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Welcome to our first column on Justice in Teaching, Research, and Practice. This first article is intended to provide a biblical framework from which many of the articles that follow will spring forth. As we set the stage for this column, it is worth noting that our decision to offer a column explicitly focused on the topic of justice is grounded both in observance of the socio-historical realities that are shaping our nation and world and the firm conviction that a life marked by justice is inextricably linked with the life of faith according to the Scriptures for the people of God. As a result of this conviction, we as integrators-integrative scholars, practioners, students, educators and activists-are called to pursue an ever-deepening understanding of justice. This understanding finds its fulfillment in the faithful application of these principles in every sphere of our lives.
In this column, our aim is to devote undivided attention to the ways that justice may be carried out in various aspects of our professional lives. Although the focus of this column will be on various aspects of our vocational endeavors as they relate to our formal work, it would behoove us to acknowledge that congruence, or integrity, between our professional pursuits and personal practice is of the utmost importance. As a result, the biblical witness, empirical evidence, and theological and theoretical arguments that are explored in this professional context will necessarily have ramifications for other aspects of our lives as well. I trust that the Holy Spirit will provide ample wisdom for each of us as we discern how to apply these principles to other parts of our lives.
Before taking a step further, it is essential that we begin with a working definition of justice. Any clarity surrounding our engagement with this topic must begin with our awareness about what justice is in the first place. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary (n.d.), justice is defined in the following manner: "The quality of being just, impartial, or fair; the principle or ideal of just dealing or right action; conformity to this principle or ideal: righteousness."
There are many things about this definition of justice that are worth observing. First, "justice" is a noun that describes a way of being, or engaging,...