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AN INTRODUCTION TO ADVOCACY IN THE SCRIPTURES

The Virginia Interfaith Center believes that as members of faith we have a moral duty to continuously and fervently work for a more just and humane society, and to be the voice for those that have no voice. God and our sacred scriptures form the foundation upon which we develop our policy positions and carry out our work.

The three Abrahamic faith traditions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – are firmly rooted in justice. Justice means acting in an equitable and honest manner; being fair, ethical, and merciful with each person. The sacred texts of these religions, the Hebrew Scriptures, the Old and New Testaments, and the Holy Koran, all call their followers to be just and to look out for the poor, the sick, the widowed, the orphaned, the incarcerated, and others who are marginalized and voiceless in our society.

The following is a compilation of scriptures from the sacred texts. While this compilation is certainly not exhaustive, we hope you will find the scriptures helpful as you formulate your own faith-based positions on policy issues.


Justice in the Hebrew Scriptures

There are warnings against perverting justice (Dt 16:19); mistreating the alien, widow and orphan (Ex 22:29; Jer 22:3); and denying justice to poor and innocent people (Ex 23:6). God calls rulers to do justice (Ps 72); God's intent is to establish justice on earth (Isa 51:4-5); and the nations will be judged on how they have treated people in need (Mt 25:31-46).

The prophet Micah searches to know what God requires of him. The answer is "... to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God" (Mic 6:8). Jesus recalls that the greatest commandment is: “The first is ‘Hear, O Israel: Our God is one; you shall love your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Mk 12:28:31).

The deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt begins with advocating before Pharaoh for the release of the Hebrews from captivity (Ex 3:7-12).

The Exodus became a model for the Israelites regarding their relationship to poor people, immigrants, and foreigners: "You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.

You shall not abuse any widow or orphan. If you do abuse them, when they cry out to me, I will surely heed their cry..." (Ex 22:21-23). God teaches the people to learn from their own history of suffering and not to oppress others.

The story of God calling a public official to account is found in 2 Samuel 12:7, relating to King David and the prophet Nathan. Jeremiah was later just as unequivocal in his message to the royal house of Judah:

"Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms by injustice; who makes his neighbors work for nothing, and does not give them their wages.... your eyes and heart are only on your dishonest gain, for shedding innocent blood, and for practicing oppression and violence" (Jer 22:13;17).

Amos 5:21-24 I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever flowing stream. (NRSV)

Proverbs 31:8-9 Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. (NRSV)

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? (NRSV)

The Hebrew Scriptures are replete with safeguards against the abuse of power and wealth. Landowners were required not to reap the borders of their fields or gather the gleanings after harvest. These were for the alien and poor people, not as charity, but as an entitlement (Lev 19:9-10).

Creditors were obliged to release borrowers from their debts every seven years, and not to deny a loan to a poor person because the seventh year of release was near (Dt 15:1-11). These guidelines have the force of law.

Center Priorities (.pdf)

Bulletin Inserts
Child Support (.pdf)
Environment (.pdf)
Housing Trust (.pdf)
Indigent Defense (.pdf)
Payday Lending (.pdf)
Minimum Wage (.pdf)

Advocacy Resources
Advocacy Guide (.doc)
Advocacy Portal (link)
Lending Info. (.ppt)
Richmond Map (.pdf)

For Small Groups
Eco-Stewardship (link)
Prayers for Creation (link)
Poverty Diet (link)

    Policy Briefs
    EITC (.doc)
    TANF Child Support (.doc)
    Payday Loans (.doc)
    Healing Creation (.doc)
    Child Ombudsman (.doc)
    Affordable Housing (.doc)
    Indigent Defense (.doc)
    Minimum Wage (.doc)
    Wage & EITC (.doc)
    VA Tribes (.link)

    Actions
    Lending Petition (link)
    Title Petition (link)
    Wage Petition (link)

    Reports
    Budget Analysis (.pdf)
    Food Stamps (.doc)
    Lottery Study (link)

    FAQ's (link)

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