Justice and Jesus

UTT Blog Post #11 - Law 4

According to the Critical Legal Studies movement, which “seeks to overturn accepted norms and standards in legal theory and practice,” law and politics are one in the same. This revolutionary ideology proscribes to the idea that any law existing in today’s society exists not for the greater good of the government’s people, but for the greater good of government leaders. With this approach to law, come many bitter individuals who passionately claim that all laws are established with the intent of causing their downfall or oppressing society. From feminists to postmodernists, these “legal realists” have set out to debase the current government and national leaders so as to prevent further progress of their alternative agendas. This group’s lack of faith in national government to soundly create and carry out laws indicates their equally passionate support of a utopian, equalized society where the powerful and wealthy can’t/won’t use law as a means to maintain their status. Therefore, in the eyes of those advancing the Critical Legal Studies movement, justice is created through social, economic, and legal equality.

According to Christianity, justice is served/obtained a different way. True justice is receiving what is deserved. For us, as humans and sinners, we deserve death. However, Christ atoned for our sins through his sacrificial death on the cross. The way we are to respond to this act of mercy is by extending mercy and compassion to others. As Christians, we can show justice by loving others – even those different from us – the way that Christ loves us, rescuing and defending those treated unjustly, serving others in humility, and looking after the less fortunate. Christ has called us to extend the mercy he has given us to others in need in the form of selfless and devoted service.

Sharia Law vs. Christian Law

UTT Blog Post #10 - Law 3

Despite its large role in the Islamic culture and lifestyle, Sharia law is widely debated within the Islamic community and, as such, employed in a variety of forms. Essentially, to Muslims, the Sharia law is considered “God’s law” and the standards by which they are to guide their life. This law is composed of rules and instructions from the Quran as well as the example set by the prophet Mohammed, as recorded in the Hadith. While, these two sources may seem like straight-forward ones, many in the Islamic community argue over the role that Sharia law should play within life and society. While some believe that these rules are applicable on an individual basis, they believe that it does not have a place in governmental rule due to discord over the subjective stance on punishment. On the other hand, there are some who find it quite easy to incorporate the Sharia law into a social setting. Overall, this inconsistent approach to the law creates for conflicting approaches within Islamic communities.

Christian law is both similar and different than the Islamic Sharia law. For example, Christian law is based on God’s Word, the Bible, just like Sharia law is based mainly on the Quran. Both of these forms of law use humans as an example from which to base their law – Christianity using Jesus, and Islam using Mohammed. They also differ here in that the Christian example, Jesus, is deity and, therefore, is a reflection of the law. However, the Muslim example, Mohammed, was a mere human prophet, and thus an extension of the law. Also, in both cases, interpretation of the law is necessary. Differing interpretations of Christian law are reflected by the numerous denominations that represent the same Bible. However, while there may be slight disagreements on doctrinal interpretation the Christian approach to following the law remains consistent within the church. Because Christianity exists within most countries that proscribe to the separation of church and state, Christianity does not approach religious law from a governmental perspective. In fact, the Bible states that Christians are supposed to obey their authorities and thus the government. With this command, Christians know that Biblical law usurps all. Thus, Christians must follow governmentally established law unless it requires them to do something the Bible forbids or prevents them from doing something that the Bible requires. Therefore, the Christian approach to law is that this law exists for all, should be pursued by followers of Christ, and is to be upheld within the Christian community. Christians also understand that, while they must keep one another accountable and strive to develop a morally sound society, God is the ultimate judge of humanity.

Therefore, Islamic law and Christian law differ the most in their opposing approach to following religious law within a secular world.

Law and the Individual

UTT Blog Post #9 - Law 2

The question posed asks whether or not law should be limited to the “determination and interpretation of each individual.” Law is a tricky topic simply because of its unique nature and variety of inconsistencies across the globe. It would be easier to analyze the soundness of law if it was standard for every nation and every person in the world. However, as a result of differing cultures, customs, values, and standards, law is defined differently by each nation. This is particularly puzzling to look at from the Christian perspective which states that moral standards are unwavering and applicable to all. While Christians understand ethics to be universal, we live in a world that represents an eclectic mix of ideas and values.

Because of the inconsistencies in law that exist within the universe, I can understand the secular mind’s reasoning behind self-governing. If our world is one that is made up of unique individuals and ideas, these individuals should not be forced to follow the values of their government or nation. The secular mind sees a harmonious world pieced together by the unique philosophies of each person. Unfortunately, this secular mind and its utopian society fail to account for sin and evil desires. While neither of these are things desirable elements of society, they are a product of the fall and, thus, inevitable.

As a result of evil’s presence in the world, we must approach life with recognition of such. While a self-governed society may seem ideal, it is not practical. A society where law is determined by the individual is one that would not only allow theft and assault, but murder and rape. It is one that would lack accountability and allow the fulfillment of carnal and sinful desires.  Therefore, it is important to understand that law is a matter which must be fulfilled by government according to the moral standards of God, rather than the subjectivity of each individual.