Sticking to the Rules by Rev. Trevor Jamison
Sticking to the Rules
The summer holidays cannot have come too soon for some Westminster MPs. Perhaps, they think, with parliament no longer in session; with members scattered around the country rather than presenting one large target in
London; perhaps the bad publicity and the public anger at MPs’ expenses will die down or even go away. Whether that is wishful thinking or political reality remains to be seen.
When the whole scandal broke several parliamentarians took refuge in a defence that was quickly revealed to be inadequate and unacceptable: nothing was done wrong because everything was done within the rules. Now both society in general and Christians in particular are in favour of rules. All societies need rules, regulations and laws in order to function. So, for example, the weight displayed on the scales must reflect the true weight of the fruit and vegetables purchased and the pedestrian crossing the road in a built-up area knows that approaching traffic will arrive at a speed closer to 30 mph than 100 mph (at least most of the time). And how can a religion which has championed the Ten Commandments claim not to like rules, especially when its representatives never tire of pointing out that the Christian religion has provided the underlying basis for many of the laws of this land?
What matters is that the system of rules that a society constructs is intended to facilitate human flourishing, not simply to enforce conformity to the outlook of a political elite or those in authority. Jesus made this point during debates with others over the correct interpretation of Sabbath regulations: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2: 27) Nor, of course, are we supposed to approach rules and regulations with the purpose of obtaining maximum advantage for ourselves at a cost to others, especially if they are not in a position to respond. The trick is to look at the rules and discern what they are intended to achieve in a particular situation.
It is very easy to become all too self-righteous about the expenses claims of some of our MPs. Many of us conform to the expectation of the group within which we move or the place where we work about what is or is not acceptable behaviour. Jesus’ other comments about making sure not to complain about the speck of dust in one person’s eye whilst having a great plank sticking out of our own are relevant here. (Matthew 7: 3) For all that, however, we expect our members of parliament to be people of ethical discernment (to be able to figure out right from wrong rather than just quoting rules at us) and that is how they portray themselves when putting their names forward for election.
In some cases political careers will justifiably be brought to an end. In others we will look for evidence of repentance and changed behaviour if careers are to continue. Finally, I wonder if this experience will affect how some of our MPs expect our laws to be framed for and enforced upon those who enjoy much less powerful or financially rewarding positions in life: strictly and heavily or with humanity and mercy? Will they seek to do unto others as they hope the electorate soon do unto them? (Matthew 7: 12)
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