Tag Archives: integrity

All Justice is Social: Toward Access, Equity, and Opportunity for All

October 19th, 2020 | Dr. Charlie Self

All justice is social. In our world of political correctness and virtue-signaling, of political checklists and polarized opinions, “social justice” is a phrase that has been highjacked by political extremists. On the Left, it becomes a catch-all for particular economic, moral, and social policies that opponents find subversive of American ideals. On the Right, the phrase is a signal that one can ignore what is about to be said! We need a new understanding of justice.

All justice is social. Justice is not mere retribution. Nor is justice forcible redistribution. Biblically and historically, justice includes an integration of personal character and social conditions, along with institutional integrity so that all classes and cultures are treated fairly. When King Solomon prayed for, “the wisdom to do justice” he was praying for fairness and against the perversion of justice by the powerful and wealthy.

All justice is social. This means that we must advocate for personal character and institutional reform, for systems that open access and opportunity because they are built on true equity (a level playing field), not just an abstract idea of equality. Education, economic opportunity, fair courts and policing, support for intact families, and an ethos of empowerment are all elements of justice leading to flourishing families and communities.

All justice is social. Equity is not a guarantee of equal outcomes, but it ensures opportunity to take risks and offer support when things do not work out. If we want to repair and redeem historic injustices, change in the human heart must unite with change in every institution. De jure (legal) fairness may be inscribed in laws, but de facto (real life) opportunities are still elusive for too many people.

All justice is social. The enemies of justice are always waiting to seize any moment to pervert and subvert fairness and opportunity. The lust for power and wealth can erode the best intentions. Arrogance blinds us to altruism that serves others. Winning at all costs undermines calls for integrity. High-powered lawyers get the rich off with minimal sentencing while the poor are served by overworked public defenders and sentenced severely. And for people of color, the unfairness is multiplied.

All justice is social. We can work for conditions that offer opportunity and create systems to support those in need. We can apply the law equitably to all and aim for restoration when possible. We can help cultivate entrepreneurial enterprise with ethics that care about people, planet, and profit.

May we ask the Lord for the wisdom to do justice in our day.

For our Political Leaders

March 5th, 2019 | Dr. Charlie Self

Our political impasses are solvable…except the lust for power blurs vision for the common good. We can balance a budget, secure our borders, offer equity and opportunity, provide for our defense and rebuild infrastructure with skilled people ready to help. But too many leaders would rather agitate than build. It is easier to promise the unachievable than call for integrity.

I have three questions as you propose legislation:
First, who benefits? Are we aiming for the common good or lining the pockets of a few?

Second, what are the principles behind the laws? The ideas and virtues underneath do matter.

Third, how will we pay for this? Are we moving toward fiscal stability or deficit-spending our way to power?
Stewarding the public trust requires courage, moral clarity and wisdom.

Telling the Truth: Political Realities, Part 3

February 18th, 2016 | Dr. Charlie Self

People and politicians (who are the elected subset of “the people”) are full of contradictory feelings and ideas. The tendency to overgeneralize and universalize is rampant. Who speaks for “the people?” Why are we so quick to opine on what African Americans, Hispanics, White Blue Collar folks, Evangelicals, Women and even LGBTQ folks think on any and every subject? If we are going to engender consensus on vital issues and chart a prosperous future for America and the world, we must end such facile thinking and begin to regard people with more respect and expect more of the political leaders elected and supported by the people.

Each person capable of moral action and self-reflection is unique. This does not mean they are disconnected and do not share beliefs and qualities of particular groups. America’s founders understood the tensions between individual liberty and the common good, between public service and political factions. Some of the founders and framers hoped there would never be political parties, just gentleman (few could foresee the female franchise) farmers and citizens serving for a season and returning to work after their public service was complete.

This idyllic vision quickly gave way to parties and philosophies competing for voters’ attention. By itself, two or more parties are not bad for the public, provided all parties and people share enough common virtues for social cohesion.

For 2016 and beyond, catering to constituencies must take second place to framing a vision and set of values that people of many backgrounds can embrace. This is much more than a “big tent” ethos or chanting, “we have something for everyone.” Such pandering has led to the severe challenges we face today.

Progress begins with personal character being more important than perceived competencies or charisma. Back in the 1820s, a member of Congress wrote a letter back to a disgruntled constituent: “You elected me for my moral character and sound judgment, not to procure public resources.” Imagine politicians saying to the voters, “You cannot have everything you want from the hands of government.” If this kind of integrity is united with a spiritual awakening, there is hope for America and the world.