SOCIAL JUSTICE THEMES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

NEW TESTAMENT BASICS

• Gospels
• Parables
• Jesus' Teaching and Sermons
• Example of Jesus' Ministry
• Epistles and Early Tradition

"able to 'see the kingdom' of God, and to take part in building up social structures more worthy of every individual and of all humanity, in promoting and defending the culture of life against all threats of death."
Pope John Paul II

NOT JUST TALKING ABOUT AFTERLIFE!

• The Kingdom is here on earth!
• "put love into practice"
• Church represents beginning of kingdom on earth
• Not abolish Torah, but expand on it

Social Justice teachings found in the New Testament are just one way that the re-imagined covenant takes form in the Church and the world.

Can you think of another?

HUMAN DIGNITY

• Matthew 5:38-39
• This was a big change!
• To see others from a Divine Perspective
• Must see the image of God in every person
• Matthew 5:43-45

MERCY, FORGIVENESS, AND RESPECT

• Passion Story- Mercy and Forgiveness
• Societal outcasts- Respect

THE POOR AND VULNERABLE

• Vulnerable- define
• Torah: Don't harm poor
• Jesus: Actively help poor
• Luke 16:19-31

LETTER OF JAMES

• Recall James' theology from last semester
• Works alongside Faith
• Corporal Works of Mercy
• James 2:14-17
• "Necessary requirement for following Christ"

BEATITUDES

FORMULA

• Blessed are....
• For theirs....
• Overall message of the Beatitudes?

BUT WITH A WARNING!?

• Wealth was a sign of God's Blessing
• Now detachment of it is necessary to enter Kingdom

Untitled Slide

Quiz

• Define Human Dignity.
• Explain the difference between how the Torah responded to the poor and how Jesus responded to the poor. Be detailed.
• Most of the people listening to the Sermon the Mount would have been shocked by Jesus' teachings on wealth....why?