The Justice of Jesus
Reimagining Your Church’s Life Together to Pursue Liberation and Wholeness
About
The history of the Western church is stained by injustice. The impulse to resist justice and look the other way has harmed the church and the people it aims to serve. But a different future is possible.
In The Justice of Jesus, Joash Thomas surveys the history of injustice and colonization in the Global South at the hands of the Western church. He shows that in addition to harming colonized peoples, colonization has limited Western Christians' understanding of the gospel, leading us to devalue the pursuit of justice for our neighbors on the margins.
A St. Thomas Christian born and raised in India, Thomas reflects on his experience in churches across denominations in both the Global South and the Global North. He challenges the status quo, examines beliefs that keep the church from pursuing liberation and wholeness, and explores the relationship of justice to our budgets, pulpits, and theology.
The Justice of Jesus is both a prophetic diagnosis and a hopeful prognosis. Readers will be encouraged with fresh ideas for prioritizing justice through prayer, partnerships, and advocating for the vulnerable in their communities and around the world.
Contents
Introduction
Part 1: Cheap Justice Versus the Justice of Jesus
1. Why Justice Seems Antithetical to the Western Church
2. The Cost of Just Discipleship
3. How Churches Today Are Prioritizing Justice
Part 2: Decolonizing the Western Church
4. Decolonizing Our Theology
5. Decolonizing Our Communities
6. Decolonizing Our Budgets
Part 3: How Your Local Church Can Prioritize the Justice of Jesus
7. Prayer
8. Advocacy
9. Partnership
Afterword
Endorsements
"Filled with truth and grace, The Justice of Jesus invites Western Christians to rethink what it is that God requires of us. A justice-oriented faith will be costly, Joash Thomas warns, but this is not a dour book. Theologically grounded and refreshingly practical, it is above all a compassionate call for all Christians to walk together in the way of Christ."
Kristin Kobes Du Mez, New York Times bestselling author of Jesus and John Wayne
"Joash Thomas is a gift to the world, and so is this book. With the perfect combination of prophetic fire and pastoral care, Joash reminds us that Jesus and justice go together like blades of scissors or like paddles on a rowboat--or like dal on rice. Joash reminds us that the gospel of Jesus is always good news to the poor and the oppressed, which also explains why it is so often disruptive and offensive to the rich and powerful. But, in the end, the gospel is big enough for everyone, because we have a God who wants to set both the oppressed and the oppressors free. I'm so glad Joash loves the church enough to critique it. Pass this book on to everyone you know."
Shane Claiborne, author, activist, and cofounder of Red Letter Christians
"Hospitable yet bold, this book reimagines a future for the church that prioritizes justice in the way of Jesus. Joash's deep love for the church shines from every page as he invites us all into the group project of liberation."
Sarah Bessey, editor of the New York Times bestseller A Rhythm of Prayer; author of Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith
"Pastorally disruptive and brilliantly convicting, The Justice of Jesus shows how colonization has distorted the gospel of Jesus and harmed the body and soul of the church. Thomas challenges us to rethink the motivations behind our theology, the privileged hierarchies behind our praxis, and to relearn what it means to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. This book can change the church if we will let it."
Beth Allison Barr, James Vardaman Professor of History, Baylor University; New York Times bestselling author of Becoming the Pastor's Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman's Path to Ministry
"Joash Thomas deftly exposes the dim colonial frameworks that have long shadowed our theology, flinging open the windows of Scripture to flood us with ancient wisdom and the liberating breath of the Spirit. This work is no mere critique but an invitation to participate in the liberating work and witness of Jesus, the living stream of justice for which our souls have ached. A timely and courageous gift to the global church, this book will leave you grateful for its depth, clarity, and uncompromising authenticity."
Danielle Strickland, author, speaker, and advocate
The Author
-
Joash P. Thomas
Rev. Joash P. Thomas (MACL, Dallas Theological Seminary; MACS, Dallas Theological Seminary; MPS, The George Washington University) is a public theologian and a highly sought-after international speaker. Born and raised in India, he ran a political consulting...
Continue reading about Joash P. Thomas