Can Christians be judges?
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There is a famous, often (ab)used phrase, "judge not, lest you be judged" , which implies (to me at least) that people on the whole, and Christians in particular, should defer from judging other people. The only person/power/entity (whatever you call it) that can pass judgement is God.
This is a belief upheld by most monotheistic religions that I know of. I attended a Catholic school, and remember that one of my teachers was a former deacon. When he was asked to be a jury member in a big court case, he said he had to decline as he took a vow, which prevented him from passing judgement, especially in matters that concerned life and death.
I wonder, though, how this affects Christians that did not take the same vows. I mean: "the judge not" bit seems applicable to everyone who adheres to the Christian faith, does it not?
Does being a judge or member of a jury have a whiff of sin about it, as a result?
So my questions are:
- Can Christians be judges?
- If so, can they ever sentence someone to death?
- If not, can they judge in any matter, or are they allowed to settle domestic disputes or rule in material matters?
- Is sentencing or being on a jury a sin?
Asked by Elias Van Ootegem
(233 rep)
Feb 17, 2014, 09:03 AM
Last activity: Aug 12, 2015, 04:29 AM
Last activity: Aug 12, 2015, 04:29 AM