Justice and the Parables of Jesus: Interpreting the Gospel Stories Through Political Philosophy

This book examines the parables of Jesus through the framework of political philosophy, focusing on the ethical question of justice: ＂What is the right thing to do?＂ It contextualizes the narratives within the socio-political landscape of first-century Palestine, highlighting how they articulate a radical vision of divine sovereignty that confronts the dominant values and juridical structures of the Roman Empire. The text offers a nuanced analysis of the multifaceted themes of justice embedded in these parables, aiming to elucidate their moral and theological complexity. Organized thematically, each chapter engages with specific parables, accompanied by analytical discussion questions designed to foster critical engagement and scholarly dialogue.
Ultimately, the volume aspires to contribute to contemporary discourses on justice by providing a comprehensive interpretive framework rooted in biblical parables, serving academic audiences and informed readers interested in the ethical and political implications of Jesus’s teachings.

Yung Suk Kim is professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University. He has written seventeen books, including How to Read the Gospels (2024), Monotheism, Biblical Traditions, and Race Relations (2022), and How to Read Paul (2021). He serves as a member of the Bible Translation and Utilization Committee (BTU) to assist in the Bible publishing activities of the National Council of Churches.