A Divine Proof of Innocence

Ken Stoeffler
A Devine Proof of Innocence
3 messages
ChristinOblivion Sat, Aug 30, 2008 at 3:18 PM
To: flatusshow@gmail.com
Hi, Kentie.

In reflection of your comments on last weeks show, in reference to archaic trials of proven innocence by way of physically impossible tests against human nature and reasonableness, I wanted to offer some possible explanation to the origin of such practices as those you described – licking a hot object without reaction or burn.

Human societies often possess an inherent belief in the absolute divinity of the state of innocence. In this consideration, some ancient cultures held a sincere belief that good forces would exonerate the innocent from condemnation by means of tempting a higher power to come down from the proverbial heavens and give “the innocent” self-proving, supernatural ability, if those gods could be coerced into following simple human customs and instructions of tribal law.

And is modern, Western society so far removed from similar superstitions? We seem to hold that our laws are logical, reasonable and failsafe via checks-and-balances that are self-correcting and sophisticated enough to punish only the guilty parties while freeing victims of being wrongly convicted. But DNA testing of latter years has proven this to be far from the case as politics and plea-bargaining mixed with unequal representation and influence has turned our justice system into a convoluted affair.

Yet our attempts at correction of such shortcomings are slow at best. And I would assert that our belief in the perfectibility of our social collective consciousness runs the risk of blinding us to the pitfalls before us. In this, we are little removed from tribal law via media sensationalism and a corrupt court. Perhaps we ourselves believe that God’s presence will surely sweep down upon us to free innocent people from being shackled and imprisoned if there is any mercy or justice within His silent voice and uncertain existence.

Aren’t we tempting God to reveal Himself when we throw an innocent person into a jury trial of foolish people, much as a hot spoon dipped in fire that a victim of justice must unwaveringly endure?

- Christin Oblivion, Flatus Show Enthusiast
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ken Stoeffler Sat, Aug 30, 2008 at 4:26 PM
To: ChristinOblivion

Good points, Christen. Our system does have flaws. Maybe it's that our system, though slow to change, does and can change. At least that is what I hope. I guess the question is, how do we 'change' the system? Is there really any fair system?

Thanks for writing,
Kentie
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ChristinOblivio Mon, Sep 1, 2008 at 3:31 PM
To: flatusshow@gmail.com

Perhaps we could start with a jury of our peers, in the original definition. While prosecutors would have society believe that a jury of family members, neighbors and friends would be inherently partial and bias, history of tribal courts contradict that assumption, as to demonstrate that real Justice, with less corruption, can often be had within a jury trial of people who are well acquainted with a defendant. And if the accused is indeed convicted beyond a reasonable doubt by such a jury, one can rest assure that Justice has likely been fairly served.

- Christin