ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to trace the biblical roots which underpin our understanding of social justice and will also raise a question about whether the faith tradition’s focus is primarily to evangelise or whether it is to promote social justice. Listening to the liturgy of the word, for instance, is a practice for Christians which can awaken concerns for social justice. The work of Paul Ricoeur is useful. Ricoeur distinguishes between love and justice quite clearly. Justice, for Ricoeur, is at issue when a court is enlisted to decide between opposing parties regarding the nature of their rights and interest. The memory of the Church is crucial in tackling social justice issues as it reminds us time and time again not to reengage in a cycle of injustice, hatred or violence. Love can help to soften the demands of cold justice as love enables justice to move away from the threat of a purely utilitarian approach to questions of social justice.
