The Mirage Shall Become a Pool: a New Testament Theology of Social Justice and Charity

Few things are as important as our notions of justice and mercy. Yet how are we to make sense of our moral treatment of the poor given all the political, philosophical, and theological voices? While Christian Scripture is not silent on the matters of social justice and charity, even here our variously conditioned presuppositions cause us significant interference. Only a careful hermeneutical reset can move us beyond our personal and cultural situatedness. This requires a thorough exploration of both interpretative strategies and pertinent scriptural witnesses. So how would the New Testament witness have us treat the materially needy? How do we act justly and love mercy in walking humbly with our God?