Good News About Injustice

Book Review

Haugen, Gary, A. Good News About Injustice. A witness of courage in a hurting world. Inter Varsity Press. 1999
G. H.- president and CEO of International Justice Mission in Washington, D.C. Gary is a lawyer with experience in international negotiations regarding injustice.

Comment. Henry.
A book with an arresting title. The subtitle brings some clarity. This is not a self-help book. The author has been directly involved in international cases of injustice and speaks from personal experience. The Biblical focus is very clear and unavoidable. The challenge of becoming properly informed is stated very strongly. This book will impact how you understand and respond to injustice regardless at what level it happens. It will raise your passion and support for the oppressed.

The author begins with his personal experience in 1994 as a member of a U. N. investigation into the Rwanda massacre. The goal was to bring perpetrators of the genocide to justice. Seeking justice for those suffering from injustice is part of the great commission.

There is an ongoing problem of “maintaining an interest in the reality of injustice in our world”. (38) We watch it on screens in our homes but do not remain engaged in the challenge. Out of sight out of mind. To remain engaged becomes a discipline. Part of the command to love others is to become passionately aware of their needs. This awareness must be followed by an action plan. The awareness of the injustice provides the opportunity to be ‘salt and light’.





We dare not despair. “Despair is a greater sin than any of the sins that provoke it.” C.S. Lewis. A number of stories are related of how individuals (and groups) were effective in bringing about justice to needy individuals in America over a century ago. Championing justice is every bit as much a part of Christianity as championing evangelism.

The victory over oppression begins with hope (in God). Such originates with our knowledge of the Word of God. “The Lord is a God of justice.” Isa. 30:19. “Injustice is about the abuse of power.” (72). A God of compassion is the focus of hope. He judges and condemns perpetrators of injustice. Injustice ignites God’s righteous anger. We have an important part to play in God’s response to injustice.

Injustice is caused by man “by the abuse of his free will”. C.S. Lewis. Considerations of “humility, the cross, love and eternity,” (113) described in Scripture help us address the question of why God allows injustice. Coercion and deception are the tools of oppressors. “Rescuing victims means overcoming the deception and coercion of the oppressors.” (144). A plan is presented on how this is done.

It begins with the discovery and the establishing of facts. This can become a very difficult assignment. Appropriate legal expertise must be a part of this plan. There will have to be various levels of intervention, personal, spiritual, legal, etc. Organizations such as International Justice Mission can be very helpful.













What we do as members of the Body of Christ when we minister within our giftedness, especially regarding needy people around us, we are impacting the problem of injustice. Those on the ‘front line’; missionaries, relief and development workers and especially those who represent organizations that specialize in targeting injustice are key. Stories about the victims and stories about the rescues must be told. The commission to go send and pray must include the ministry of justice to the needy wherever they are found.