Thirteenth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

The paper explores Paul’s idea of accepting injustice for oneself while rejecting injustice in general, with a focus on the role of God in promoting this moral stance. The goal is to promote social cohesion by suppressing self-centered aspirations and mitigating conflicts, with unity as the ultimate aim despite differences. Today, this aim of unity still holds relevance, with many similarities to the era of Paul. The Christian religion can help by encouraging an ethical stance similar to that of the apostle: preferring to be wronged rather than wronging others. At the same time, however, there should be no tolerance for injustice towards others. This requires an active stance against injustice as a communal effort, rather than in the form of individual retribution. Such communal effort can contribute decisively to social cohesion.