"Justice and the Parables of Jesus: A Political and Ethical Reading"
Yung Suk Kim
"This paper re-examines Jesus's parables through the framework of political philosophy, situating them within their first-century socio-political context. It argues that these narratives articulate a radical vision of justice confronting dominant power structures. The analysis explores ten distinct types of justice, demonstrating how Mencius's economic insights illuminate Jesus's concern for the poor. Modern Korean tragedies (Itaewon, Sewol) are presented as case studies to expose the critical interplay of retributive and restorative justice, demanding accountability. Finally, the Parable of the Sower is interpreted to unveil profound aspects of environmental justice, advocating for a responsible human-nature partnership. The paper concludes by asserting that Jesus's message compels an engagement with a costly, holistic justice that seeks to transform both individuals and societal structures."
I will deliver a lecture to the public and will publish it soon afterward.