Justice is the end [purpose] of government. It is the end [purpose] of civil society. It ever has been and ever will be pursued until it be obtained, or until liberty be lost in the pursuit.
James Madison, Federalist No. 51
In 1788, James Madison addressed a question that burns in the American mind today. What is Justice?
The current secular culture is quick to give opinions on “social justice”. The Big Tech companies use their stranglehold on media to pull the levers of censorship to “protect” us from information that they determine is false or misleading. Anyone who challenges the approved narrative is ridiculed, erased or cancelled.
However, is it possible to pursue justice without free speech and honest public discourse? Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines justice as impartiality; fair representation of facts respecting merit or demerit.
A forced adherence to a “correct view” is the hallmark of Marxism. The freedom to articulate ideas without fear of retaliation harbors true diversity. Honest public debate is protected by our First Amendment as the threshold of justice.
James Madison was clear on the end and purpose of government—to pursue justice. Our representative government, whose authority is derived ultimately from citizens, is viable by the dependable, honest, and truthful testimony of government and media narratives.
Teach the Children:
- God is the source of justice; therefore Biblical justice supersedes any human concept of justice. Blest are those who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times. (Psalm 106:3 ESV)
- Fallen man is incapable of justice without the Gospel. When justice is done it is a joy to the righteous, but terror to evil doers. (Proverbs 21:15 ESV)
Top image: The Contemplation of Justice by James Earle Fraser at the entrance of the US Supreme Court building in Washington, DC.