Ethical and Legal Community

Abstract

A detailed discussion of the role of Judge William’s letters on ethics and religion, which brings in social and political role of law and legal institutions. There is an exploration of the differences between following ethical rules, obeying law and following Christianity. The discussion of these issues focuses on the limits of William’s understanding, demonstrated in the difference between what he says and the sermon he passes on in one of his letters. The nature of his friendship with the young man to whom the letters are addressed leads into a discussion of friendship and citizenship since antiquity. Overall William does not understand the requirement to break with laws, customs and habits in Christianity.