Quote (Alan Storkey)

People turn from God and construct 'rational' and other perceptions of justice that are self-justifying, partial, and argue from idolatrous conceptions.  One of the great tasks of the prophets was to reconstitute a sense of justice among the people.  Unfair trade, militarism, patriarchy, inequality, exploitation, slavery, sexual abuse, monopolies, and unfair taxes grow on sleepy consciences.  The prophets awaken us to be fair to them.  Jesus says we must even love our enemies (Luke 6:27).  This is no cozy bargain, a tit-for-tat arrangement, but a requirement to stand up for the other even though they will not repay us.  It is not just negative but involves actively helping, showing mercy, doing good, and loving the other (6:27 - 36).

- Alan Storkey

Alan Storkey.  Jesus and Politics.  (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005), 186.