Reading Parables through the Lens of Justice
How Political Philosophy Sheds Light on the Parables of Jesus
(T&T Clark, 2026 projected)
The cover is tentative
Key Words: Parables, Jesus, Political philosophy, Justice, Contemporary relevance, Transformative potential
In the final stages of my nearly 80,000-word manuscript, I explore the vital theme of justice. The book examines various types of parables in their historical and literary contexts, highlighting their contemporary relevance. My goal is to illuminate the moral challenges within these stories and inspire dialogue about justice and its implications in today's society. The book covers ten types of justice, including distributive, restorative, and environmental justice, and addresses significant events like the Sewol Ferry tragedy and the Itaewon Halloween crush in Korea, alongside other global issues. I engage with a diverse range of thinkers, including classical East Asian philosophers such as Confucius, Laozi, and Mencius, as well as Western philosophers.
Employing rigorous historical-critical methods alongside metaphorical interpretations, this book invites readers to engage with the moral complexities that each parable elucidates. The format allows for a non-linear exploration, empowering readers to select chapters based on their individual interests, thereby encouraging a personalized academic inquiry. Each chapter culminates in thoughtfully crafted discussion questions that promote critical engagement and foster dialogue in educational settings, thereby enhancing the interpretive process.
The work addresses urgent global concerns such as climate change, systemic racism, and the interconnectedness of poverty and social justice, asserting that these themes are not merely modern dilemmas but are deeply rooted in the parables' narratives. By situating the teachings of Jesus within their historical milieu of first-century Palestine, the author argues for the relevance of these ancient texts in grappling with the complexities of contemporary moral and social issues.
Ultimately, this book serves as an invitation to reevaluate and reinterpret the parables of Jesus through the lens of justice, urging scholars, students, and general readers alike to consider the transformative potential of these narratives. It positions itself not merely as a study of theological literature but as a robust framework for understanding and advocating for justice in a multifaceted, global context. Through this analysis, the work contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding justice, morality, and the imperative for societal equity.
Book Description
This book presents a comprehensive examination of justice as illuminated through the parables of Jesus, structured into ten distinct chapters, each dedicated to a specific type of justice. These chapters facilitate an in-depth analysis of parables while contextualizing them within the framework of contemporary justice issues, including environmental, racial, and global justice.Employing rigorous historical-critical methods alongside metaphorical interpretations, this book invites readers to engage with the moral complexities that each parable elucidates. The format allows for a non-linear exploration, empowering readers to select chapters based on their individual interests, thereby encouraging a personalized academic inquiry. Each chapter culminates in thoughtfully crafted discussion questions that promote critical engagement and foster dialogue in educational settings, thereby enhancing the interpretive process.
The work addresses urgent global concerns such as climate change, systemic racism, and the interconnectedness of poverty and social justice, asserting that these themes are not merely modern dilemmas but are deeply rooted in the parables' narratives. By situating the teachings of Jesus within their historical milieu of first-century Palestine, the author argues for the relevance of these ancient texts in grappling with the complexities of contemporary moral and social issues.
Ultimately, this book serves as an invitation to reevaluate and reinterpret the parables of Jesus through the lens of justice, urging scholars, students, and general readers alike to consider the transformative potential of these narratives. It positions itself not merely as a study of theological literature but as a robust framework for understanding and advocating for justice in a multifaceted, global context. Through this analysis, the work contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding justice, morality, and the imperative for societal equity.
[shorter version]
This book offers a comprehensive examination of justice as depicted in the parables of Jesus, structured into ten distinct chapters, each dedicated to a specific type of justice. By employing rigorous historical-critical methods and metaphorical interpretations, the book facilitates an in-depth analysis of moral complexities while contextualizing parables within contemporary issues such as environmental, racial, and global justice.
Readers are empowered to explore the material non-linearly, selecting chapters based on individual interests. Each chapter includes discussion questions designed to promote critical engagement and dialogue in educational settings, thereby enhancing the interpretive process.
Addressing pressing global concerns like climate change, systemic racism, and social justice, the author asserts that these themes resonate profoundly within the parables' narratives. By situating Jesus's teachings in their historical context of first-century Palestine, the work highlights their relevance in confronting contemporary moral dilemmas. This book invites readers to reevaluate the parables through the lens of justice, encouraging scholars and general readers alike to consider their transformative potential. It positions itself not merely as a study of theological literature but as a vital framework for understanding and advocating for equity in today's multifaceted global context.
In this book, I introduce readers to ten theories of political philosophy:
Classical liberalism, modern libertarianism, utilitarianism, communitarianism, egalitarianism, virtue theory, intersection of race, gender, class, and sexuality, postcolonial theories, environmentalism, and Marxist theory.
The ten types of justice discussed in this book are as follows: Distributive, attributive, procedural, social, racial, restorative, compensatory, retributive, global, and environmental.
