THE INTERPLAY OF RELIGION AND SOCIAL JUSTICE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CIVILIZATIONS

Abstract

Throughout history, religion has served as both a transformative and stabilizing force in the development of civilizations. This paper explores how religious doctrines, institutions, and values have shaped and been shaped by conceptions of social justice across different cultures and time periods. By examining Abrahamic, Eastern, and indigenous traditions, the study uncovers how religion has contributed to the formation of legal systems, moral codes, and socio-political movements advocating for equity, rights, and communal welfare. The paper argues that religion, when harmonized with justice-oriented ethics, has often facilitated significant progress in civilizational development, though it has also, at times, been manipulated to uphold inequality. Using historical examples and contemporary case studies, the article offers a nuanced understanding of the dynamic relationship between faith and justice in shaping societal evolution.