Federal judges are central to the affirmation of justice, equity and compassion in contemporary U.S. society. Brown v. Topeka Board of Education, the Seeger decision allowing conscientious objection on humanistic as well as religious grounds, Roe v. Wade, and the Pentagon papers case are major examples of the role of the top level of the federal judiciary -- the U.S. Supreme Court -- in affirming justice, equity and compassion and the underlying principle of the worth and dignity of every person.
These principles are not ours alone as Unitarian Universalists -- but principles of a free, fair, open, and democratic society. Our history as a religious people is tied up with the history of the growth of democracy, the freedom of the individual, and the demise of the belief that God rather than citizens give their rulers or leaders legitimacy. The law -- like religion -- is a human creation. The law is legitimate because we recognize it as such. With Whitman we believe that it is people who make Bibles divine. And it is people who make governments legitimate.
Antonin Scalia and other right-wing judges may cite the Apostle Paul in support of the divine right of kings -- or of a president appointed by a majority of the Supreme Court. However, if they are so sure of the divine origin of their power, I urge them to look to these words in the Epistle to the Colossians [3.12-13a]: Then put on the garments that suit God's chosen people... compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience.
Or these of the prophet Jeremiah [22.3]: Deal justly and fairly, rescue the victim from the oppressor, do not ill-treat or do violence to the alien, the orphan, or the widow, do not shed innocent blood in this place.
To which I say Amen!
--- Rev. Tony Johnson