PSA Justice vs Biblical Justice

[JonC]

We have introduced different philosophies of justice (we have not been able to discuss them, but they have been introduced in the PSA threads).

The problem with justice in the PSA sense is that it minimizes sin by viewing sin as a debt that must be paid, another paying this debt on behalf of man so that man is reconciled to God which diminishes God’s holiness.

Steve is charged with molesting a child. He pleads guilty. As his judge you impose the sentence demanded by the law and sentence him to jail for 5 years and when released he is in a database for the crime.

Steve’s father comes forward and assumes the penalty that the law demands. You send Steve’s father to prison and when released he is in the database on behalf of his son. Justice is satisfied. You would never allow a criminal in your home, but Steve’s debt has been paid. So you invite him into your house with your grandchildren.

The judge acted unjustly. He viewed the law as requiring punishment for crimes, and as long as that debt is met justice is fulfilled. The judge does not understand the role of punishment, or even justice.

There are only two just solutions for Steve. Punish Steve by casting him out of society (put him in jail, send him to the UK, but do not allow him in society) OR somehow make Steve “not a child molester”.

 

[JonC]

PSA theorists also look at this debt in a financial way (they shift between justice and financial obligations without pause).

Steve steals $5000 worth of jewelry from your house. The judge orders Steve to repay the $5000 in order to make you whole and to serve 5 years probation. Steve’s father assumes that debt, pays you $5000 and serves the probation on behalf of Steve. You now invite him into your home a justice has been met.


But man’s sin does not create a debt owed to God. Man’s sin demonstrates a deficiency in man. Sin does not make God less whole. Sin makes man less whole. Man’s sin injures man, not God.

Another issue is PSA advocates often go to sin as a transactional issue to explain away the moral problems associated with PSA. The idea is that it is no longer the Father punishing the Son but God taking upon Himself the debt.

But this means God is less. He is not whole. He has reached in his own wallet and paid the $5000 Steve owes, to Himself. God remains the victim of sin, man has in effect conquered God

 

[JonC]

Biblically justice is less convoluted while viewing God in a more positive light.

Justice is synonymous with righteousness. They are literally the same word. The goal of the judge is to create or maintain a righteous state. This righteousness is the righteousness of God.

Steve molested and murdered a child. He stands before the judge. The judge imposes a sentence- death. Steve’s father pleads to take his son’s place. The judge explains to Steve’s father that justice does not demand crimes be punished, but rather crimes are punished in order to achieve justice. The reason for Steve’s punishment is to remove this unrighteousness from the world. Steve’s father cannot take Steve’s place.

Steve is executed. At Judgment he stands before God as a wicked person. Steve is cast out and spends an eternity in Hell (the Second Death).

Saul was guilty of aiding in murder. Saul was given a different kind of life, and became a different person. Saul died, and Paul was born of the Spirit. Saul was tried and executed for his support of murdering a young man. When Saul died physically it is because of sin, but Paul is raised incorruptible. He stands before the Judge as a righteous person. God declares that Paul is righteous and Paul enters into God’s kingdom. Justice is met because Paul is righteous.

 

[JonC]

Philosophies of justice have evolved greatly over time.

The ancient ideas of justice was cosmic harmony (Plato, Aristotle), this being a harmony based on God's righteousness (Hebrew justice).

The Stoics introduced the idea of universal justice, applying to mankind as a whole.

The Medieval period saw a shift of justice being centered on law (rather than law being a method to achieve justice).

Thomas Aquinas developed the concept of proportional reciprocity. This is the idea that justice is giving others what they are due.

 

[JonC]

Borrowing from Plato, justice is achieving an ideal state or society. The Hebrew concept of this ideal state is the kingdom of God with justice removing evil (or unrighteousness) that would stand in opposition to divine righteousness.

God's righteousness was manifested in the law, but the law itself is not this righteousness. God's righteousness is eternally greater than the law. If the Sun were God's righteousness then the law woukd be the moon, reflecting this righteousness.

 

[JonC]

Sources: Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Boston University: Concepts of Justice, University of Michigan Law School, Hadar Institute,

 

[JonC]

In the Hebrew religion kareth is a punishment for sin. The punishment is "cutting off" from the people. The goal is to achieve justice (the people returning to a state of righteousness or justice by removing evil).