Examining the Biblical Context for Restorative Justice

Lesallan Bostron

Ohio Christian University

CJU1010 Introduction to Justice Systems (ONL24F1)

Dr. Quinn

July 30, 2024

Examining the Biblical Context for Restorative Justice

Restorative justice is a powerful concept that addresses conflicts by prioritizing repairing the harm caused and restoring the well-being of all parties involved. This approach is gaining recognition and adoption in modern justice systems worldwide. In this discourse, we will delve into the biblical foundation of restorative justice, specifically exploring the principles outlined in Leviticus 6:1-7 from the King James Version (KJV). This passage provides valuable insights into the restorative nature of justice and its enduring relevance in contemporary society.

Leviticus 6:1-7 in the Bible’s King James Version (KJV) is a powerful scripture that advocates for the concept of restorative justice. This passage provides a detailed outline of the process for making amends for wrongdoings. It emphasizes the importance of restitution and reconciliation, highlighting the need to acknowledge and rectify the harm caused and work towards restoring relationships and bringing about healing. This biblical passage lays a foundation for the principles of restorative justice, promoting a comprehensive approach to addressing harm within communities, a method that has proven to be effective and enduring.

I chose Leviticus 6:1-7 (KJV) because it clearly illustrates the principles of restorative justice. This passage emphasizes the importance of acknowledging wrongdoing, making restitution, and seeking reconciliation. The offender must restore what was taken or deceitfully obtained, add an additional amount, and offer a trespass offering to the Lord. This process addresses the harm done to the victim and seeks to restore the offender’s relationship with God and the community.

Restorative justice focuses on healing and making amends rather than punishment. Leviticus 6:1-7 (KJV) aligns with this concept by outlining a process prioritizing restitution and reconciliation. According to Masters (2021), “Restorative justice seeks to repair the harm caused by criminal behavior through cooperative processes that include all stakeholders” (p. 123). This aligns with the principles outlined in Leviticus 6:1-7 (KJV), where restitution and reconciliation are emphasized.

As seen in Leviticus 6:1-7 (KJV), the biblical context for restorative justice provides a solid foundation for understanding and implementing restorative practices in modern justice systems. By emphasizing restitution, reconciliation, and forgiveness, this passage offers valuable insights into how we can make everyone involved in a conflict whole again. Restitution emphasizes the importance of making amends and restoring what was lost or harmed.

Reconciliation encourages parties to come together, acknowledge the harm caused, and work towards rebuilding trust and repairing relationships. Forgiveness acknowledges the humanity in all individuals involved and provides the opportunity for healing and moving forward. These timeless principles can serve as a guide for creating more just and compassionate responses to harm in our communities.

In summary, the principles of restorative justice as outlined in Leviticus 6:1-7 (KJV) provide a comprehensive approach to addressing harm within communities. By emphasizing restitution, reconciliation, and forgiveness, this passage offers valuable insights into how we can make everyone involved in a conflict whole again. These timeless principles can serve as a guide for creating more just and compassionate responses to harm in our communities.

In Christ,

Lesallan

References:

BIBLE VERSES ABOUT JUSTICE – King James Bible Online.

https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Bible-Verses-About-Justice/.

King James Bible. (2020). OFFICIAL KING JAMES BIBLE ONLINE: AUTHORIZED KING

JAMES VERSION (KJV). Kingjamesbibleonline.org. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/

Masters, R. (2021). CJ: Realities and Challenges. McGraw-Hill Education.