Social Justice and Religious Participation: A Qualitative Investigation of Christian Perspectives

Nathan R. Todd, Anne K. Rufa

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This investigation examines how self-identified Christians in the Midwest U. S. understand and work for social justice, with a focus on their process of social justice development and the role of religious congregations in promoting social justice. Using a grounded theory analysis of 15 in-depth interviews, results indicated multiple understandings of social justice such as meeting basic needs, fixing social structures and systems to create equal distributions of resources, promoting human rights and dignity, and as a religious responsibility. Participants also described a process of social justice development facilitated by exposure to injustice, mentors, educating others, and the importance of finding a social justice community. Distinct personal barriers to social justice engagement were identified such as resources and negative emotions, whereas congregational leadership was important for congregational involvement. General frustration with congregations was expressed regarding low social justice engagement; however, participants balanced this frustration with hope for the positive potential of congregations to promote social justice. Together these findings show multifaceted understandings of social justice and a dynamic process of social justice development for these self-identified Christians. Implications for future research and partnership with religious individuals and congregations also are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)315-331
Number of pages17
JournalAmerican journal of community psychology
Volume51
Issue number3-4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Privilege
  • Religion
  • Religious congregations
  • Social justice
  • Spirituality

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Applied Psychology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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