September 29, 2005
Judicial Righteousness
What is an independent judiciary? Is it a judge that is completely autonomous, influenced by no outside forces? Or this judge wholly dependant upon the free market of ideas yet not dependant upon the other branches of government? I don’t believe that there is such a judge nor does it seem our Constitution has instituted a branch of government as such.
Judges are most certainly dependant upon the Constitution and laws of the United States (Article III, Section 2). This would certainly seem to not only suggest, but clearly define that rulings from judges should be based on no other government but our own. This inherently makes them dependant upon the Constitution, the elected law makers of this country and the executive branch that enforces the laws.
Robert Bork has recently said, “America is becoming a cacophony of voices proclaiming different, or no, truths” (Their Will Be Done). This is the very sandy foundation of postmodernism or the idea that there is no absolute moral truth. If this is the case, and a judge’s ruling is to determine truth then one would certainly be led to believe that judges are dependant upon a very fluid (to say the least) definition of truth. Here we see arguments for the Constitution being a living/breathing document constantly open to change based upon one’s own desire for truth. There doesn’t seem to be much independence or objectivity available there.
Looking back at the institution of judges in Israel we see them calling for the selection of, “capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials” (Exodus 18:21). This shows a clear dependence on God and on righteousness. There must be a clear passion in the heart of one to serve in this position for truth, for what is right and against what is wrong.
Clearly the idea of an independent judiciary is a farce. They are wholly dependant upon this nation that they serve and the author of the righteousness they are to dispense. A deep passion for truth does not come from one that believes truth doesn’t even exist.As an umpire should have a passion for baseball and rules which govern the game, so too should a judge have a passion for righteousness to fairly govern the people.
Judge Robert’s confirmation today in a 78-22 vote splitting Senate Democrats right down the middle (22 for – 22 against), as the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court should give an indication of which party sees absolute truth and which party struggles with making these types of assertions. “If the Constitution says that the little guy should win, then the little guy's going to win in the court before me,” Roberts told senators. “But if the Constitution says that the big guy should win, well then the big guy's going to win because my obligation is to the Constitution.” I trust that President Bush’s adherence to an understanding of what is right and wrong and his deep passion for righteousness would be evident in his selection of “capable men, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain”.
SOURCES:
SECTION. 2. The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States
Their Will Be Done by Robert H. Bork
In Federalist 2, John Jay wrote of America that "Providence has been pleased to give this one connected country to one united people -- a people descended from the same ancestors, speaking the same language, professing the same religion, attached to the same principles of government, very similar in their manners and customs . . . ." Such a people enjoy the same moral assumptions, the cement that forms a society rather than a cluster of groups. Though Jay's conditions have long been obsolete, until recently Americans did possess a large body of common moral assumptions rooted in our original Anglo-Protestant culture, and expressed in law. Now, however, a variety of disintegrating influences are undermining that unanimity, not least among them is the capture of constitutional law by an extreme liberationist philosophy. America is becoming a cacophony of voices proclaiming different, or no, truths.
But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied."
Roberts Confirmed to be Supreme Court Justice
During four days of sometimes testy questioning by Democrats, Roberts refused to answer questions that would hint how he'd rule on cases, a position that Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg called "unquestionably right" at a speech at Wake Forest University on Wednesday.
"If the Constitution says that the little guy should win, then the little guy's going to win in the court before me," Roberts told senators. "But if the Constitution says that the big guy should win, well then the big guy's going to win because my obligation is to the Constitution."
Over and over, he has assured lawmakers his rulings would be guided by his understanding of the facts of cases, the law and the Constitution, not by his personal views. "My faith and my religious beliefs do not play a role," said Roberts, who is Catholic.
September 26, 2005
Tempest of Despair
“How are you doing?”
“I’ve had better days…”
“Actually, I’ve had a better string of days leading into weeks, now approaching a month”
People don’t generally want to hear that as a response partly because the question has become a way of saying “hello” and isn’t really meant to illicit an authentic response as to the state of affairs in your life. Graciously that is not always the case and there are people that ask these questions looking for genuine answers because they are concerned for your well being.
