>>14095551Again, you're falling into a modernist trap. Punishment can be used in a purely instrumental way. For example, humans use it to achieve other ends--deterrence, rehabilitation, catharsis, the Girardian aspects, etc. But punishment can also be the means or act by which justice in the purest sense--that is, as an end in itself rather than a means to some other end--is realized.
Justice is God's nature as much as love is. This is why people are mistaken when they think "God is love" means "love is God". Yes, God is love (1 John 4:16). But God is also *more* than love. God is truth, justice, beauty, power, holiness, etc. Justice is an essential part of God's nature.
