Solomon, Common Sense and Terri Schiavo
A growing number of Americans are
increasingly suspicious of the
American justice system, particularly
our courts. Regular reports of
murders, kidnappings and child
abuse perpetrated by released
convicted felons create fear in every
community. Judicial decisions
banning prayer, removing "Ten
Commandments" displays and
supporting abortion cut across the
grain of our basic moral values. We
find ourselves shouting, "What's
going on!" Even at the lowest levels,
the courts are characterized by
compromise. Attorneys clamor about "the best defense" rather than being concerned about "right and wrong." Major corporations frequently settle lawsuits to keep from going to court, not because they're guilty, but, they've learned that settling is cheaper. The courts cannot be trusted to render a fair and reasonable decision.
Never was this more evident than in the judicial debacle of the Terri Schiavo case – a young woman left to die at the request of her husband. While we didn't know all the facts, there were some things we did know. First, there were questions surrounding her husband's statements. There was testimony contradicting his basic claims. He had developed a relationship with another woman which produced two children. And, he was unable to provide any written document as to Terri's wishes. Second, there were questions surrounding the diagnosis. There were medical professionals insisting that her condition was not "vegetative." One of the primary physicians advocating the removal of Terri's feeding tube was a euthanasia supporter. Third, her family was willing to care for her. So, the case went to court. What should we expect? Common sense would calculate, "Since there are questions surrounding the husband's statements and the medical diagnosis, and her family desires to continually care for her, the feeding tube should remain until all questions are resolved." That seems to be reasonable, but, that was not judicial reasoning. Thus, Terri Schiavo was slowly starved to death because a court would not protect her life.
Learning from Solomon
Solomon faced a similar problem as king over Israel. Shortly after taking the throne, Solomon prayed for "an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad"(I Kings 3:9). God's reply was, "I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart"(3:12). Solomon's first test was not long in coming. Two prostitutes came to him with one infant, both claiming to be the mother, both looking to Solomon for justice. The women lived together having babies within three days of each other. In the middle of the night one woman accidentally smothered her infant. While her roommate was sleeping, she exchanged infants. It was Solomon's task to award the living child to the proper mother. He called for a sword and proposed to divide the child in half, giving one half to each woman. The true mother could not bear to see her child slain. She pleaded with Solomon to give her child to the other woman. Solomon immediately knew who the real mother was. (I Kings 3:16-28)
Space does not permit me to give a complete explanation of this account, however, there are some basic principles that clearly surface. First, Solomon recognized a standard of good and bad. He did not look for solutions in compromise as is often done today. We could expect today's judges to set a schedule of visitation, allowing both women rights to the child. Little time would be given to "right or wrong" because the courts are just too busy. Solomon approached his duty realizing there is basic absolute truth. It was his responsibility to try everything humanly possible to arrive at the truth.
Second, Solomon did not make his decision until all the facts were before him. Can you imagine his difficulty? There were no written documents. There were no witnesses. There was no physical evidence. All he had was the word of two prostitutes. Who was telling the truth? He did not rush to judgment, but, allowed the drama to unfold before him. Thus, he could render the proper judgment.
Third, Solomon practiced good old "common sense." He observed how the women reacted. The one said, "Go ahead. Divide the infant. That's only fair." The other was not concerned about fairness to herself. She was intensely moved to protect the life and welfare of her child. Common sense demanded Solomon's decision. True love does not seek its own interests, but only the interests of the other. Is there a parallel between this and Terri Schiavo's case? On the one hand, there was a family willing to sacrifice their own lives for the sake of their daughter. On the other hand, was a "spouse" who had a girlfriend and children claiming to be acting on behalf of his "wife." How would Solomon judge this case? What would common sense dictate?
Fourth, Solomon gained the people's respect for his wisdom (I Kings 3:28). His concern for truth, his common sense approach and his just verdict created a trust and confidence in his leadership.
What Needs to Be Done?
The solution to our legal woes is a process. Our courts need to move from an atmosphere of compromise to a better understanding of justice. Justice is rooted in absolute truth. That's why our forefathers framed our laws from the context of the Ten Commandments. Until judges and lawyers recognize absolutes, justice will be evasive at best. Is there ever a time for compromise? Certainly, there is. But, the best compromises are made after the best effort for truth has been achieved.
We desperately need a return to "common sense" thinking. We have allowed the vocal minority to intimidate us. Political correctness has won the day. For example, to condone pornography by calling it art, or to ban school Christmas programs pleading "separation of church and state" are decisions displaying "nonsense" rather than "common sense."
Ultimately, Americans will lack confidence in the judicial system until judges and lawyers show a greater respect for basic Law. We don't expect them to be perfect. We will never agree with every decision rendered. But, we can respect a system that respects truth and endeavors to apply it rightly, fairly and compassionately. We must return to the basic tenets of our forefathers.