As this is hurricane season, and as the gulf coast region has been battered with storms; so has my heart been accosted by the tempest of despair. Not from any rain falling from the sky or winds blowing through, but from the very real pressures of life. From every angle, be it at home, at work or at church there seems to be strong wind of tension flowing through.
What choice have I, other than to persevere through these storms?
Hebrews 12: 1-2
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
I draw on this exhortation for the strength to endure, for the vision of the victory already won and to be reminded once again of the grace bestowed upon my most unworthy soul by THE sacrifice. There is no greater love, no greater gift than that given freely to all those that call on Christ Jesus as their savior. His endurance in Calvary gives us a mighty source to draw from as we live our own lives here. This is the true remedy to sustain us through even the greatest of storms.
September 11, 2005
It’s 9:11…
“It's 11:11 make a wish!”
Many of us are familiar with this old fantasy like desire. We all have day dreams of something better for our lives; be it a materialistic or romantic hope. This is just one of those small things we do on a daily basis or whenever we notice the clock at that magical time, that make us think on our day dreams.
It is a wonderful gift that we have the ability to dream and look to our futures with hope. These are ideas we need to hold onto and never relinquish, no matter how dire our circumstances. Many people live in a world without hope, without any dreams at all.
These unfortunate individuals may or may not be impoverished financially. Despair and pain do not see any race, gender or economic barriers to the heart. But just as infectious, if not more so, but definitely more powerful is the affect of optimism and hope for the future.
Our country faces a reminder of what happened to us not long ago and we bear the fresh wounds of the latest attack of despair. We can either crumble under the weight of sadness or look to our hope for tomorrow through the unity of our hearts today.
Since September 11th, every time I notice the clock strike eleven minutes past the ninth hour; I have stopped and said a prayer for the victim’s families and for our country. I continue to do that out of hope for the future of our nation and now see that in a broader context than just that fateful day four years ago. There is great need for unity and not division. And I implore anyone who wishes to join me in a prayer for unity, a prayer for hope and a prayer for tomorrow. The wish from 11:11 has been replaced by the hope of 9:11 in my heart.
It’s 9:11…what is your hope for the future?
September 07, 2005
Humble to be American II
In the light of the 4th anniversary of September 11th and in the shadow of Hurricane Katrina I see both hope and destruction waging a war for the hearts of the American people. This country is such a beacon of light for liberty, freedom and prosperity in such a dark world. Just like September 11th, Hurricane Katrina will yield us many stories of heroism right next to the ugliness of destruction.
This juxtaposition wells my heart up with pride and humility. Our country needs to be a bold guiding light in the world yet this must be tempered with a meekness of spirit. These events always remind us that we are not indestructible and that if we are cut, we will bleed.
The dedicatory inscription on the Colossus of Rhodes reads, “To you, O Sun, the people of Dorian Rhodes set up this bronze statue reaching to Olympus when they had pacified the waves of war and crowned their city with the spoils taken from the enemy. Not only over the seas but also on land did they kindle the lovely torch of freedom.” The Rhodians built this Colossus to celebrate a time of peace, freedom and unity. Yet it was a celebration and symbol of power as it was in the image of their sun god. Like all idols do, this symbol eventually fell to ruins and was sold off in pieces.
We now have a great symbol of freedom in the New Colossus, our Statue of Liberty. Emma Lazarus wrote a poem to help raise money and support to build our mighty torch of freedom, “The New Colossus”. Her poem was enshrined in bronze as well and put upon her namesake.
THE NEW COLOSSUS (1883)
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
These words breathe new meaning into our homes now. The tired, poor and tempest-tost are our very own citizens. We cannot turn off the news after witnessing the need here and move on as though it were some problem in a distant country. These are our fellow citizens that cry out for our help.
And just as we must temper pride with humility and boldness with meekness, we need also to temper our emotions with reason. As proud citizens of this country we find it hard to believe that we could be crippled in such a way, so we look to assign blame and accountability for allowing these things to happen. While a humble response would seek to pour out our compassion on those lives that have been changed forever due to this event, and understand that no matter how mighty the giant, her strength is still no match for the Lord.
Human history can build a bronze giant on the shores of Greece; we can place the “Mother of Exiles” in the New York Harbor. However, we do not control the “mighty forces of nature (Nehemiah 9:6)”, and all earthly nations will come to end as God’s kingdom endures forever (Daniel 2:44).
