ACB spoke these words before joining the court. This article counters it is out of context. Is it? Do we have to have faith in her that it isn't literal?
She spoke those words in a commencement speech at Notre Dame as an associate professor. Much to my surprise, there have been heated exchanges about it. Most people say this single sentence proves Barrett will force her beliefs on others. The result will be some kind of “Handmaiden’s Tale” world. Thejustice.org says this: “Thus, Barrett is saying that law should be used to advance faith.”
Is that what she is really saying, though? You can find the entire speech online. She begins her speech expressing that Notre Dame graduates “will fulfill the promise of being a different kind of lawyer.” Then she speaks those infamous words:
She offers suggestions “for ways in which you might go about being a different kind of lawyer, one who treats his or her career as a means to the end of serving God rather than an end in itself.” First, she says, pray before accepting a job, asking God how to best serve Him. Secondly, she recommends tithing. This will help them remember their earnings should be used in the service of God. Finally, she suggests graduates become active in parishes and develop relationships there. This is important because:
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She spoke those words in a commencement speech at Notre Dame as an associate professor. Much to my surprise, there have been heated exchanges about it. Most people say this single sentence proves Barrett will force her beliefs on others. The result will be some kind of “Handmaiden’s Tale” world. Thejustice.org says this: “Thus, Barrett is saying that law should be used to advance faith.”
Is that what she is really saying, though? You can find the entire speech online. She begins her speech expressing that Notre Dame graduates “will fulfill the promise of being a different kind of lawyer.” Then she speaks those infamous words:
Next, she explains herself. Barret tells the graduates, “But if you can keep in mind that your fundamental purpose in life is not to be a lawyer, but to know, love, and serve God, you truly will be a different kind of lawyer.”And that is this: that you will always keep in mind that your legal career is but a means to an end, and as Father Jenkins told you this morning, that end is building the kingdom of God.
She offers suggestions “for ways in which you might go about being a different kind of lawyer, one who treats his or her career as a means to the end of serving God rather than an end in itself.” First, she says, pray before accepting a job, asking God how to best serve Him. Secondly, she recommends tithing. This will help them remember their earnings should be used in the service of God. Finally, she suggests graduates become active in parishes and develop relationships there. This is important because:
None of this sounds like anything out of the ordinary. Certainly, this is no cause for alarm. It sounds to me as if she is ultimately saying, “Remember who you are.”It’s only when you’re an independent operator that your career takes over. When your life is placed firmly within a web of relationships, it is much easier to keep your career in its proper place.
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