Job Defines Righteousness Economically
"I have never cheated widows or others in need..." -- Job 31:16-34 Righteousness is a word we know pretty well. We have heard it applied to issues of morality, theology, and legal standing. We have likely heard righteousness applied to questions of correct belief, living in God's forgiveness, and enjoying God's favor. We hear of righteousness in Paul's writings related to questions of faith. In the Bible, however, righteousness has far broader meanings that relate to how we treat others than might be apparent after listening in on the majority of our Bible studies, worship services, and even seminary classes. One major theme in the Bible in regard to righteousness has to do with economic issues. For a society with a history of colonialism tied to Christianity, this is not a theme that has often been picked up. When the church has a cozy relationship with legal structures, economic structures, and the interests of the wealthy, it is not a simple thing to dig ...