Book Review: Seek Justice That You May Live: Reflections and Resources on the Bible and Social Justice. By John R. Donahue, S.J.

Abstract

Donahue is well known for his expertise in the Gospel of Mark and related subjects. He has had a correlative interest in the biblical notion of justice beginning with a 1976 essay, "Biblical Perspectives on Justice." D.'s work continued by teaching ministerial students and working with Walter Burghardt on the "Preaching the Just Word" project. He also acted as a consultant to the US bishops for their 1976 pastoral letter on economic justice and published a bibliographical essay on the Bible and social justice in 1993, rev. 2000 (xv). This rich background has come to fruition with more extended reflections on both the Old and New Testaments and, at the end of each chapter, abundant resources that are both extensive and (for the most part) annotated. D.'s purpose is not to offer an exhaustive treatment of each part of the Bible but to provide "a handbook for both teachers and students in their personal commitment to the quest for justice" (xvi). The book is intended to inspire further investigation and provide resources that might enable such investigations. Since Vatican II, Catholic social teaching cannot inspire and move people without close attention to and integration of the biblical view of social justice. D.'s emphasis is on social justice, so the selected texts resonate "with concern and compassion for the downtrodden and powerless people who live at the margins of any society" (287-88). Thus, frequent, essential references to contemporary applications are provided.Since the book is a survey of a wide range of material, this review will focus on certain themes or issues that surface frequently in the various sections. First, D. employs his earlier description of biblical justice as "fidelity to the demands of a relationship." "Demands" refers specifically to God's law and covenant for Israel and to the whole Christ event for Christians (12). Since the description is general, the specification in various biblical texts is essential. Second, Israel as a "contrast society" (46) means that liberation is a process rather than an event. The people must become "a free, responsible people" who consent to God's vision for them embodied in the legal codes. The laws are communal and manifest a "right relationship" to God in their concern for the marginalized (63).Third, the gap between rich and poor is a clear and pervasive theme in the Torah, the prophets, and the wisdom tradition. While wealth may be considered a blessing, 593486T SJ0010.