Digital Logos Edition
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It is commonly thought in secular society that the Bible is one of the greatest hindrances to doing justice. Isn’t it full of regressive views? Didn’t it condone slavery? Why look to the Bible for guidance on how to have a more just society? But Timothy Keller challenges these preconceived beliefs and presents the Bible as a fundamental source for promoting justice and compassion for those in need. In Generous Justice, he explores a life of justice empowered by an experience of grace: a generous, gracious justice. This book offers readers a new understanding of modern justice and human rights that will resonate with both the faithful and the skeptical.
“The three causes of poverty, according to the Bible, are oppression, calamity, and personal moral failure.” (Page 38)
“‘Defend the rights of the poor and needy’ (Proverbs 31:9). Mishpat, then, is giving people what they are due, whether punishment or protection or care.” (Page 4)
“The term for ‘mercy’ is the Hebrew word chesedh, God’s unconditional grace and compassion. The word for ‘justice’ is the Hebrew term mishpat. In Micah 6:8, ‘mishpat puts the emphasis on the action, chesedh puts it on the attitude [or motive] behind the action.’18 To walk with God, then, we must do justice, out of merciful love.” (Page 3)
“To my surprise, there is a direct relationship between a person’s grasp and experience of God’s grace, and his or her heart for justice and the poor.” (Page xix)
“Realize, then, how significant it is that the Biblical writers introduce God as ‘a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows’ (Psalms 68:4–5). This is one of the main things he does in the world. He identifies with the powerless, he takes up their cause.” (Page 6)
Keller shows us how a . . . spirit—one of generosity coupled with justice—can thoroughly alter not only a person but, ultimately, society as a whole. . . . Many gems are to be mined from Generous Justice.
—The Washington Times