Abstract

Christian proponents of the restorative justice movement often draw upon the concept of ‘biblical justice’ as a guiding principle for reforming the criminal justice system. This article delves into the meaning of biblical justice as espoused by advocates of restorative justice, exploring its application in theory and practice. Through an analysis of three recurring themes – overcoming division, justice as well-being and retribution – this article highlights the controversies and ambiguities surrounding these concepts from both theological and restorative justice perspectives. It proposes that adopting a virtue-ethical approach can offer a nuanced understanding of the relationship between biblical justice and restorative justice.