In the absence of a public justice system, wouldn't many turn to secretive retribution while a number of others would suffer under the tyranny of those who had few inhibitions about taking advantage of people?
Many who would hide behind the mask of anarchy would quickly make a dark joke of fairness and what is humane.
One principle that Christians need to advocate to protect Christian freedom and the general freedom of the public is the need to maintain an open and visible justice system that can take disciplinary action. There has been a movement against public authorities that work to stop crime. Reasons for this movement include a greater sense of compassion and freedom, but this reasoning is misled. In the absence of a public justice system, wouldn't many turn to secretive retribution while a number of others would suffer under the tyranny of those who had few inhibitions about taking advantage of people?
Christians are affected by anarchical scenarios in particular. As a minority group who often must endure the resentment of the societies in which they live, practicing Christians become targets where law and order is eroded. People in general suffer under a weak or non-existent public justice system, however.
Real freedom requires a public justice system that protects the physical and mental well-being of every citizen. Under a fair justice system, people also have a right to know who accuses them. Otherwise, it is much more difficult for people to defend themselves. Doing away with a public justice system only opens a vacuum that sucks all the rules and regulations out of society that try to arbitrate disputes fairly and keep people from exacting severe and unregulated punishments on each other. Many who would hide behind the mask of anarchy would quickly make a dark joke of compassion, freedom, and what is humane.
Justice systems as a concept are generally meant to be a good thing, but they MUST be improved and revised when necessary. Otherwise, they are not justice systems for everyone, just for who they consistently serve best.
A fair justice system means equality for everyone, no matter their status. And undoubtedly, equity and equality are what our Christianity is based upon. Rather than trampling a minority group, what our justice should focus on is fairness in their system.
May I take this opportunity to give a prayer...
Grant us, Lord God, a vision of your world as your love would have it:
a world where the weak are protected, and none go hungry or poor;
a world where the riches of creation are shared, and everyone can enjoy them;
a world where different races and cultures live in harmony and mutual respect;
a world where peace is built with justice, and justice is guided by love.
Give us the inspiration and courage to build it, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen