Photograph: The Cheonggyecheon, a nearly 11 kilometer-long stream and public space in downtown Seoul, South Korea. An example of humans responding to God’s desire that we restore our relations with each other and with the created world. In 2003, the city government removed an above-ground car expressway and restored the stream. The Cheonggyecheon restoration project initially attracted significant public criticism, but since its opening in 2005 it has become popular among both tourists and residents. Photo credit: Basile Morin, Wikipedia CC-4.0, cropped.

Introduction: The Restorative Justice Library

We believe God’s justice is completely restorative, not retributive. God calls for our partnership to restore all that we have harmed — including our own hearts, or human nature, human relationships, and the creation. Whereas the notion of divine retributive justice says God requires our punishment, the vision of divine restorative justice says God requires our partnership in love. Below, you will find a Study Guide, Sources, and Practices of restorative justice in theology and ethics.