Justice Is Inherently Relational
In her outstanding response to Dr. Beitler’s lecture, “The Ring of Righteousness”: Justice in J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, Dr. Meitzner Yoder made the comment that “Justice is inherently relational.” As a person who believes relationships are the key to everything, this suggested that justice isn’t just about abstract rules or principles; instead, it emphasizes the importance of relationships between people. Essentially, justice arises through interactions—how individuals treat one another, fairness in relationships, and mutual respect.
For us as leaders, this means that fostering just environments goes beyond simply applying policies. We should pay attention to the nature of their relationships with team members and stakeholders, ensuring transparency, fairness, and empathy. By doing so, we create a context where justice is experienced and practiced through genuine connections, trust, and shared responsibility. This relational view encourages us to build inclusive, respectful cultures where everyone feels valued and treated fairly.
Byron's Babbles 
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