Isaiah: Christianity and Social Justice

I’m currently re-reading one of my favorite books: When Helping Hurts (by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert), and a passage I just read about the exile and rebellion of Israel really struck me because of its relevancy in Christian America today (and really in modern religion everywhere). Like most people, I’ve always believed that Israel’s main rebellion was their idolatry (which is definitely part of it and can be taken as a conviction for our modern mis-prioritization). However, many passages in Isaiah paint a slightly different picture of the infamous nation. In Isaiah 1:10-17, the prophet describes the hypocrisy and fake piety of Israel; although they upheld and excelled in keeping the Sabbath, offerings, fastings, and even prayers, they neglected the poor and needy and had no care for justice. Their actions did not line up with their words. Because of this, God was disgusted with them and said that their “evil assemblies” of worship repulsed Him. God is clearly not a fan of inconsistent living. I think in Western Christianity, maybe especially in the Bible belt, my proud home, well-intentioned Christians have come to see their religion as a constant crusade for saving souls without caring for the physical or emotional needs. Christianity has become an isolated aspect of our lives where we feel that we’re justified if we keep ourselves pure in the most basic senses. Many Christians think that if they go to Church, pray, and abstain from sex, alcohol, and drugs, then they’re in the clear. Of course, purity should be part of our walk with Christ, but according to Isaiah, that’s not all there is. He prophesies of the nation, “they seem eager to know my ways” however he goes on to say that instead of formal religion Our Father prefers, “the kind of fasting… to loose the chains of injustice and… to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter… not to turn away your own flesh and blood” (Isaiah 58:2, 6-7). Instead of degrading religion to a singular aspect of our lives, Christianity should pervade our very essence and be part of our every action and relationship. Life is all about relationships, and other humans, our, "own flesh and blood" should always be of our concern in a loving, and not condescending manner. Faith is necessary for salvation, but works and social justice are part of calling ourselves followers of Christ (who constantly cared for the poor and weary). This affirmation really struck me today, and I hope to strive to be a Christian who cares for the physical and spiritual needs of others. (*Note* I believe in caring for others’ physical needs in a respectful and indigenous setting instead of creating social hierarchies as the “Westerners” with all the answers, as we saw a few times while working in Haiti a few weeks ago. Working WITH others for their needs instead FOR others, we can show that we are no better than them and thus create a sense of responsibility instead of dependency and shame. By giving others work and means to a self-sufficient solution (like micro-financing etc) instead of a short-term handout, we can hopefully accomplish more long-lasting effects. It’s a complex balance which will probably never be fully accomplished until the coming of our King, but it's still beyond worthwhile to spend our whole lives trying.)