Gospel Justice: Joining Together to Provide Help and Hope for those Oppressed by Legal Injustice

by Bruce D. Strom

Can a justice system that doesn’t protect the poor be considered truly just? We have all heard the phrase, “You have the right to an attorney.” But did you know this is only true for those being accused of a crime in our country, not their victims ? Without a legal advocate, innocent victims are left to fend for themselves. The church is called to do justice and love mercy. We are given the example of the Good Samaritan serving a victim in need, no matter the stigmas attached. But how are we to do this amidst the complexities of the current system? Bruce Strom left a successful legal career to start Administer Justice, a nonprofit organization providing free legal care to our most vulnerable neighbors. Gospel Justice calls churches across the nation to transform lives by serving both the spiritual and legal needs of the poor through participation in the Gospel Justice Initiative. It is not only a book for lawyers or pastors, though. Bruce Strom is calling each of us, the whole body of Christ, to join the cause of legal justice for the oppressed.

208 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2013

About the author

Bruce Strom is a lawyer, pastor, author, speaker, husband and father of twin sons who loves God and his neighbor. He doesn’t just say it – he lives it. Bruce left a successful career as the senior partner of a multi-office law practice to start Administer Justice, a legal aid ministry in 2000. What began in one church has grown to a national movement in more than 80 churches across the United States. A powerful advocate for the poor and vulnerable, Bruce encourages the church, attorneys, and individuals to step out of their comfort zone and do justice. He is the author of Persevering Power (IVP) and Gospel Justice (Moody).

Reviews

[Savannah Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an inspiring book that mixed the author’s background, biblical stories and truths centering on the need for justice, and anecdotes of individuals his team helped through faith-based pro-bono work. I was heavily considering law at the time and, as a Christian, this massively increased my interest. I since decided to go into another career path but highly recommend this for anyone with interest in the legal fields.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bruce Strom weaves his personal story, the stories of clients, and the story of the Good Samaritan in a way that is deeply moving and motivating. He doesn't leave the reader with empty interest or affirmation but effectively exhorts the reader to action by encouraging the reader to become involved in various avenues of the provision of justice.

A critical reader and ever an editor, I read his work cover to cover with pen in hand and was deeply impressed by Strom's writing: rather than critical markup, each page now holds underlines, brackets, personal connections, and other assorted commentary. The book is written effectively to resonate with varied audiences, whether lawyer or not, and equally express God's call upon every believer to "do justice and to love kindness" (Micah 6:8). Strom convinces the reader of the unique efficacy of legal justice in righting the injustice in patching the breached hull, whereas compassion ministries can only bail out the influx of water; both are crucial, but legal justice has historically been neglected as a ministry.

I had the delight to intern with Gospel Justice Initiative (the second of the two organizations that Strom founded) and interact with Administer Justice (the first). I found the Bruce's personal story as shared in the book to be highly compelling and a genuine reflection of who he is personally.

I highly recommend reading this book.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for anyone concerned about justice issues today. Wonderful stories of people needing and getting legal help from Christians.

Gives information on starting a Justice Center in your neighborhood. Everyone knows that criminals have access to our justice system - if they can't afford an attorney, one will be provided for them. What happens if it is a civil matter? That is where these justice centers become important - and it is important for Christians to be the force behind them.