Should Christians support reparations for historical injustices?
Introduction
The question of whether Christians should support reparations for historical injustices—such as slavery, forced displacement, or land seizure—is complex because it moves from a clear theological principle (justice) to a difficult policy debate (implementation).
The Bible unequivocally commands God's people to seek justice and to make restitution for wrongs committed. Therefore, the Christian conversation should not be about if historical harm needs to be addressed, but how that repair should be carried out today.
Main: Three Biblical Principles for Evaluating Restitution
The Christian ethic provides three non-negotiable standards against which any proposed system of reparations must be measured.
1. The Biblical Mandate for Restitution (Repairing the Harm)
The core concept of reparations—the act of repairing harm—is deeply rooted in Old Testament law and divine commands.
Restitution for Theft: The Law required that if a person stole, they must repay the victim the full amount plus a penalty (e.g., Exodus 22:1, Leviticus 6:5). The goal was not just punishment, but making the victim whole again.
Atonement Through Action: The story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:8) illustrates this New Testament principle. After repenting, Zacchaeus did not just apologize; he offered restitution: "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold." The biblical pattern shows that genuine repentance is demonstrated through tangible acts of restoration.
The Command to Seek Justice: Christians are called to actively pursue justice for the marginalized and oppressed: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). This means using our resources and voices to address the lingering effects of systemic injustice.
2. The Practical Challenge of Implementation (Wisdom)
While the principle of restitution is biblical, the practical application to centuries-old, large-scale historical injustices presents immense ethical and logistical challenges.
Identifying the Victims and Perpetrators: Unlike personal theft, systemic injustice involves generations. Determining who precisely benefits from the injustice today and who bears the costs of the injustice requires immense wisdom and discernment.
The Danger of Entitlement: Any reparations program must be designed to avoid fostering a spirit of entitlement among the recipients or resentment among the payers. The goal should be true healing and empowerment, not the continuation of division.
Effectiveness and Empowerment: Many Christians argue that the most effective form of restitution today is through targeted, systemic investment in education, economic empowerment zones, and reform of criminal justice systems, rather than direct cash payments, because those methods address the long-term, institutional damage caused by the injustice.
3. The Ultimate Goal: Reconciliation
The Christian mandate does not stop at justice; it aims for reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20)—restoring broken relationships to harmony.
Justice Precedes Peace: Biblical reconciliation requires truth, justice, and repentance first. There can be no true peace while the damage of past sin remains unaddressed. Therefore, supporting mechanisms of repair is necessary groundwork for reconciliation.
Focus on the Future: The policy must aim to heal divisions, not entrench them. The goal is to move beyond the victim/perpetrator dynamic toward a unified community where all people can flourish. Any reparation policy that fails to genuinely lead toward harmony between ethnic or social groups ultimately fails the Christian test of reconciliation.
Conclusion
Should a Christian support reparations? The Christian should support the biblical principle of restitution for historical harm.
Whether a specific policy is the right expression of that principle requires careful, prayerful evaluation. A Christian must ask: Does this proposal honor the victims, embody true repentance, justly distribute the burden, and ultimately lead toward the reconciliation that Christ died to achieve?
Your ultimate call is to act justly and to love mercy, seeking the wholeness of your community.
