The perspective of the two types of justice in Luther as a critical response to contemporary crises: an option of thinking theologically the justice in dark times

Abstract

This paper deals with the perspective of the two kinds of justice as outlined by Martin Luther and highlights their pertinence as a critical response to contemporary crises. With this objective, the study resumes the reading of Luther's exposition in his “Sermon on the Two Species of Justice”, recalling the historical and biblical contexts of his approach. From then on, it points to the justice crisis as the central cause of the other crises, recognizing its possible motivations and consequences as conditionings of the conflicts of justice still experienced by society today. It continues to present the notions of external justice and appropriate justice in response to this chaotic scenario and in protest of the insufficient forms of justice. It mentions the contours and effects of this proposal, notably its potential to heckle injustice by rekindling in humanity the flame of Justice through faith and hope. It concludes by highlighting the relevance of the studied perspective and its plausibility as an option for thinking theologically about justice in dark times