The Righteousness Window

I have spent the past several years reading and talking to folks about the subject of Justice. Many Americans cannot tie this subject to their individual lifestyle filled with so many personal choices. And, it does seem that some also tend to think it's about the peace that comes from following the law in this country. However, I have lived long enough and talked to enough poor and undocumented people to know better. I also viewed "The Help" over the holidays; and, I can't help but wonder what folks will view as justice, or righteousness, in 50 more years. Will they gasp that we all drove by homeless people sleeping on the street as we drove to church... as I gasped at the callused hearts of 60's Southern housewives?

One man that clearly lays out the full counsel of God, as it relates to righteous behavior, is Carl Ellis. He is an amazing and humorous theology professor that creates a picture window diagram of Righteousness & Unrighteousness to help people understand their choices and the full counsel of God, which includes Justice. He further explains how we naively partake in injustice by supporting institutions that oppress others ~ systemic injustice.

Below are my notes on the the Righteousness/Unrighteousness Picture Windows that he lays out. It's a pretty inclusive picture of our categorized life behaviors. Many of us are simply not aware of the privileges we have been given because of our family of origin; or, how we might focus on personal piety vs. group or institutional piety(social justice)because of what we have been taught. Take a look at this sketched grid and see what you think... where have you focused your life strategy?

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