The pain is even more real when we find ourselves to be directly experiencing these sufferings.
This immense realization of pain has lead us to demand for change. We have begun to actively partake as voices against injustice, to stand up and say "we've had enough!" This realization of the smearing of human dignity indeed calls for affirmation. We have begun to see and recognize in ourselves (as well as others who suffer) our true value- that we are indeed "sons of God"- and as such, aspire to demand that this value be respected and honored with every effort possible.
Social justice becomes a mission of humanity in general, and Christianity in particular. In such honorable efforts, it is quite impossible to see flaws of any kind. It seems absolutely perfect. One may even begin to think that this (activism towards social justice) is indeed the sphere within which Christianity, or any other religion for that matter, should operate. After all, religion is supposed to teach us to do good, and it seems that social liberation is the only clear form of good that is truly necessary and realistically possible in an oppressed world such as ours. Thus, it seems rather valid to assert social liberation within the context of theology, making every effort of active faith to be aimed at social freedom, as if social injustice is the only evil from which all men must be freed.
At first glance, we may wonder...what is really the problem with this?? Is there anything wrong in this?
Perhaps it will be good to begin with a picture in our minds. Imagine yourself trying to put out the "unquenchable" fires of hell...with nothing more than a single pail of water. Is there any chance of being successful? The obvious answer is "no".
To take another analogy, imagine trying to put out a forest fire, or perhaps the fires of a huge, burning skyscraper. Before deciding to take any action, at least two important details are to be considered.
Firstly, we may want to consider the root or cause of the fire. Secondly, we may also want to consider the capacity with which we can perform our action, ie. the number of fire hydrants in the location, alternative water sources etc. It is only after considering such details can we effectively put out a fire.
Applying the analogy to the context of action against social evils, two similar considerations must be underlined before any form of action is taken or even considered. Firstly, we must recognize the true source or root of the evil. Secondly, we must consider the possible capacity or ability upon which our actions can take effect.
To speak of the matter in a Christian context, the understanding of evil must be clear before any form of "Christian activism" takes place. If it isn't so, that which was presumed good and desirable, would quickly turn into a mere ideology, one that does not take root in the everlasting. When the focus of freedom shifts from the eternal to the finite and temporary, the entire Christian vision is lost. Salvation becomes a matter of instant gratification and justice becomes nothing more than an activity. Thus, all theological reflections of social liberation must take into consideration the essence of Christianity, which is undoubtedly its focus on everlasting life.
This does not mean that a Christian should not acknowledge social ills. Nor does it mean that a Christian should not participate in the fight for social justice. In fact, a call to live Christian lives is indeed a call to live justly. However, the source from which all good flow should be clearly acknowledged before one embarks on any form of activism.
Liberation from injustice requires to be understood from its source. All forms of evil (including and especially social evil) are directly associated to its primary form-sin. Sin is the greatest evil, and as such, should be the primary focus of any theology that stresses liberation. By stressing primarily on other forms of liberation prior to the personal liberation from sin, the cause of evil becomes invisible to the eye. As such, all actions become merely aimed at ending temporal suffering. It is only at the point of despair from such activism, that the words of Christ take on prophetic tone. Indeed, "the poor you will always have with you" but failure to hold on to Christ results in a total loss of hope- a hope that can only be found when eternity is our ultimate aim.
We should also understand our limitedness as mankind. The true Liberator is always Christ, who begun his work of liberation by setting us free from bondage to sin (the greatest evil). As such, all form of social liberation should center on the Liberator. True freedom can only be attained when man comes to know the One who sets him free. Christian social justice should not be merely based on ideologies that seem to promise total liberation. In other words, it is about what Christ can do for us, rather than what we can do for ourselves. We draw our capacity for justice, freedom and love from the God who created us. When we fail to acknowledge this Source of goodness, we are bound to be disheartened. Some, as a result of this, would choose to borrow concepts that are directly contrary to Christianity in order to attain to their goals. This would ultimately lead to a spiral towards the very slavery from which we desire to be redeemed.
As such, the only correct way in which any form of justice is to prevail, is from a full understanding of the nature of our actions. All Christian acts of charity must flow from the love of God, which should be the ultimate aim of our faith. We should demand to see Christ in those who are suffering, as opposed to seeing the quickest possible solution to end their sufferings. Above all , Christian charity must flow from a heart that is intimately connected to the Sacred Heart of our Saviour. We must recognize that we are not the saviours of the world. We are but instruments that bring the love of Christ to others. Our task is to help others recognize the Saviour, and not become saviours ourselves. To do this, we ourselves must be rooted in the faith.
-Jesus answered them " Amen, amen I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains. So if a son frees you, then you will truly be free" (Jn 8:34-36)-
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