Those who do justice shall live

Hendrik Hart, a Reformed philosopher, wrote an article published in the Christian Scholars Review, titled "The Just Shall Live: reformed reflections in public justice and racist attitudes", March 1987.

Hart was deeply troubled about the persistent racism that existed in some Calvinistic communities, such as South Africa, Grand Rapids, Michigan and northwest Iowa.  Hart listed multiple possible reasons:

1. Calvinism was often too intellectual, too philosophical, making "ideas powerless for action".

2. Calvinists often saw faith as "opposed to works".

3. Calvinists often misinterpreted Habakkuk 2:4 as being more about justification by faith than justice.  Whereas Hart interpreted Habakkuk 2:4 as "your life lies in doing justice by faith".  Habakkuk grappled with injustice and God's call to do justice.

4. "Our justice will have to be sacrificial."  The privileged must extend their privileges to the underprivileged, the poor and the oppressed.

5. "Racism is religious rebellion."  It is a form of idolatry, when I do not see God's image in another person.

6. "Justice requires our conversion and repentance."  Rich whites will have to repent of their privilege.

Noble's additional comments:

Reformed Christians and all western Christians will have to add the Holy Spirit, the kingdom of God, and Jubilee Justice to their existing theology.  This gap in theology is so large and so important that it may take a Second Reformation to pull it off.  As Graham Cray said, "The agenda of the kingdom of God is justice; the dynamic of the kingdom of God is the Holy Spirit."

More from the prophet Habakkuk; he asked "God, how long do I have to cry out for help before you listen? . . . . justice is a joke.  God, you chose the godless Babylonians for judgement.  You stand around and watch."

In chapter 2, God replies in essence, "Quit complaining about me.  My marching orders for you are to stand up, be counted, and do justice."