When considering the character trait of justice, I do not believe the trait can be properly explored without also incorporating mercy. While it may be true that some people would argue that mercy is actually the opposite of justice, I find it hard to exist as a society of values without trying to reconcile the relationship between the two. Justice, by definition, occurs when people receive what is “due” to them, according to the law and that “due” may sometimes appear as an act of force or even vengeance. Mercy, on the other hand, means exercising restraint and tolerance. It is an act of compassion, self-restraint and grace.
One of my favorite philosophers, St. Thomas Aquinas says it simply: “Mercy without justice is the mother of dissolution; justice without mercy is cruelty” This passage means that when the balance between mercy and justice is gone, the rule-breakers either end up going unpunished or are end up being punished with force. Both instances lead to confusion and mistrust in communities as if we do not punish people who breaks rules, then how can we know right from wrong? However, when full punishment is applied, it can make people disillusioned, distraught and in some cases, disgusted. Rule-breakers should be adequately punished for their fault so that justice is done and the sense of justice remains alive in society. Without the sense of justice, the obvious and observable result is chaos and anarchy.
The relationship between justice and mercy is a difficult legal and moral issue in communities throughout our country. Is it just to use capital punishment, and if so, should mercy play a role? Should a woman who seeks an abortion after being raped be subjected to state bounty laws and arrest? Should we punish children and those with mental illnesses in the same way we punish adults? Do we extend mercy to immigrants who avoid the legal immigration systems and provide the same constitutional rights as U.S. citizens?
In John 8(1-11) Jesus provides an answer to help guide us in these questions. When coming upon a women condemned to be stoned for adultery, Jesus knows that if he chooses justice and allows them to stone the woman, the crowds will resent His lack of mercy. However, if He extends mercy and lets her go, the leaders will charge Him with injustice and in turn, face His own punishment. He must, therefore, choose either justice or mercy, but instead He chooses both.
“Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” When we seek punishment, what is our motive? Even in biblical times there were laws that needed to be applied fairly and consistently regardless of status. Jesus knew this to be true far better than the self-appointed executioners who made and enforce the laws. Social media exemplifies this in its worse form. People judge, criticize, belittle, demean, deplatform, cancel and dehumanize people whom they barely know and refuse to look in a mirror before doing so.
But then, Jesus forgives the woman, “Neither do I condemn you.” By showing mercy, He does not reduce the culpability of her actions nor overlook or what she has done. He does not blame someone else. He implores her to accept her responsibility for her actions and commands her, “Go, and from now on do not sin any more.” In other words, learn from your mistakes, repair the harm you have created and make better choices.
How can we learn from this? We must first recognize when we are wrong, we accept the consequences. Sometimes these consequences are prescribed and sometimes these consequences are natural. Regardless, choices have consequences and although we have unlimited ability to choose what we do, we have very little control over the consequences. In turn, when when we hold others accountable, we must treat them with humanity and provide a path towards forgiveness, which if we desire to create a just society, we must model how to walk down that path.
I depart from my usual hard rock inspirational videos to instead tip my hand that I am also a Broadway fan.
#ucandewitt 