Interpreting the Gospel Stories through Political Philosophy
(T&T Clark, 2026)
JUSTICE AND PARABLES
Distributive Justice | The Vineyard Laborers, The Rich Man and Lazarus |Attributive Justice | The Talents, The Treasure and the Pearl |
Procedural Justice | The Seed Growing Secretly, The Wheat and the Weeds |
Social Justice | The Pharisee and the Tax Collector, The Leaven |
Racial Justice | The Good Samaritan, The Mustard Seed |
Restorative Justice | The Father and Two Sons (Prodigal Son), The Unmerciful Slave |
Compensatory Justice | The Unjust Steward |
Retributive Justice | The Unjust Judge and the Widow, The Tenants |
Global Justice | The Rich Fool, The Lost Sheep |
Environmental Justice | The Sower |
Critical Reviews & Academic Reception
Since its release earlier this month, the book has been highly praised by biblical scholars for its "moral urgency" and its ability to bridge ancient texts with modern ethical crises.
Demetrius K. Williams (University of Wisconsin): Calls it a "bold and refreshing reorientation" that challenges readers not just to decode the stories but to apply their ethical implications to a "fractured world."
Jennifer Quigley (Emory University): Recommends it as a "multidimensional lens" for understanding justice as a dynamic response to theological and public concerns.
James F. McGrath (Butler University): Highlights the book’s cross-cultural reach, noting how Kim integrates Eastern thinkers, such as Confucius and Laozi, into the dialogue about the New Testament.
Emerson Powery (Messiah University): Describes Justice and the Parables of Jesus as "essential reading" and a "vital contribution" to the field of biblical scholarship.
Early Readers: Feedback from seminary students (visible on platforms like Goodreads) emphasizes that the book is "poignant" and forces a "decolonizing" of traditional Western theology.
Summary of the "Big Idea"
The book’s central argument is that the "Kingdom of God" (or Rule of God) is not just a future hope but a radical, present-day political vision. Kim argues that by asking "What is the right thing to do?" in the context of each parable, readers can uncover a comprehensive framework for justice that addresses everything from wealth inequality to racial reconciliation and environmental care.