Pilgrim-Platform

Judge John Roberts

John Roberts, who is being considered for Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, is believed to be a faithful Christian. He is a Roman Catholic. The political right loves him for his reputed faithfulness, and the political left fears him for the same reason. Both sides agree that he is a faithful Christian. The primary concern of both sides is whether or not he will engage his faith as he sits on the bench.

Here's where I fail to follow the argument for his faithfulness. Roberts said, "There's nothing in my personal views based on faith or other sources that would prevent me from applying the precedent of the Court faithfully under the principles of stare decisis." And later, "I do know this: that my faith and my religious beliefs do not play a role in judging. When it comes to judging, I look to the law books and always have. I don't look to the Bible or any other religious source" (Footnote).

Excuse me!? Isn't faithfulness defined as adhering firmly and devotedly to a person, cause, or idea. Doesn't Christianity effect every aspect of human life -- and particularly the making of judgments. Shouldn't the judgments of a Christian reflect Christian values in every aspect of his or her life? Indeed, they must! The degree that one's decisions and judgments do not reflect the values of Jesus Christ is a measure of unfaithfulness.

There are only three possibilities that can explain such statements from Judge Roberts. 1) He is lying in order to hide his values from the unfaithful people who have the power to put him into office. 2) He is not a faithful Christian to the extent that he does not employ Christian values in the making of decisions and judgments. 3) He is very confused about Christianity.

Personally, I don't like any of the above options and am interested in attaining a better understanding. If you have another way to understand this issue, please let me know.

Phil

posted by PARoss @ 9:59 AM