What have all
these people
got in
common?
Each of these
people have
stood up
for the weak
or oppressed
Gandhi was a Hindu but
highly respected and
quoted the teachings of
Jesus
06 December 2012
Social
Injustice
LO: To explore the
Christian idea of social
injustice and liberation
theology.
To consider whether a
Christian should fight for
justice.
It’s not fair!
In pairs, make a list of
unfair treatment in the
world and a list of fair
treatment.
Which of the lists is
longer?
Why do you think this is?
Social Injustice
Social injustice is a
term used to
describe situations
where some people
in society are given
fewer rights and
privileges than
others.
What have we learnt
about the example of
Martin Luther King???
Christian Teachings
Christians believe in the
value and dignity of
all human beings.
• This includes the
weak, immigrants and
other minority groups
in society.
If you keep the royal law found in
What does this
scripture, ‘Love your neighbour as
yourself’, you are doing right. But if
quote mean?
you show favouritism, you sin and
Compare ideas with this quote to
are convicted by law as
help give you ideas - James 2:2-4
lawbreakers.’ (James 2:8-9)
Liberation Theology
Liberation theology is the
Christian idea that God has
the power to change
situations in the world that
are unjust.
Some Christians have taken
this belief to mean that it is
right to stand up against
governments that oppress
their people, or to challenge
abuses to power.
• Peaceful protests – MLK
• Actively take part to support
those harmed by injustice
Liberation Theology
Some supporters of
Liberation theology
have been killed for
speaking out against
injustice.
Two famous priests in the
20th c, were Father
Camillo Torres and
Archbishop Oscar
Romero in El Salvador.
Torres was Columbian and took part in
armed uprisings and said that any
Catholic (Christian) who was not a
revolutionary was living in mortal sin
by not fighting for justice of the poor.
• He left the ministry due to lack of
support
• Due to this he became a guerrilla
fighter
• He was shot dead in 1966 in an
unmarked grave.
1. Are there any circumstances
when it is right to use violence?
Give examples to explain.
2. Building on this, do you think
encouraging others to fight for
justice is the same for fighting for
yourself or different? Why?
Archbishop Romero
Oscar Romero (1917-80)
became the Catholic
Archbishop in El Salvador.
The country was influenced
by 14 influential families.
The majority of the country
were poor and oppressed.
Romero tried to meet with
other Christians to seek
comfort in the Bible but the
rich and powerful
campaigned against them.
Some Christians were
kidnapped, persecuted and
murdered. This was the kind
of injustice that Romero
spoke out against.
Romero
Romero had defended another priest
known as Father Grande who had
spoken out about the treatment of
30,000 peasants. Grande was
murdered. Romero was sent to see
his body to see what happened to
priests who challenged the powerful.
Rather than silence Romero, he sought
to support social injustice even more.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/os
car-romero-a-modern-martyr/2870.html
Why might Christians support individuals like Romero?
What might have been the outcome if people like Romero,
Martin Luther King, Gandhi, or Mother Teresa had not tried
to act upon instances of social injustice?
Evaluation Question
‘A Christian should always
fight for justice.’
Do you agree? Show that you have
considered more than one point of view.
You must refer to Christianity in your
answer.
Complete for homework