With the recent events that have befallen our nation as a result of racial violence, many Christians have acknowledged that they would like to broaden their understanding of the issues of racism and justice to help them better become agents of reconciliation in their communities and beyond.
To assist in this effort, the following scripture passages, books, and other resources* have been recommended by Alliance leaders and those who recently participated in a panel discussion on Race, Justice, and the Church’s Response led by Alliance President John Stumbo and Corporate Vice President Kelvin Walker.
Scripture Passages:
Psalm 89:14
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants.
Psalm 82
1God presides over heaven’s court; he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings: 2 “How long will you hand down unjust decisions by favoring the wicked? Interlude 3 “Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. 4 Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people. 5 But these oppressors know nothing; they are so ignorant! They wander about in darkness, while the whole world is shaken to the core. 6 I say, ‘You are gods; you are all children of the Most High. 7 But you will die like mere mortals and fall like every other ruler.’” 8 Rise up, O God, and judge the earth, for all the nations belong to you.
Proverbs 22:8
Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will come to an end.
Micah 6:8
No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.
Amos 5:14 & 5:24
14 Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live! Then the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies will be your helper, just as you have claimed. 15 Hate evil and love what is good; turn your courts into true halls of justice. Perhaps even yet the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies will have mercy on the remnant of his people.
Jeremiah 22:3
This is what the Lord says: Be fair-minded and just. Do what is right! Help those who have been robbed; rescue them from their oppressors. Quit your evil deeds! Do not mistreat foreigners, orphans, and widows. Stop murdering the innocent!
Books:
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Film:
“Just Mercy” (Free for the month of June): https://www.justmercyfilm.com/
*The Alliance does not specifically endorse any of the resources featured in this article, but simply offers them as a means to broaden understanding and perspective on issues of race and justice.