Social Justice and Religious Participation: A Qualitative Investigation of Christian Perspectives. Issue 3 (5th September 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Todd, Nathan R.; Rufa, Anne K.
• Is Part Of: American journal of community psychology. Volume 51:Issue 3/4(2013)
• Page Start: 90
• Page End: 90
• Publication Date: 2012-09-05
• Subjects: Religion -- Social justice -- Spirituality -- Privilege -- Religious congregations; Community psychology -- Periodicals; Community mental health services -- Periodicals; Community psychiatry -- Periodicals; Community Mental Health Services -- Periodicals; Community Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 155.905
• DOI: 10.1007/s10464-012-9552-4
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0091-0562

Abstract

Abstract: This investigation examines how self‐identified Christians in the Midwest U.S. understand and work for social justice, with a focus on their process of social justice development and the role of religious congregations in promoting social justice. Using a grounded theory analysis of 15 in‐depth interviews, results indicated multiple understandings of social justice such as meeting basic needs, fixing social structures and systems to create equal distributions of resources, promoting human rights and dignity, and as a religious responsibility. Participants also described a process of social justice development facilitated by exposure to injustice, mentors, educating others, and the importance of finding a social justice community. Distinct personal barriers to social justice engagement were identified such as resources and negative emotions, whereas congregational leadership was important for congregational involvement. General frustration with congregations was expressed regarding low social justice engagement; however, participants balanced this frustration with hope for the positive potential of congregations to promote social justice. Together these findings show multifaceted understandings of social justice and a dynamic process of social justice development for these self‐identified Christians. Implications for future research and partnership with religious individuals and congregations also are discussed.