192 - Where Inclusion Meets the Justice of Jesus with Fr. Joash Thomas

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Fr. Joash Thomas to explore a deeper, justice-centered understanding of inclusion rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus. Together, they unpack how empire-shaped Christianity has distorted the gospel, replacing unity with division and exclusion. Fr. Joash challenges listeners to rethink inclusion by learning from marginalized voices and embracing a faith that unites to heal rather than divide to conquer. This powerful conversation also dives into loving your enemies, confronting bias, and reimagining a more compassionate and connected world through everyday actions and authentic relationships.

Key Takeaways:

Redefining Inclusion – True inclusion starts by asking excluded people what they actually need, not assuming it for them.

Empire vs. Jesus – Systems of power divide to control, but the way of Jesus brings people together to heal.

Love Your Enemy – Loving enemies begins with seeing them as human and worthy of compassion, even when it’s difficult.

Theology Matters – What we believe about God shapes how we treat people, especially those on the margins.

Learn First – Inclusion grows when we listen, learn, and honor the agency of those often overlooked.

Fr. Joash Thomas’ definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is when the Spirit of God breaks down the man-made walls that we put to keep people out from experiencing the grace of God.

Fr. Joash Thomas’ Bio:

Father Joash is a Priest, Public Theologian & Bestselling Author

Drawing from his St. Thomas Christian roots and a Jesus-centered & Empire-informed understanding of Scripture, Fr. 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.

Born and raised in India, Fr. Joash served as a U.S. political consultant and lobbyist before pivoting to global human rights advocacy. Now based in the Toronto area, he holds a master’s degree in Political Management from The George Washington University and two master’s degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary in Christian Leadership and Theology. An ordained Priest in the Diocese of St. Anthony, he is the author of the #1 Amazon Canada Bestseller in Liberation Theology, The Justice of Jesus (published by Brazos Press / Baker Publishing).

Fr. Joash serves on the leadership team at St. Stephen’s University as Director of Fundraising & Advancement and Instructor in Public Theology, Peace & Justice. You can keep up with Fr. Joash's writing on his Substack, Masala Chai Theology.

Connect with Fr. Joash Thomas:

Website: https://www.joashpthomas.com/

Substack: https://joashpthomas.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joashpthomas/

Amazon: https://a.co/d/05hbu1ca

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

Yes

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 84

No - 106

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