National Reformation, or A New Social Order

 “National Reformation” or “A New Social Order”

Leviticus 1`9:1-2, 9-18; Matthew 22:34-40 

A meditation delivered electronically by Rev. Dr. Randy K. Hammer, Oct. 25, 2020

Question: What in your opinion would make for a just society?  And in your opinion, is current American society the just society it could be?

The mid-nineteenth-century English naturalist and philosopher John Stuart Mill was one of the first to make mention of “a just society.”  In fact, in his autobiography, Mill notes that the creation of a just society had been his life’s objective.  As a disclaimer, it has been several years since I have seriously studied Mill in college philosophy classes, but as I was reminded of him this past week, it occurred to me that some of Mill’s ideas are quite eerily relevant for the present day and issues that have gained national headlines of late; issues such as the equality of women, the distribution of wealth, poverty, labor, how much power and influence government leaders should have over the people, the place of peaceful protests to address the wrongs in society, value of the democratic process, and so on.  In reviewing Mill’s work, I found that with a number of issues he was way ahead of his time, and his views have bearing on the problems of today.

A just society.  The passage read from Leviticus 19 lends itself to the concept of a just society.  And it happens to be one of the most significant passages in the entire Hebrew Bible (esteemed by both Jews and Christians alike).  The passage gives ample advice on how to live an ethical life of devotion and faith. 

Indeed, “The ethical teachings of the Old Testament find their apex in this chapter.”¹  Leviticus chapter 19 is one of the highest achievements of any ancient religion.  In large measure, the Ten Commandments can be deduced from this chapter, yet in a broader and more accessible and understandable form.  The world would be a much different and better place if societies lived by these timeless precepts.

In summary, we are given instructions here regarding how to live in a well-ordered society, how to look upon and treat those who are poor and the immigrants of our land, instructions on labor relations, taking care of those who have disabilities, making sure justice is done in the courts, a call for honesty and integrity and warning against spreading false information, not seeking revenge, and love for one’s neighbors.  If we really took seriously the teachings of Leviticus 19, it would amount to a national reformation, a whole new social order.

We are told that over the past several months, during this COVID-19 crisis, the richest individuals in the world have gotten richer, while the poor of the world have gotten poorer, furthering the economic gap between the two extremes.  Such just doesn’t seem right, does it?  It makes one ask why the billionaires of the world who continue to grow wealthier couldn’t give up just a fraction of their wealth to help those at the bottom of the economic divide who have lost their jobs, their ability to pay their mortgage or rent, have lost their health insurance, and have no money to put food on the table.  The picture of the vast divide between the wealthiest of the world and the poorest certainly is not a picture of a just society!

The second passage read today is one of the most significant passages in the New Testament.  And in this passage, Jesus says that the verse from Leviticus 19, “love your neighbor as you love yourself,” constitutes one-half of the summation of the entire teachings in the Hebrew Law and the Prophets.  Indeed, if we only had these two passages, and sought to faithfully put them into practice, we could live a good life, pleasing to both God and others.  But the two passages also give good advice about how to achieve a well-ordered, just society.

Incidentally, these two passages – Leviticus 19 and Matthew 22:34-40 – happen to be common Lectionary passages for today that will be read, in some fashion, in thousands of churches across the land.  So I didn’t just randomly pick them to get on my soapbox today.

But it just so happens that these passages are also quite appropriate for Reformation Sunday, today, which is always the last Sunday in October, a day that commemorates the great Protestant Reformation movement that was sparked in large part at least by Martin Luther’s nailing his 95 theses to the front door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, on October 31, 1517.  Luther realized that massive reform was needed in the church and society of his own day.  Is American society also not in need of massive reform, in order to address the serious problems that plague us?

But wait, there’s more!  As an added bonus, it seems to me that these two scripture passages are also most appropriate to consider as we stand just 8 days from national election day.

How wonderful it would be if Americans had the inclination and fortitude to commit themselves to the principles contained in these verses, and also to study and vote for the political candidates whose platforms mirror the principles contained herein:

A vision of a just society rooted in the principle of justice and opportunity for all, not only for special interest groups;

Care for the poor, those without jobs, those without or in danger of losing healthcare;

Care for the immigrants coming to America to escape poverty, violence, and possibly death;

More consideration and respect for those with disabilities;

Consideration of those who labor, especially migrant farm workers, many of whom whose existence borders on modern-day slavery;

Life, business, and politics based upon honestly and integrity, rather than falsehoods, flat-out lies, and conspiracy theories;

A commitment to maintaining respect and order, regardless of the election outcome (many are concerned that violence may ensue following the election);

And love for neighbors, even those who have a political sign in their yard opposite to yours.

Yes, this passage from Leviticus chapter 19 and elevated by Jesus is a rallying cry and blueprint for a just society and new social order grounded upon the foundation of empathy, compassion, honesty, equality, justice, respect, forgiveness, and love.  God help us to make it so!  Amen.

¹New Interpreter’s Study Bible, p. 173.