The Justice of Jesus
Reimagining Your Church’s Life Together to Pursue Liberation and Wholeness
Where to Purchase
About
"Theologically grounded and refreshingly practical."--Kristin Kobes Du Mez, New York Times bestselling author of Jesus and John Wayne
What if the way we've been taught to follow Jesus is missing something essential? What if there's more to the gospel than we've experienced--something that could revolutionize how we love our neighbors and serve our communities?
In The Justice of Jesus, public theologian and international speaker Joash Thomas reveals how authentic biblical faith naturally leads to caring for the vulnerable and working for positive change in our neighborhoods. Drawing from his unique perspective serving in churches across different cultures and continents, Thomas shows how justice isn't just a "social issue"--it's at the very heart of what it means to follow Christ. Whether you're a pastor, small group leader, or simply want to make a real difference in your community, this book offers practical wisdom you can actually use:
· simple steps to help your church better serve struggling families in your neighborhood
· biblical foundations that show why caring for others isn't optional for Christians
· real success stories from churches that are making a tangible impact in their communities
· practical ideas for prayer, volunteering, and partnerships that don't require a huge budget
· fresh insights on following Jesus that will deepen your faith and expand your heart
This isn't about politics. It's about discipleship.
The Justice of Jesus is perfect for:
· church leaders seeking authentic community engagement
· small groups wanting to study practical discipleship
· Christians curious about faith-based social action
· anyone asking, "How can my faith make a real difference?"
Thomas doesn't just point out problems; he provides hope and concrete solutions. Drawing from Scripture and real-world examples, he shows how ordinary believers can do extraordinary things when they embrace Jesus's vision for justice and healing.
The Justice of Jesus will inspire you with achievable ways to live out your faith more fully and help your church become a beacon of hope in your community.
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
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Joash P. Thomas
Rev. Joash P. Thomas (MACL, 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 and lobbying firm in the...
Continue reading about Joash P. Thomas