1. Laws/Rules as Guides to Freedom

2. Freedom The power of reason and will, … to perform deliberate actions on one’s own responsibility. Helps a human being become a moral agent.

3. Our free choices help us: ◦ To shape our lives; ◦ To form who we are; ◦ To build character; ◦ To create our identity; ◦ To grow and mature.

4. Types of Freedom 1. Inner Freedom refers to the freedom to be all we can possibly be. 2. External Freedom refers to freedom of action, the freedom to do what we can possibly do.

5. Modern Society and Freedom Promotes “doing whatever I want to do” kind of freedom; - Absolute reliance on self – without being responsible to God, human community, or natural world.

6. Unbridled Freedom, lisence In its name, too often: - economic, - social, - political, - cultural conditions and rights are trampled on.

7. Threats to Freedom: External Oppression Oppression Injustice Injustice Prejudice Prejudice Poverty Poverty Tyranny Tyranny

8. Threats to Freedom: Internal Ignorance Fear Bad Habits Inadvertence: not paying attention Addiction

9. Reason for Rules and Laws Do they exist to: Constrain us; Make people uncomfortable; Prevent us from having a good time?

10. Rules and Laws Or do they: - Guide human freedom? - Serve as rules of the game? - Protect from license? - Warn us of pitfalls, or harmful, dehumanizing actions?

11. Natural Law “Natural Law argument” – despite outward differences in terms of size, shape, color, etc. all humans share a common human nature. Natural law ethicists argue that it is in our very nature to want to: 1) Develop as individuals and communities; 2) Preserve life; 3) Establish a just society;

12. Natural Law - Teaches what to do and what to avoid 10 commandments: do good and avoid evil Respect and care for precious life God gave us Love our neighbor Do not murder another person Do not bear false witness Do not commit adultery Do not steal

13. Legalism Excessive reliance on the law; Everything covered by rules and regulations; Going by the book no matter what circumstance.

14. Anarchy Normal resistance to the law; Why can’t I just do whatever I want with my time, money, body? All law: arbitrary;

15. Good or Bad Laws or Rules No driver may use handheld self phone; Non-violent action in word and deed is the only acceptable response to conflict; All passengers must be willing to submit to a personal search before boarding an airplane;

16. No one may be permitted to smoke in a public building; Any vendor selling pornography to a minor is subject to a year in prison; Couples must be sterilized if they have more than one child (Chinese law)

17. Christ and Law Christ reject both: legalism and anarchy "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the broken hearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; (Luke 4:18)

18. Letter and Spirit of the law The woman caught in the act of adultery; She was 100% guilty and her accusers knew that; The last thing she expected from that group of men was mercy. But that is what she got from the One who was asked to judge her.

19. Christ and Law You have heard it said thou shallt not murder… but I say to you whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart’

20. Letter of the Law Any formal code, rule, regulation, or principle that must be followed according to governmental or institutional mandates or policies. It is the law as it is written; Mercy is not part of it; Why?: to serve, maintain, and protect the public welfare in various ways.

21. Spirit of the Law Showing God’s mercy and compassion, while never letting go of the plum lines of truth and justice;

22. Sources: Spirit or Letter of the Law. A sermon preached by Canon Brian Mountford: Caius College, Cambridge 22.10.06 The Letter Versus The Spirit of The Law by Matthew T. Gordon