Social Justice (Pathway to Sustainable Development – Biblical View) -By Idris Usman

A well structured and outright society devoid from preferential treatments and favouritism is what we all crave for simply because it will copiously bring forth and uphold oneness, by virtue of it serves as sure ticket to sustainability.

However, Nigeria as a country seem to be amiss in practicing and exhibiting the tenet of social justice which not only hinder it developments but possessed a potent threat to its upcoming generations.

Today, social justice has shifted towards a stronger emphasis on human rights and improving the lives of vulnerable and marginalized groups that have historically faced discrimination in society. Many of these groups have been discriminated against on the basis of factors such as sex, age, wealth, ethnicity, heritage, social status, religion, and others. Social justice often leads to efforts to redistribute wealth to some of the underprivileged groups through providing income, jobs, and education support and opportunities.

Social justice according to Wikipedia is the relation of balance between individuals and society measured by comparing distribution of wealth differences, from personal liberties to fair privilege opportunities.

Justice in its simplest form means to set things right. And the nagging question is how can we know what’s right and wrong? As a believer. This can be known through the treatment of God toward mankind for he’s loving and just. And this without further ado can been seen in the Holy book of both religion.

In it simple form, it means being fair and individuals Fulfill their societal roles, doing to others what you will love them to do unto you. This is otherwise regarded as observing your ‘golden rule’, Matthew 7:12 – “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets”.

Social Justice which focuses mainly on addressing injustice in the society can be achieved within the circle of social – economic transformation in Nigeria by being just and truthful to each other. The social justice doctrine preaches oneness and sense of belongings within the citizenry. Social – economic development cannot be achieved outside the confined of social justice. In fact, it’s the vehicle through which social-economic is achieved.
The five main principles of social justice include:
– Access to resources
– Equity
– Participation,
– Diversity,
– Human rights.

Social Justice is interwoven with peace and sustainability simply because the practise of social justice is the beginning of sustainability. The irregularities and backwardness in maintaining peace can be found in not taking cognizance of social justice. Even God himself chastise any Nation who doesn’t give regard to social justice and uphold righteousness. He has this to say in Luke 11:42:

“But woe to you Pharisees!
For you tithe mint and rue
and every herb, and
neglect justice and the love
of God. These you ought to
have done, without
neglecting the others”.

Remember, social justice is pursued through many different types of governmental programs via wealth and income redistribution, government subsidies, protected legal status in employment, and even legalized discrimination against privileged groups through fines and taxes or even through purges historically. The ability to discharge these functions effectively will depend on righteousness the leaders are. Through these governmental programs positive changes are injected into the economy and in the long run solve the challenges confronting Nigerian politics to channel ways for sustainable peace and progress that will all yearn for.

Moreover, no sane man will clamor for a war. All what we all crave for is peace and harmony and this become reality with social justice put in place to regulate the proper conduct of citizenry’s roles toward achieving the set goals and objectives.
Righteousness and social justice are of the same kind couple with knowledge of the spirit and understanding. A righteous man will always stand by truth, all his activities and engagements will be in accordance as to what God dictates, this is no other than being taking social justice by heart and practicing it as to what God commanded of us.
In Micah 6:8, the Bible says “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God”.

By and Large, inner conviction toward revamping one’s being which of course will transcend to achieving peace and sustainability is within the purview of social justice. Right and proper Intellectuallism is needed to bring such fold into play. However, this cannot be done in totality without the knowledge and understanding of the words of God. The adherence to the words of God is the beginning of wisdom. And the beginning of wisdom will infer toward cultivating the tenets of social justice. Because is the ways and doing of God. This in observance with one heart and faith will definitely serve as sure ticket to attaining sustainability and progress we all clamor for.

Idris Usman
ifeoluwasmart@gmail.com