We are watching prevailing unrest in our nation, with such issues as defunding the police, ignoring the prosecution of those who riot and burn businesses, growing political upheaval, and widening acceptance of general lawlessness in many cities. Thankfully, the circumstances in our county and cities are much better.
A significant, and often asked, question is: Why is this occurring? Numerous answers are given, and many of them are helpful, especially those from a biblical perspective. Another enlightening answer is provided by the brilliant Greek philosopher Aristotle (385-322 BC). He wrote:
“For as man is the best of the animals when perfected, so he is the worst of all when sundered from law and justice. For unrighteousness is most pernicious when possessed of weapons, and man is born possessing weapons for the use of wisdom and virtue, which it is possible to employ entirely for the opposite ends. Hence when devoid of virtue man is the most unholy and savage of animals…. Justice on the other hand is an element of the state; for judicial procedure, which means the decision of what is just, is the regulation of the political partnership” (Politics 1.1253a).
What was true in Ancient Athens remains true today. Remove law and justice from society and we see how people are indeed “the most unholy and savage of animals.” Both Scripture and Aristotle warn us that if our country continues to turn away from law and justice, then circumstances will only deteriorate. We can only slow this slide to oblivion if we openly and consistently support law and constitutional justice.
