Dr. Tim Keller is both a pastor and a committed student of the Scriptures, which allows for him to promote true biblical literacy, while at the same time explains and unpacking the biblical text well, thoughtfully, and thoroughly. In “Generous Justice”, Keller does exactly that, and more, for he also studies, explains, and critiques culture and the way in which the world would view justice, as well as the world’s many forms of injustice.

This short book is a phenomenal beginner’s guide to the topic of biblical justice, and how it plays out in the practical lives of Christ’s followers. By approaching the topic in a bipartisan fashion, Keller is able to critique both the “left” and the “right”, as well as agree with both sides where they reflect the heart of God as revealed through Scripture. While I would most likely disagree with some of the conclusion Keller draws from his studies, for the most part, he has done a great job of showing God’s care for the poor and the powerless.

He emphasizes what it means to “do justice” in the biblical sense—which inherently calls the powerful and privileged to disadvantage themselves and to sacrifice for the sake of those in need. He promotes hand-in-hand work with secular society in the fight for justice and against wrongdoing, while at the same time, acknowledging that the world’s views on justice may and will differ at points with God’s views and in these situations, we must be both humble and provocative in our dealings with the world!

I would have appreciated if Keller pointed out the importance and relevance of the atonement theory known as “Christus Victor” and its implications for Christians when it comes to the world, its broken systems, and our relationship to the world and power structures in general. If Christ’s death not only freed us from sin and death, but also proclaimed Christ as King, rather than the “ruler of this world” as king, then that dramatically changes the ways in which we relate to this world that is under the power of the evil one. Christ’s Kingdom, although not of this world, has important implications for this world, and it does not operate neatly within the borders and lines of parties, democracies, authoritarian and totalitarian dictatorships, monarchies, etc. When Christ ushered in his Kingdom via his death on the cross, he was showing his followers a new way of relating to the world, and a new way of living in the world—not as power-hungry monarchs lording authority over their subjects, but as self-sacrificial servants, who are slowly and subversively bringing the justice of Christ into the world.

Ultimately, even though the focus is not on “Christus Victor” per se, Keller draws his readers back to the cross, to the grace of God poured out to us through His own sacrifice, and Keller makes it quite clear that any attempts of justice on our part must not be out of a desire for acceptance, pride, a pat on the back, or anything of the sort, but must be the result of recognizing God’s grace to each of us.