Book Endorsements Are In!

And You're The First To See It.

Jesus, Justice & Joash is based on the work of Rev. Joash P. Thomas, global human rights leader, international speaker, and theologian. Joash’s first book, The Justice of Jesus is available for pre-order here. Every pre-order qualifies for an opportunity to receive Joash’s Spicy Butter Chicken Recipe (delivered printed for the first 300 pre-orders from Baker Book House and digitally if you email / DM your receipt over to Joash).

So I’ve been sitting on some incredible book news for a few weeks now. A few months ago, my publisher (Brazos Press / Baker Publishing) asked me to reach out to 3-5 of the most incredible people who would be good fits to read and endorse The Justice of Jesus as early endorsers. Ideally, for authors, these are folks with expertise who your target audience would trust.

I came up with a dream list of 5 experts (each of whom I have the honour of calling friends in the work of justice) and reached out to them. I’ll be honest - I had no idea if these very busy folks would have time to read my book in 6-8 weeks. And even if they did somehow find time to read this first-time author’s book, there’s no guarantee that they’d actually like it enough to offer a kind endorsement.

Unbeknownst to me, all 5 of these incredible people I reached out to got back with very generous endorsements - something I’m told is quite rare for first time authors from underrepresented communities in publishing. So for the very first time, here’s presenting to you the full, first 5 early endorsements for The Justice of Jesus:

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“Filled with truth and grace, The Justice of Jesus invites Western Christians to rethink what it is that God requires of us. A justice-oriented faith will be costly, Joash Thomas warns, but this is not a dour book. Theologically grounded and refreshingly practical, it is above all a compassionate call for all Christians to walk together in the way of Christ.”

--Kristin Kobes Du Mez, New York Times bestselling author of Jesus and John Wayne

"Hospitable yet bold, this book reimagines a future for the church that prioritizes justice in the way of Jesus. Joash's deep love for the Church shines in every page as he invites us all into the group project of liberation."

--Sarah Bessey, editor of the New York Times bestseller A Rhythm of Prayer; author of Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith

“Joash Thomas is a gift to the world, and so is this book. With the perfect combination of prophetic fire and pastoral care, Joash reminds us that Jesus and justice go together like blades of scissors, or paddles on a rowboat... or like dal on rice. Jesus is at the center of Joash's theology -- after all, Jesus is the best corrective to the things that have become unhinged in Christianity. Jesus has survived the embarrassing things that Christians have done in His name. Joash reminds us that the Gospel of Jesus is always good news to the poor and the oppressed, which also explains why it is so often disruptive and offensive to the rich and powerful. But in the end, the Gospel is big enough for everyone, because we have a God who wants to set both the oppressed and the oppressors free. I'm so glad Joash loves the Church enough to critique it. Pass this book on to everyone you know.”

--Shane Claiborne, author, activist, and cofounder of Red Letter Christians

“Joash Thomas deftly exposes the dim, colonial frameworks that have long shadowed our theology, flinging open the windows of scripture to flood us with ancient wisdom and the liberating breath of the Spirit. This work is no mere critique, but an invitation — a transformational journey into godly sorrow that leaves no regret, stirring us toward the liberating work and witness of Jesus, the living stream of justice for which our souls have ached. A timely and courageous gift to the global church, this book will leave you grateful for its depth, clarity, and uncompromising authenticity.”

--Danielle Strickland, author, speaker, and advocate

"Pastorally disruptive and brilliantly convicting, The Justice of Jesus shows how colonization has distorted the gospel of Jesus and harmed the body and soul of the church. Thomas challenges us to rethink the motivations behind our theology, the privileged hierarchies behind our praxis, and to relearn what it means to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. This book can change the church if we will let it."

--Beth Allison Barr, professor, Baylor University; New York Times bestselling author of Becoming the Pastor's Wife

Drawing from his ancient, St. Thomas Indian Christian roots and a decolonized, justice-centered understanding of Scripture, Joash helps audiences reimagine a faith that unites rather than divides—and that stands firmly with neighbors on the margins. Through speaking engagements, teaching, and advocacy, he calls Christians to a more contemplative yet courageous activism, motivated by the grace-filled, non-violent way of Jesus. To support Joash’s priestly ordination and future education costs, you can upgrade to be a paid Substack subscriber today. We’ll also be launching monthly virtual discussion groups for paid subscribers starting July 14).