Questions from Sunday, July 22, 2012

I have served on 2 juries. The Bible says to not judge others, have I committed a sin by serving on a jury? Absolutely not.  The legal system in the United States was set up primarily by Christians using the Bible as their basis.  Romans 13:1-3 says, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you."  Throughout Scripture, we see the evidence of fair trials before someone is convicted of a crime.  As a citizen of the United States and as a Christian who submits to governing authorities, it is right for you to serve on the jury and be a part of a system that allows for people to be innocent until proven guilty.  We have a fair legal system because it was set up by Christians, not tyrants as in other countries around the world.