Restoring Restorative Justice: Beyond the Theology of Reconciliation and Forgiveness

This article reconsiders the way in which theology of justice makes contributions to ongoing discussions on restorative justice (RJ). RJ has been a developing topic for decades around the globe. Although the idea and practice are generally valued, various problems also occurred during its development. I argue that these problems can be exacerbated by the ways in which some theologians talk about reconciliation and forgiveness; these Christian principles are sentimentalised. The discussion shows that Howard Zehr's approach in Changing Lenses helps emphasise the social significance of theology of justice. Zehr makes a case for the significance of the acquisition of critical lenses against socially and individually established norms, which has not yet been fully incorporated in the theology of justice. A dialogue with Zehr can add new avenues to frame how theological traditions have a meaningful and feasible voice in the public debate and practice of RJ.