Gerechtigkeit und Urteil

Abstract

Political judgment is given a privileged place in the New Testament over other aspects of political authority which are accounted for by the role of Christ. It is understood as performative, and may be defined as an act which pronounces upon a preceding act so as to establish a new public context for future action. As such political judgment is both a pronouncement and a creative act, although, unlike the word of God itself, it may need the support of force for its implementation. It must correspond to reality, which means that it must conform to the judgments of God. These judgments are not read simply from the Cross, which is decisive (i. e. condemning and acquitting) not prescriptive, but from the gift of new life in the resurrection of Christ, the Second Adam. The judgment of the Paschal Victory is most nearly reflected in the life of the church, although political judgment may reflect it at second remove. While formally acts of condemnation, such acts may be performed in consciousness of, and may point to, the living hope of the Gospel message.