Stories. I love them. I love what they do on so many levels from the ‘mind switched off and just enjoying the ride’ to ‘truly delving into the depths of the human condition’. All from the story. Those stories can be real and often reality is stranger than fiction.
Of late I’ve come across a number of recent and not so recent stories concerning justice. In the world of football there have been two high profile cases involving international players who are accused of racism. Those allegations have been investigated, one going as far as being looked at by the police. Meanwhile over the pond a potential Republican candidate for the Presidency is mired in allegations of sexual harrassment.
Even college football is blighted with the scandal of a coach who is alleged to have allowed the sexual abuse of a minor. On this I refer you to the passionate, outspoken and thought-provoking perspectives of Shaun King especially on his twitter feed for Monday. I was impressed by what the guy wrote anyway, but his views on protecting children have to be respected. As he touches on the coach incident he also speaks out frankly concerning allegations about pastors who have allegedly engaged in conduct not befitting anyone let alone those in positions of authority.
Whilst touching controversy and judgements, I was amused, bemused and saddened by the reaction to Dr. Conrad Murray’s conviction for the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson. The scenes were reminiscent of people celebrating a great concert or a big win. Celebrating the conviction of someone just appeared bizarre. Bizarre and sad.
That in itself goes to my point about judgements. I’ll take it on two levels. First is the general perspective of justice in the world. I think there is a lot to be said for the concept of being innocent until proven guilty. It is a wonderful ideal of righteousness giving everyone a chance to have their case heard and retain their integrity until due process has taken place. It’s a great concept, but see how it’s practiced. Does anyone believe Herman Cain’s bid for the presidency will survive these? Does anyone believes John terry’s reputation will remain intact after these investigations?
Why the scepticism? Because we are not dealing with an innocent man, we are dealing to thesmears the allegations highlight. Innocent until proven guilty is trumped by the worldly thought that there’s no smoke without fire. Due process is replaced with people taking it upon themselves to play judge, jury and executioner.
True justice remains in doubt further exacerbated by miscarriages of justice that see innocent people punished, whilst the guilty appear to get away. I am not saying justice cannot happen and there’s no worth in our current judicial systems. I continue acknowledge and respect the necessary hard work of judges, barristers and solicitors. It’s a thankless task with the reputation of lawyers, but they remain essential if anything like justice. Yet it remains the case in the world at large that concepts and ideals come up to a barrier with the truth of the human condition.
That brings me to the second aspect andthat is the perspective of Christians and judging. It is incredibly sad to see believers in disputes among themselves referring to the world judicial system. Scenarios like some of those reported in America is incredibly sad. The seeming lack of the church to deal with them goes to show how much we have ignored biblical counsel.
The church – not just the elite – are called to decide onthese issues. We see that in Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 18. That forms the basis of what Paul talks about in his words to the church in Corinth. Our commitment to Christ mans we cannot afford to take unresolved issues outside the church. If Solomon teaches us anything it is that wisdom from above is requireed in us all to discern the truth of the situation in front of us. Those who claim Christ as King He is able to give us the insight to make those judgements. Being no different to the world is not a great witness to the world.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd
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