Explain what Christians believe about justice and forgiveness

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Explain what Christians believe about justice and forgiveness

        In order to consider Christian beliefs relating to justice, it is first necessary to understand the meaning of justice. Justice means being concerned with what is right or fair. In addition, there should be equality of treatment and the law judged and applied impartially, Deuteronomy 1:16-18.

        Christians believe that our relationships with others should be based on what is just and in turn this is based on the belief in a just God and in the teachings and actions of Jesus. God brought the world into existence not for chaos, but for order. In the sphere of human behaviour, order is preserved by customs and laws. However, the law must be constantly checked and updated for fairness. Respect for justice may require that particular laws are vigorously contested and reformed. Where a law or a particular government is severely unjust and incapable of reform through the political process, Christians may be called to non-violent disobedience in protest. This may be rare in the relatively just, open, democratic societies of the West, but may be necessary and justifiable in some societies. The people in the Old Testament were very aware that laws should be fair and just. In Deuteronomy 24:14-22 we are warned, “… every man shall be put to death for his own sin.”

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        Christians differ in their views of how justice can best be served, depending on which biblical texts they use, how they interpret these and which aims of punishment they emphasise. The purpose of punishment is a debatable issue for both Christians and non-Christians. Some believe it’s objective is protection. Imprisonment keeps criminals away from the opportunity of crime and so protects society. For others, punishment will include an element of retribution as supported by the Old Testament teaching, “an eye for an eye”. Yet in Matthew 5:38-48, Jesus challenged this and was radical in how he felt people should be ...

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