(as expressed by Hebrew Prophets)

Stealing from the poor (Isaiah 1:17, 23; Jeremiah 5:28)

Like a city hiring a company to throw away the sleeping gear of the homeless

Refusing to defend the needy (Isaiah 3:14-15)

Like a judge declaring that a city has the right to abuse the homeless

Unjust judgments against the poor (Isaiah 10:1-2)

Like arresting a poor person for being unable to pay a fine they received for being poor

Not assisting the needy (Ezekiel 16:49)

Like reducing welfare to those who really need it.

Taking interest for loans (Ezekiel 18:15-17)

Like “quick cash” companies, or bill collectors.

Enslaving a people (Amos 1:6)

Like incarcerating a quarter of the population of African American males.

Excessive violence in war, especially against innocents (Amos 1:13)

Like sending drones out to destroy whole families, or destroying a city for their government’s actions.

Excessive rent against the poor (Amos 5:11)

Like kicking a poor family out of their apartment because they are late with their rent.

Accepting bribes (Amos 5:12)

Like getting paid overtime for doing “extra police work” by evicting the homeless.

Turning away those who need shelter for a night (Amos 5:12)

Like almost every church in the United States.

I guess if Amos or Isaiah came today, they’d be pretty busy.