A Conversation On Biblical Justice and Racial Reconciliation

Graphic by James Gocke

The King’s Council, Ally Initiative and Interregnum Committee held a panel moderated by Director of Student Services, Andrea Lopez, with CJ Quartlbaum and Dr. Dru Johnson on the concept of biblical justice as it relates to racial reconciliation. 

To both Quartlbaum, writer and founder of Live and Labor, and Johnson, Biblical scholar and professor at King’s, Biblical justice can be outlined as a positive call to lay our lives down for our brothers and sisters. According to both scholars, the definition of justice is rooted in Jesus. 

“It is impossible to do justice on your own,” Johnson said.

Quartlbaum reasoned that the nation has “failed” in enacting justice because many do not know the root of justice. He claimed that Black Lives Matter (BLM) endlessly fights for justice among the black community, and the cycles of oppression and discrimination continue to persist. Without truly understanding that Jesus is at the center of the meaning of justice, both BLM and right-wing conservatives circle around the term and continually miss the target, according to Quartlbaum. 

“Rarely is there willingness to listen between majority and minorities concerning reconciliation,” Quartlbaum said. 

Quartlbaum claimed that the church has also contributed to the injustice occurring in the world because of the prevalent idea of individualization among many congregations that puts an emphasis on individual salvation rather than intentionality. 

“The church should lead the way,” Quartlbaum said, suggesting that rather than rushing the process of reconciliation, it will be a long and difficult journey to racial reconciliation which must begin with Biblical justice and better communication. 

Recognizing that many churches in New York are predominantly White, Quartlbaum believes there is improvement to be done when it comes to fostering relationships. Believing that the church should be a refuge and safe place for all people to feel welcome, Quartlbaum said he and many others currently feel like outsiders, which can change.