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.

Autorentext
Yung Suk Kim (PhD, Vanderbilt University) is Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University. He has written seventeen books in the area of biblical interpretation, Pauline studies, and the Gospels, including Monotheism, Biblical Traditions, and Race Relations (2022), How to Read Paul (2021), and Resurrecting Jesus (2015). He co-authored Toward Decentering the New Testament (2018) with Mitzi Smith. He also edited Paul's Gospel, Empire, Race, and Ethnicity (2023), among other volumes. 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.

Inhalt

Acknowledgments

1. Introduction
   What Is a Parable?
   Political Context of the Parables of Jesus
   Divine Justice, Parables, and the Rule/Reign of God
   Political Reading of Jesus and the Parables
   Format and Use of the Book
2. Justice and Parables
   Theories of Political Philosophy
   Justice and Parables
3. Distributive Justice and Parables
   Vineyard Laborers
   Rich Man and Lazarus
   Questions for Discussion
4. Attributive Justice and Parables
   Talents
   Treasure and Pearl
   Questions for Discussion
5. Procedural Justice and Parables
   Seed Growing Secretly
   Wheat and Weeds
   Questions for Discussion
6. Social Justice and Parables
   Pharisee and Tax Collector
   Leaven
   Questions for Discussion
7. Racial Justice and Parables
   Good Samaritan
   Mustard Seed
   Questions for Discussion
8. Restorative Justice and Parables
   Father and Two Sons
   Unmerciful Slave
   Questions for Discussion
9. Compensatory Justice and Parables
   Unjust Steward
   Questions for Discussion
10. Retributive Justice and Parables
    Unjust Judge and Widow
    Tenants
    Questions for Discussion
11. Global Justice and Parables
    Rich Fool
    Lost Sheep
    Questions for Discussion
12. Environmental Justice and Parables
    Sower
    Questions for Discussion

13. Conclusion

    Bibliography
    About the Author