Why Our Views of God Matter for Social Justice
Introduction: Why Our Ideas About God Affect Society
Our beliefs about God don’t just shape our private lives—they have a big impact on society as a whole. Whether we realize it or not, the way we talk about God influences how we deal with issues of freedom, justice, and compassion. So, let’s take a closer look at how two common views—conservative and liberal—relate to these big social questions, and why it’s time for a fresh perspective.
Conservative Views: Order, Well-Being, and Overlooked Oppression
Many conservative religious folks see God as the ultimate source of order and well-being. Their faith often centers on loyalty to tradition and respect for authority. While this approach can create tight-knit communities and offer comfort, it sometimes leads to an uncritical attitude—accepting things as they are, without questioning whether those traditions might contribute to social oppression.
For example, if religious leaders or institutions say that certain social arrangements are “God’s will,” people may hesitate to challenge injustice. In some cases, this means overlooking how religious or political systems can actually hold people back, rather than lifting them up.
Liberal Views: Disconnecting God from Social Issues
On the flip side, many liberals have come to see God as largely irrelevant to social issues. For some, faith is a private matter, separate from politics and society. While this perspective can help avoid religious conflicts, it often results in ignoring what faith might have to say about real-world problems like poverty, inequality, or discrimination.
If God is seen as “out of the picture,” there’s little reason to look to religious teachings for guidance on social justice. This disconnect can lead to a missed opportunity: faith could be a powerful motivator for compassion and change.
The Problem: Missing the Deeper Connection
Both sides, in their own way, miss something important. Conservatives may cling so tightly to tradition that they overlook the ways their faith could challenge injustice. Liberals, by leaving God out of social issues, might lose a source of inspiration for justice and compassion. In both cases, God becomes either a tool for maintaining the status quo or a distant figure with little relevance to the struggles people face.
The Prophetic Tradition: God as a Source of Freedom, Justice, and Compassion
There’s another way—a tradition that runs deep in many religions, especially in the stories of prophets. The prophetic tradition sees God not as a defender of static, oppressive systems, but as a living source of freedom, justice, and compassion.
Prophets throughout history have spoken out against unfairness, challenged corrupt leaders, and called for a society where everyone is treated with dignity. Their message is clear: God cares deeply about how we treat each other, and faith should never be used to justify oppression.
Interdependence: Freedom, Justice, and Compassion Go Together
Real freedom, according to the prophetic tradition, isn’t just about doing whatever we want—it’s about creating a world where justice and compassion thrive. God’s freedom is inseparable from justice and compassion; you can’t have one without the others. When we focus on all three, faith becomes a force for liberation, not control.
Conclusion: Embracing a Prophetic Tradition for Real Change
If we want genuine social and spiritual freedom, it’s time to move beyond both uncritical conservatism and detached liberalism. The prophetic tradition offers a powerful alternative: a vision of God that inspires us to pursue justice, show compassion, and challenge any system that holds people back. By understanding God in this way, faith can become a source of hope and transformation—not just for individuals, but for society as a whole.
Minister A Francine Green
October 2025
afrancinegreen.com 