Episode #5 is a conversation on social justice with Rev. Stanley Davis, a respected religion leader in Chicago on issues of human justice and equity.

 

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What inspires both Stan and me in our desire to forward justice is a shared conviction that justice is a divine right for everyone. Stan cites numerous examples from the Bible where the voice of God rebukes oppression and inspires dignity for all humanity. Whoever has been systemically locked out of society — whether women hitting glass ceilings, Jews bombarded with anti-Semitism, Muslims confronting Islamaphobia, African-Americans deprived of educational opportunity — each individual has a right to succeed in his or her life purpose.

A thread throughout the conversation returned to the significance of God’s presence. Where there’s a welcome of God, there’s an innate conviction to do something about injustice and an assurance that quiets fear. The fire that keeps Stan searching for justice was kindled in his faith journey since he was young. He was a foot soldier under Martin Luther King in Chicago, and he continues to find opportunities today to bring people of all different backgrounds together.

People who want to participate in social justice often find that it feels like a promise to God, rousing them to defend and support God’s precious creation. When it starts in the heart, it inevitably finds expression in human action. Please let us know your own prayers and experiences with social justice, right below this posting of episode #5 of Spirituality and Christianity. Thanks!

Also mentioned in the podcast:

• Children of Israel escaping Egypt
• Message of Prophet Amos
• Message of Prophet Micah
• Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Martin Luker King, Jr. Museum
• Desmond Tutu
• Janis Joplin: Freedom’s just another word
• Oak Park, Illinois