The
Christian left is a term originating in the
United States, used to describe a spectrum of
left-wing Christian
political and social movements which largely embraces
social justice.
The term often specifically refers to
Christian beliefs and can be interchangeable with the term
Religious left. Subsequently, the term has been used to describe groups and persons from countries outside the US. It is the counter-point to the
Christian right, a spectrum of
right-wing Christian
political and social movements which largely embrace
social conservatism.
As with any division inside the left- and right- wings of the
political spectrum, such a label is an approximation, including within it groups and persons holding diverse viewpoints. The term
left-wing might encompass a number of values which may or may not be held by different Christian movements and individuals.
As the unofficial title of a loose association of believers, it does provide a clear distinction from the more commonly known
"Christian Right" or "
Religious Right" and its key leaders and political views.
The most common religious viewpoint which might be described as 'left wing' is
social justice, or care for
the poor and the oppressed (see
Minority groups). Supporters of this might encourage
universal health care, generous
welfare, subsidized education,
foreign aid, and
government subsidized schemes for improving the conditions of the disadvantaged. Stemming from
egalitarian values, adherents of the Christian left consider it part of their religious duty to take actions on behalf of the oppressed. As nearly all major religions contain some kind of requirement to
help others, social justice has been cited by various religions as in line with their faith.
The Christian Left holds that social justice, renunciation of power, humility, forgiveness, and private observation of prayer (as opposed to publicly mandated prayer), are mandated by the
Gospel (
Matthew 6:5-6). The Bible contains accounts of Jesus repeatedly advocating for the poor and outcast over the wealthy, powerful, and religious. The Christian Left maintains that such a stance is relevant and important. Adhering to the standard of "
turning the other cheek", which they believe supersedes the
Old Testament law of "
an eye for an eye", the Christian Left often hearkens towards
pacifism in opposition to policies advancing
militarism.
While non-religious socialists sometimes find support for
socialism in the Gospels (for example
Mikhail Gorbachev citing
Jesus as "the first socialist"),
[1] the Christian Left does not find that socialism alone as an adequate end or means. Christian faith is the core of their belief which in turn demands social justice.
