Disarming Leviathan Podcast The Justice of Jesus: Restorative, Not Retributive w/ Joash Thomas
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Dec 13, 2025 Joash Thomas, a Canadian ordained minister and author of The Justice of Jesus, shares profound insights on justice from a biblical perspective. He contrasts retributive and restorative justice, urging a focus on communal healing over individual salvation. Joash critiques the historical impact of colonialism on the church and promotes prioritizing marginalized communities. He emphasizes the need for Christians to adopt a politically agnostic stance, advocating for the oppressed while following the Spirit towards acts of justice and care.
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Justice As Restoration Not Punishment
- Augustine's ancient definition frames justice as giving each person their due, linking justice to restoration and relief for victims.
- Joash Thomas emphasizes accountability that protects the vulnerable while aiming for restorative outcomes for perpetrators.
Hold Accountable, Reform The System
- Do support legal accountability and incarceration when it protects the vulnerable and signals consequences for abuse.
- Also push for prison reform that offers therapy, education, and pathways to repentance while holding people accountable.
Preferential Option For The Marginalized
- Global South theology highlights God's preferential option for the poor and oppressed across political lines.
- Joash urges Western Christians to prioritize the marginalized first to reflect Jesus' solidarity with the oppressed.
