Nicholas Wolterstorff. (2011). Justice in Love. Grand Rapids Michigan:
William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2011. A review. Henk Smidstra. Feb. 14,
2013
Wolterstorff’s latest book, Justice in love, is written in his usual philosophically logical
style. This book follows his recent
book, Justice: Rights and Wrongs; he
now explores and philosophically parses the concept of agapic love as it
relates to justice. At times I thought he was splitting hairs of moral
philosophy, but then I would have an “aha” moment and discover a significant
insight. The book is certainly worth the time of reading and pondering over. He
is challenging at times, and quite courageous in critiquing lex talionis, and the popular use of Anselm’s view of atonement influenced by that code of
reciprocity (especially the negative, the lex,
side of returning evil for evil), rejecting also the attendant necessity of
retribution and its conclusions about justice and forgiveness. As if that Challenge is not enough, he
reframes the orthodox Calvinist doctrine of election, and makes helpful distinctions
upon a thorough discussion of the meaning of justification as found in St.
Paul’s letter to the Romans. He, like me, comes from the reformed (CRC)
tradition, and I recommend this book for wide reading and dialogue to enrich
and broaden dialogue on justice. Justice
talk in Christian circles is common, but is often partially informed and parochially
understood; and, we need to develop capacities to think outside the box in our dialogue
regarding justice and love issues in our churches, society, and our personal
lives to be congruent in our calling as Christ followers. In public, pluralist,
settings, there are many opportunities to act as salt and light that can help
to build a better world rather than add to its burden of judgment, exclusion,
and violence.
To read the rest of this review, click: Download Jinlove2