Theories of Justice

What is justice? How do we know justice? How is justice cultivated in society? These are the three questions that guide this critical dialogue with two representatives of the Catholic and Protestant traditions: Karl Barth and Karol Wojtyla/John Paul II. Though the two thought leaders are shaped within divergent theological traditions and historical contexts, they both appeal to Christian anthropology as a starting point for justice. Their explorations into the nature of humanity yield robust new theories of justice that remain relevant for our contemporary era. The third interlocutor, our female author, brings her own voice fully into the dialogue in the third part of the book in order to address the shortcomings in their theories and build upon their insights, all the while seeking theories of humanity and social justice that result in justice for all persons.

""Stephanie Mar Brettman's book is distinguished by clear thinking, careful comparative analysis, and perhaps most importantly, a refreshing independence of thought. Those interested in the work of two theological giants will learn much. They will also encounter a constructive thinker whose theological acumen, ethical seriousness, and feminist commitments provide an inspiring model for contemporary Christian thought.""
--Paul Dafydd Jones, Department of Religious Studies, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA

""A very significant contribution to contemporary theology because it not only asks questions about the nature of justice but also provides a dialogue between two formidable figures and two theological traditions. A must read for all those searching for theological challenges!""
--Mario I. Aguilar, Centre for the Study of Religion and Politics, University of St. Andrews, Scotland



S. Mar Smith Brettmann is the Executive Director of Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST). She taught theology and philosophy as a lecturer at the University of the West Indies and Whitworth University and she was an Assistant Professor at Fuller Theological Seminary before she decided to put her theories into practice by directing a non-profit organization that aims to prevent the commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor of vulnerable children, women, and men in the United States. Dr. Brettmann completed a PhD in Theology at the University of St. Andrews in 2004.