For centuries, the church has shaped the perception of millions about living and what living stands for. The church has been a shining light and a guiding compass about what constitutes godly and ungodly conduct. The biblical command "love your neighbor as yourself" is an iconic statement about social behavior and morality.
The church functions as the center of society, thus establishing a direct correlation between the church and society. Christ made it clear that because the church was called out from the world (society), they were always influencing one another.
The church is the "called out ones," present in the world but not belonging to it. Christians are subject to laws from "another world," although living in the physical world. As in any dynamic system, the church and society are two systems requiring interaction. So, it can be said that all components of all systems are interconnected in an infinitely intricate web of life.
The word "Christian" was first used in Antioch to refer to those who follow or are like Christ. So, Christians are people who adhere to and live out the teachings of Jesus in all spheres of their lives. Peace represents one of the pinnacles of Christian virtue. The Bible commands Christians to love and coexist in harmony with their neighbors. In Matthew 5:9, the Bible says, "Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God."
The Bible frequently uses the term "peace," which is important to how God intends people to spend their lives on earth. As stated in the Scripture above, Jesus desires people to live peacefully in society. This is exactly what he came to teach men.
Through the old testament, Prophet Amos, in Amos chapter five, pleaded for justice. He described a regressive mechanism for what amounted to taxes. He speaks about justice occurring behind the walls. Because of how their judicial system was set up, the highest bidder received justice. He steps in to stop systems that severely abuse the underprivileged.
The kings, their officials, and elites of the Jewish society received harsh criticism from almost every biblical prophet as they enacted policies that disadvantaged the underprivileged and those living in poverty. The prophets warned authorities against establishing a society where the wealthy became richer and the poor remained impoverished, violating God's command to care for the less privileged.
Sojourners Magazine notes that the Bible mentions empathy and doing what is good for the weak and disadvantaged more than 2,000 times. In the hopes of avoiding the inequalities that hold those who are poor and suffering, the church cannot decide to stay neutral.
The Bible contains criticism of unjust economic systems that resulted in inequality and discusses the necessity for people to donate to the needy. Biblical leaders are challenged to make institutions more equitable. In Matthew 25, Jesus suggests that God divides the world's nations into sheep and goats, with the sheep countries being countries that cared the least for the weakest members of their civilization.
