Justice and Jesus in a Colonized Church - Joash Thomas
Justice isn’t optional in the Christian faith—it’s central. But too often, the Western Church has treated justice as a distraction rather than a demand. Joash Thomas, public theologian and international speaker, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss how colonization has shaped the theology and practice of the Western church. Drawing from his new book The Justice of Jesus, Joash identifies the idol of a spiritualized, disembodied gospel and critiques the way much fo Western theology resists concern for earthly liberation. He then defines what justice means in Christian tradition and what it costs to pursue it. Joash also shares examples of churches—particularly in Canada—that are reimagining discipleship through justice and generosity. This episode is especially helpful for pastors, church leaders, and anyone wrestling with how faith intersects with politics, colonization, and advocacy.
Key Takeaways:
Colonized theology resists justice. Colonialism shaped the Western church to prioritize power and spiritualized salvation over the wellbeing of bodies and communities—contrary to the gospel Jesus preached in Luke 4.
Justice is part of the gospel, not a distraction from it. Christian justice means giving people what God intended for them—both spiritual wholeness and physical flourishing.
Churches can reclaim justice through generosity, advocacy, and humility. Real change comes when churches listen to marginalized voices, steward resources sacrificially, and stay engaged in their communities—not for their own gain, but on behalf of those with less power.
Important Links:
The Justice of Jesus by Joash Thomas
Joash’s X account - https://x.com/JoashPThomas
Joash’s Threads account - https://www.threads.com/@joashpthomas
Joash P. Thomas is a public theologian, humanitarian activist, and ordained deacon in the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches. Born and raised in India, he brings a global and historical lens to faith. Formerly a Republican political consultant, Joash now leads international human rights advocacy and teaches on justice, colonization, and gospel renewal. His debut book is The Justice of Jesus: Reimagining Your Church’s Life Together to Pursue Liberation and Wholeness.
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