What views of justice did Judeo-Christians have?

Answer 1

First, it should be noted that the term "Judeo-Christian" is fairly recent, referring to the shared monotheistic heritage of western countries. But it is talking about two entirely different religions-- Judaism and Christianity, which though they do have some things in common, also have many differences. It should be noted that there is no such person or religion as "Judeo-Christian" or "Judeo-Christianity".

Judaism has a long history of being focused on justice and ethics: for example, in the Book of Deuteronomy in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), it commands the Israelites: "Judges and officers shall you appoint in all your gates, which the Lord your God gives you, throughout your tribes; and they shall judge the people with just judgment. You shall not pervert judgment; you shall not respect persons, nor take a bribe; for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise, and perverts the words of the righteous. Justice, justice shall you pursue, that you may live, and inherit the land which the Lord your God gives you." (Deut. 16:18-20) To "respect persons" means you shall not judge people based on how they are dressed or how they look; and the command is to pursue justice-- don't just say you want it, but actively seek out a fair and ethical life. In Judaism, it is up to each person to choose to live an ethical life, and if he or she sins, the person who sinned must sincerely repent and make amends to those they wronged, or there cannot be forgiveness.

Christianity too has many verses about justice, but the central belief is that the sacrifice of Jesus has forgiven humanity of its sins, and it is now up to us to live the way Jesus wanted us to. Christians are told in the New Testament to feed the hungry, to help those who are poor, and to have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior and protector. God is seen as the ultimate judge, but Christians are commanded to show compassion to those who are less fortunate as God and Jesus have shown compassion to each believer: "I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?'....And the King will answer and say to them: Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me..." (Matthew 25:35-40).