September 02, 2005
An Awful God
Reaching out and helping people has always been something on my heart to do. In college I met a girl who needed my help, she needed a friend. Our friendship grew into something a little more than that until one night she and another friend of mine hooked up. This didn’t really sit too well with me, or him really, and the result was pretty much the ending of a friendship. She was beautiful but left a path of destruction behind her. I’ve been thinking about her lately because she shares the same name of the latest news story that has become the ONLY story.
There is a great deal of suffering going on in the world on a daily basis; events that impact people’s lives in such mighty and significant ways. Are we to think this is something new? Are we to think that each event that takes place is the worst one ever?
Natural Disasters Genocide War Famine Crime Terrorism
By the media coverage and the reactions you would think the answer to both of those questions is YES. Additional questions or statements regarding God tend to crop up when these things happen as well. How could a good God (if he exists at all – and this is probably evidence that he doesn’t) allow these things to happen?
The first inherent problem with this question is that we tend to take the view we have of ourselves and make a god in that image. We often take our personal characteristics we love so much and allow that to shape the view we have of God. If we believe that we are good or wouldn’t let certain things happen in the world, then in turn God should be exactly the same way. This is exactly the opposite of what God teaches us about himself. He is the one to be reflected in who we are and not us to be reflected in who He is.
The second problem stems from the first, that being the false premise that we are generally or inherently good ourselves. This view leads us further down the path that skews our perspective of what goodness is and should be. If we hold ourselves out as the standard for good, then clearly we have a deep misunderstanding of what goodness is. The problem is compounded when our standard of goodness is placed over God’s standard.
Despite the inherent problems to the question, there is still an answer: God allows these things to happen because God is awful!!
He inspires awe with his amazing acts of holiness, generosity and wrath. Jonathan Edwards wrote of this with a very fitting analogy for these times. “It is true, that judgment against your evil works has not been executed hitherto; the floods of God's vengeance have been withheld; but your guilt in the mean time is constantly increasing, and you are every day treasuring up more wrath; the waters are constantly rising, and waxing more and more mighty; and there is nothing but the mere pleasure of God, that holds the waters back, that are unwilling to be stopped, and press hard to go forward.”
Understanding who God is and who he is not, especially in the light of who we are and who we are not is essential to dealing with these questions in life. God provides us with his immense grace through his unfailing love, while at the same time revealing his righteousness. The Apostle Paul wrote, “But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world?” (Romans 3:5-6)
These daily tragedies, this suffering in the world does not occur because a good God makes these things happen, but as a result of our sin. It is the result of our unrighteousness and the daily reminder that God is awful and his generosity is what sustains our life.
SOURCES:
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
by Jonathan Edwards
The wrath of God is like great waters that are dammed for the present; they increase more and more, and rise higher and higher, till an outlet is given; and the longer the stream is stopped, the more rapid and mighty is its course, when once it is let loose. It is true, that judgment against your evil works has not been executed hitherto; the floods of God's vengeance have been withheld; but your guilt in the mean time is constantly increasing, and you are every day treasuring up more wrath; the waters are constantly rising, and waxing more and more mighty; and there is nothing but the mere pleasure of God, that holds the waters back, that are unwilling to be stopped, and press hard to go forward. If God should only withdraw his hand from the flood-gate, it would immediately fly open, and the fiery floods of the fierceness and wrath of God, would rush forth with inconceivable fury, and would come upon you with omnipotent power; and if your strength were ten thousand times greater than it is, yea, ten thousand times greater than the strength of the stoutest, sturdiest devil in hell, it would be nothing to withstand or endure it.
5 But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) 6 Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world?
7 For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? 8 And why not say, “Let us do evil that good may come”?—as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.
9 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.
10 As it is written:
“ There is none righteous, no, not one;
11 There is none who understands;
There is none who seeks after God.
12 They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one.”
13 “ Their throat is an open tomb;
With their tongues they have practiced deceit”;“ The poison of asps is under their lips”;
14 “ Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”
15 “ Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways;
17 And the way of peace they have not known.”
18 “ There is no fear of God before their eyes.”