The Road to Justice: The Bible and the law as cornerstones of civilisation and culture

Book excerpt: The relationship between art, Christian culture and the law often receives attention. It is trite that law influences all human lives as well as culture and art. The law, however, does not only provide a context within which art and culture can develop, but it is also the cornerstone of civilisation and culture. On the other hand, we must contemplate whether civilisation and culture are necessary conditions for a legal system. This book consists of a compilation of essays narrating the influence of principles from the Bible – on which the Christian belief is premised and practised by Christians worldwide – on law and on culture. Consideration is given to the foundation of the law on different and well-known Biblical texts. The interplay between Christian principles vis-à-vis the law and culture is considered and unpacked in this research. In addition, copies of well-known art depicting scenes from the Bible enhance each chapter. The main author, the late Prof. Eltjo Schrage, passed away shortly before the book was published with the assistance of Prof. Jan Adriaan van der Walt, Dr Glynis van der Walt and Dr Hashali Hamukuaya.