Hi folks, I hope you are doing ok? This week we are meeting in the Brewery in Whitley Bay at 7.30, I hope you will be able to join us. This weeks blog is written for us by Glenn and he covers ‘A question of Law and Order’.
Writing this blog opened up so many rabbit holes that I have decided to keep the introduction brief and concentrate on questions that may draw out what we feel about law and order. The basic reasoning behind a society having laws or rules is to codify the behaviour that society deems as unacceptable and dispense punishment, or justice, to those who break this societal contract. The ten commandments are obviously the major example of this. However, society appears to be complicated and by the end of the Old Testament we have 613 laws. I could not find an answer to the question of how many laws we currently have in England.
I think it would be hard to argue that we don’t need any laws in order for society to function. The argument would be as to who proposes and sets the laws. Since the early 1990’s law and order in the UK moved increasingly into the political landscape, with votes being sought through proposed new laws. As a nation we tend to accept the imposition of laws with little fuss, stating that if you don’t break the law, you have nothing to fear. With recent laws restricting our right to protest, or proposing potentially illegal measures for asylum seekers, perhaps we should question our perception of law and order.
Questions
What is your favourite film centred on law and order?
Would you be Robin Hood or The Sherriff of Nottingham?
Is it ever ok to break the law?
Should those who have been convicted of a crime carry the stigma of the conviction for the rest of their life?
Is there a hierarchy of offences?
Does prison work?
In the song Rainmaker, by The Rainmakers, there is a line “and everybody wanted to be free, laws and rules should keep it that way”. Do we need a codified legal system or just play within the spirit of the game
Peace.
Rob Wylie is the founder of BeachcomberFX and guides its leadership team. He has worked in the North East for over 20 years and has vast experience from various roles he has held. He has a passion for Fresh Expressions of Church and Pioneer Ministry as well as beer, beaches and Miniature Schnauzers.