Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Although the term “social justice” itself is commonly attributed to a 19th century Catholic theologian, the concept of social justice and imperatives to work toward its realization are integral to virtually all religious and spiritual traditions. Religious traditions have historically shaped institutions and power relationships in profound ways and continue to do so alongside the rise of the “nones” (those with no religious affiliation). Moreover, the complex interplay between religious and other cultural, racial, ethnic, lingual, political, and economic forces render a critical social analysis that leaves out religious factors woefully incomplete. Engaging these traditions, then, is essential for critically …