The Christian Message Today (Leaving Cert Religious Education): Revision Notes
Christian Mission of a Just and Inclusive Society
Introduction
Contemporary Christian organisations work to continue Jesus' mission of caring for society's most vulnerable members. This involves replicating Christ's compassion for the poor, sick, and marginalised through modern charitable work that aims to build a fairer and more inclusive world.
The connection between historical Christian teachings and modern social justice work demonstrates the enduring relevance of Jesus' message in addressing contemporary global challenges.
Biblical foundations for equality
The Christian understanding of a just and inclusive society is rooted in the belief that all people are equal in God's eyes. This principle challenges discrimination based on race, religion, class, or gender.
Key biblical teachings
Galatians passage on equality: The New Testament teaches that "there is no longer Jew nor Greek...slave or free...for all are one in Christ Jesus." This verse emphasises that nationality, social status, and even gender ("there is no longer male or female") should not create divisions among people.
Jesus' inclusive ministry: Christ deliberately included marginalised people in his work. He involved women in his ministry and appeared first to Mary Magdalene after his resurrection. Jesus also associated with society's outcasts, including the poor, sick, and socially despised.
Challenge to injustice: During New Testament times, slavery was widely accepted, but Jesus challenged this social injustice. His teachings promoted the dignity of all people regardless of their social position.
Contemporary Christian mission work
Modern Christians are called to examine the world around them, identify suffering and injustice, and take action to address these problems wherever they occur. This reflects the biblical command found in Micah 6:8: "He has told you, O mortal, 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."
Core principles
Christian organisations working for social justice operate on several key beliefs that guide their mission and approach to addressing global inequalities.
Christian organisations working for social justice operate on several key beliefs:
- God loves all people equally
- Christ offers everyone the opportunity for a new life
- God is just and cares for the poor and victims of injustice
- Christians should work towards the Kingdom of God on earth
Case study: TEAR Australia
TEAR Australia represents an excellent example of how contemporary Christian denominations carry on Jesus' mission through practical action.
Background and mission
TEAR Australia began as part of the Australian Evangelical Alliance in July 1971, founded by Dr Leon Morris. The organisation has grown significantly and now operates across 79 denominations, involving 3,300 churches, 750 organisations, and thousands of individual members. It connects with the global World Evangelical Alliance, representing over 600 million evangelical Christians worldwide.
The scale of TEAR Australia's network demonstrates how individual Christian communities can unite for global social justice initiatives, creating impact far beyond what any single congregation could achieve.
The organisation's motivation stems from the Christian belief that God loves all people and offers them new life through Christ. TEAR Australia recognises that God is just and has special concern for the poor and those suffering from injustice.
Partnership with E-WAR
TEAR Australia partners with Ellita - Women at Risk (E-WAR) in Ethiopia to address one of the most challenging forms of social injustice: the exploitation of women through prostitution.
Work in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
In Ethiopia's capital city, approximately 150,000 girls and women work in the commercial sex trade - representing one in ten females over age 15. Most have been forced into this situation by poverty, creating a cycle they cannot escape.
The challenge: Women involved in prostitution face multiple difficulties:
- Rejection by families and communities
- Physical abuse from police
- Extensive discrimination
- Lack of alternative livelihood options
- Social stigma and feelings of hopelessness
E-WAR's response: The organisation works on two main approaches:
- Rehabilitation: Helping women already in prostitution to exit through training and support
- Prevention: Reducing the likelihood that girls will enter prostitution
Methodology and approach
E-WAR's work demonstrates a comprehensive Christian approach to social justice that recognises lasting change requires transformation at multiple levels, not just individual intervention.
E-WAR's work demonstrates a comprehensive Christian approach to social justice:
Community-level change: Rather than focusing solely on individuals, E-WAR recognises that lasting change requires transformation at the community level. They work to change hearts, minds, and attitudes across entire communities.
Education and training: The organisation trains Christian pastors, teachers, and parents to address misconceptions about prostitution and gender roles. This covers various topics including ethnicity, language, health awareness, and cultural approaches to sexuality.
Christian perspective: E-WAR maintains that all people - women, children, and men - are made in God's image and possess unique gifts that reflect this divine image. They work to help women recognise and develop their God-given potential.
Holistic support: The organisation provides practical assistance including rehabilitation programmes, livelihoods training, and community awareness initiatives. They also offer love, care, and emotional support to help women develop self-respect and dignity.
Staff experience and credibility
Many E-WAR staff members have personal experience of the sex industry, giving them unique insight into the challenges faced by the women they serve. This firsthand knowledge enhances their ability to provide effective support and creates authentic connections with those seeking help.
Impact and outcomes
E-WAR's Christian-motivated work demonstrates practical results in creating a more just and inclusive society. Women who previously felt hopeless and were considered worthless by society receive a different message through this organisation's work. The approach shows how Christian principles can be translated into effective social action that transforms individual lives and broader community attitudes.
Key Points to Remember:
- Biblical equality: Christianity teaches that all people are equal before God, regardless of race, religion, class, or gender - "all are one in Christ Jesus"
- Jesus' example: Christ deliberately included marginalised people in his ministry and challenged social injustices like slavery
- Contemporary mission: Modern Christian organisations like TEAR Australia work to replicate Jesus' care for vulnerable people through practical action
- Holistic approach: Effective Christian social justice work addresses both individual needs and community-level attitudes and systems
- Key scripture: Micah 6:8 calls Christians to "do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God" - providing the biblical foundation for social justice work