Liberating the media from law's bondage

So she sought understanding from the other Sisters of Charity. They had read the book and comprehended the attack's gravity. They narrated to Poplin the Mother's initial response to the attack, "Jesus suffered so much. We must share in his sufferings." That inspired some Sisters to use Hitchens' critique as an opportunity to learn.

The Professor was amazed: What on earth could someone learn from such a venomous attack on oneself?

One Sister replied, "Holiness." The other added, "Yes, it is to help us become more holy."

I know that Hitchens' ideological malice had confused Poplin's heart; yet, the amazing grace displayed by the Sisters of Charity liberated Hitchens to pursue his journalism. It also helped Poplin understand the Gospel: "The Law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus."

The writer here, John, was an ordinary Jew – a fisherman. He lived under what the West is just beginning to experience: Without grace, the law becomes a burden too big to bear.

Some opponents of Justice Bromberg's verdict are suggesting that Australia should have American style "First Amendment" to foster free speech.

It doesn't occur to anyone that Australia may benefit much more by studying America's First Great Awakening. That mass 'spiritual awakening' began when Jonathan Edwards experienced what Mary Poplin did.

Edwards came face to face with true spirituality and was blown away by the fact that some human beings could respond to unjust insults and persecution with "joy inexpressible and full of glory."

Edwards read about these different kinds of marginalized people in Apostle Peter's testimony [1 Peter 1: 6-8.]

"In this you greatly rejoice, though . . . you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith [character], . . . more precious than gold . . . though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ . . . Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory... " [New KJV]

So, Andrew Bolt's discussion of a public issue offended personal sensibilities of Eatock and Behrendt, but was it possible for them to ask: What can we, Aboriginal Australians, learn from Bolt? Is the pain of offence best remedied by law or by grace? Could the verdict promote even greater wrongs?

The judge's ruling, in line with secular culture, doesn't promote such contemplation.