Justice and Gender
Posted by Wade on March 31st, 2006
This post is not an attempt to answer the larger question, i.e. what is justice. Rather than delve into a fascinating discussion concerning the broad topic of justice, this publication seeks to pose a smaller question. This may turn out to be futile, indeed impossible to answer. However, it is something worth exploring. I reserve the larger issue for another day.
First, I am of the opinion, or belief, that word usage in the Book of Mormon is deliberate, purposeful and meaningful. In my view, this belief is justified from the fact that after Joseph’s translation, he said the following: “[T]he Book of Mormon [is] the most correct of any book on earth….” That is bold. From this statement, and my general understanding of the book, I derive my approach.
With that said, for the purpose of this post I would like to focus on the word usage in one specific verse: Alma 42:24. It reads, “For behold, justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own….” (Emphasis mine). Plainly stated, the Book of Mormon seems to suggest a connection between the attributes (or natural laws) of justice and gender. Justice equates with masculinity, while mercy equates with the feminine.
Assuming the Book of Mormon is the most correct of any book on earth, this word usage cannot possibly be a mistake on the part of Joseph. I could offer other arguments for why the usage is not mistaken, but you get the point. The question remains though: what are we to learn about the connection? Is it important? Your thoughts?
Nevertheless neither is the aman without the woman, neither the bwoman without the man, in the Lord.
Comment # 1 left by Eric on March 31st, 2006
Eric:
Yes, justice and mercy go hand in hand. Do you think this is the extent of the lesson?
Comment # 2 left by Wade on March 31st, 2006
Ive had thoughts along these lines before. We’re told so often that men and women shouldn’t want to be *the same* but rather complimentary and equitable. If ‘complimentary’ is taken to an extreme then you could get two good things (like justice & mercy) completely separated into male-female ’spheres.’ This thinking eventually led me to wonder if ‘a Just and Merciful God’ means that Heavenly Father is justice, and Heavenly Mother is mercy. In short, one God made of two beings with completely complementary components.
As it is my sister is very fond of saying “If you ask someone what they value more, “justice or mercy?” they’ll normally answer ‘justice.’ I think they don’t realize how powerful mercy is, and how much we all depend on it.”
Comment # 3 left by Starfoxy on March 31st, 2006
Starfoxy:
Personally, I would rather have mercy.
Comment # 4 left by Eric on March 31st, 2006
Wade:
Yuck! the footnotes stayed with my cut and paste. I tried to get them out.
No, I think there is a lot more to it than that.
I think that as much as some want to ignore it, men and women tend to be different. I have made an observation that until now I have kept to myself but might try to be brave. When you see a post on the ‘nacle that is a doctrinal based post, with scriptures, footnotes, quotations from prophets and ‘authoritative’ texts what gender do you assume produced it most likely?
On the other hand, if you see a post that shares a faith promoting experience and is full of feelings, emotions, opinions, etc. what gender do you assume produced it most likely?
Of course there are exceptions to this, but in general I don’t think I have to say which gender generally matches which category.
Of course both styles are valuable. And no, I’m sure this is not the extent either.
Comment # 5 left by Eric on March 31st, 2006
Eric and Starfoxy:
It is interesting to note that people actually prefer one over the other. It’s also interesting to see that some people are more mercy oriented, while others are much more justice oriented.
I have actually discussed the idea that the general authorities seem to be split pretty much down the middle. There are some who consistently discuss (speak of) the need to whip into shape in order to avoid God’s justice. There are others who consistently stress God’s mercy and love and need to accept Him more in our lives and not be so hard on ourselves.
Comment # 6 left by Wade on March 31st, 2006
I think it’s lovely. Thank you for pointing that out. I’ll use it in a talk if I ever give one again.
Comment # 7 left by annegb on April 1st, 2006
…men and women tend to be different.
Yes, I think there is a lot in that statement. Men and women are fundamentally different. But without each other, each can never be fulfilled. So, like justice and mercy, we can’t have one without the other.
Comment # 8 left by Wade on April 2nd, 2006