testament at McMaster Divinity College. Along with her academic work, she has ministered to those who are at risk for homelessness in Denver, Colorado, and Hamilton, Ontario.
Bryan R. Dyer is the coeditor of Paul and Ancient Rhetoric (2015), and currently works for Baker Academic as an Acquisitions Editor.
Reviews (2)
I never realized how important social justice was to God's heart
The entire biblical narrative resounds with the cry for justice. Dr. Westfall and her chapter authors have done a splendid job going through each book (or group) of the Bible and pointing out passages that relate to justice and injustice. Personally, I refer to "The Bible and Social Justice" often in my personal Bible study, as a commentary aid. Frankly, I am shocked at how thoroughly interwoven the themes of justice and righteousness appear within the pages of the Bible, that I had never noticed before...because I wasn't looking for it. For example, I had always thought Jesus' observation of the widow's mite was simply a praise of how dedicated the woman was at serving God, even though he had nothing else to give. What a quaint lesson in humility and devotion! But, when I read Craig A. Evans' comment on Mark 12, I realized that I had completely missed the main point of Jesus' teaching in the entire chapter. He says, "This is no word of praise; it is a lament. Instead of being assisted by the temple establishment, as the Law of Moses commands, the poor widow has been exploited by the temple establishment and reduced to abject poverty" (pp. 61-62). That's what I'm talking about. The scholars in this book have helped me to have that hermeneutical lens to keep an eye towards God's justice. I never saw it before because I wasn't looking for it. Like Jesus said, "You do not have because you do not ask." If we've never seen how the Bible calls us towards God's justice, then it is probably because you never wanted to see it or hear it. I believe that Westfall's book will help everyone to become more open to God's call to justice.
I never realized how important social justice was to God's heart
The entire biblical narrative resounds with the cry for justice. Dr. Westfall and her chapter authors have done a splendid job going through each book (or group) of the Bible and pointing out passages that relate to justice and injustice. Personally, I refer to "The Bible and Social Justice" often in my personal Bible study, as a commentary aid. Frankly, I am shocked at how thoroughly interwoven the themes of justice and righteousness appear within the pages of the Bible, that I had never noticed before...because I wasn't looking for it. For example, I had always thought Jesus' observation of the widow's mite was simply a praise of how dedicated the woman was at serving God, even though he had nothing else to give. What a quaint lesson in humility and devotion! But, when I read Craig A. Evans' comment on Mark 12, I realized that I had completely missed the main point of Jesus' teaching in the entire chapter. He says, "This is no word of praise; it is a lament. Instead of being assisted by the temple establishment, as the Law of Moses commands, the poor widow has been exploited by the temple establishment and reduced to abject poverty" (pp. 61-62). That's what I'm talking about. The scholars in this book have helped me to have that hermeneutical lens to keep an eye towards God's justice. I never saw it before because I wasn't looking for it. Like Jesus said, "You do not have because you do not ask." If we've never seen how the Bible calls us towards God's justice, then it is probably because you never wanted to see it or hear it. I believe that Westfall's book will help everyone to become more open to God's call to justice.
