If we're not supposed to judge, why do we have a legal system?

Question

And why are so many christians so caught up in the law?

Answer 1

Well, the legal system and Christianity are two different things...

But I really don't think Christians should be involved in the law, for their own sake. The law and their own beliefs may contradict each other at times, at which point they have to choose one and are in violation of the other. Also, in a constitutional republic, they are bound by the laws of the nation, so it is not right of them to try to take away the rights of others. But that's another argument in itself...

Edit:

Randy G - Let he who is without sin cast the first stone? I don't think what you quoted is very appropriate here...

Answer 2

This question is a wonderful question, kudos.
The statutes are based on the knowledge that people do evil and wrong things. We all do. Without it anarchy would be the result. This knowledge of our own "sinfulness" was given to us by God to Moses. All our laws are based somewhat on the Judeo/Christian ethic.
With or without the law, we, in our natures think we are pretty good people, even the ones incarcerated believe it is not their fault they are in prison. Our system is racked by frivolous lawsuits based on the premise that we are the way we are because of someone else's behavior.
The law levels the playing field for us all, we are all culpable.

Answer 3

Excuse me, but where in the Bible does it say that you cannot judge?

Making up imaginary commands, I see.

Judgment is forbidden only in certain circumstances, and actually REQUIRED in others.

=====edit===
1 Corinthians 6:1-3 (NIV)
If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!

Romans 13:3-4(NIV)
For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

Answer 4

Good question, it's like an oxymoron. I don't know the answer to the second question. I'm sure they have nothing to do with each other though. But maybe since Christians don't take as much time to pray as other religions, they aren't caught up in those things so they can be with the law!

Answer 5

They don't mean the actual person, like a legal judge enforcing the law, they mean.... I think you know the difference.

Answer 6

the legal system of today, just like the Law in the OT, is not for the just, but for the unjust.

1 Timothy 1:9-10 puts it this way...

9 that the law is not made for a righteous man,
but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

if Christians are "caught up in the law" it is b/c they are not righteous ... not living righteously, according to God's Word... therefore they are not "Christian"... that being "Christ like" ... b/c Jesus would not act in an unrighteous manner.

Answer 7

The Bible does not say not to judge. It says if you don't want to be judged unfairly, don't judge unfairly. But the topic is not eternal judgment. It's man's temporary judgment. You can judge, but you should only judge rightly. And you will be judged the same way. A person who constantly molests children is a child molester. Calling them that is judging. But you have judged correctly, and others will not judge you harshly.

Answer 8

judge others ...........it is about taking other peoples small or large character flaws or negligence and changing our behaviour to them .............. it says about forgiveness .if we wont forgive a small sin committed to us by someother how God is going to forgive u
legal system was always there and is always needed .... remember the times of judges ....even in exodus laws r given not only to follow God but also about dealings with man ....

Answer 9

Your country has a legal system because not all in it are Christian.