Question: What is the difference between how the word "equality" and "justice" are used?  How should we as Christians "do justice'?


Response: The main difference between the views on equality and justice in Critical Legal studies and in the Bible are that in CLS one attempts to uphold justice by righting the wrongs of the past, and the Bible focuses on moving forward and doing no wrongs in the future.


To a point there is nothing wrong with CLS which acknowledges that wrongs have been dealt to masses and multitudes, accurately understanding that human's being fallen and subject to sinful depravity have committed atrocities upon each other and have subjugated and oppressed each other. However CLS falls short when it attributes blame to the majority in oppressing the minority or when there are hopes of a man-made law that will right all wrongs and grant equality and fairness to all. When CLS attempts to envision a utopia society it fails to take into consideration the full depravity of man blaming man's bad actions rather than the depraved nature that is cause of said actions.


Scripture is clear on its definition of justice, expecting individuals to carry themselves in righteous manner by avoiding violence and wrong-doing and caring for all of those in need. Justice is continually living justly and accepting that mistakes and failures will always come but making amends and returning to a path of righteousness when they do.


CLS talks about equality in lieu of people being oppressed. This is true, people throughout history have been oppressed and are still being oppressed daily.  However CLS expects human law to right wrongs and pave a path to equality for all individuals. While this is a wonderful goal it is not feasible with the nature of mankind and how prone we are to sin, and slight others. If human selfishness cannot be solved then people will always seek to have more than others, either in rank or possessions and by consequence will push down others in order to find satisfaction in their own place. Thus CLS is a repetitive cycle of addressing issues that crop up without addressing the cause of said issues.


Equality in scripture is that one takes his righteous way of living and provides that same care to all he meets. He is unbiased in who he aids. Equality should not be about focusing on the raising of individual communities and groups to reach the levels of the groups that once oppressed them. Rather equality is treating all groups equally from the moment the notion is instituted. History is not to be forgotten, but to cling to the past and drag up old wrongs will not help make a brighter future.