Life in the Law: Answering God's Interrogatories

by Jane H. Wise

This book contains a prized collection of exceptional essays by thoughtful men and women who have examined things that matter most in both their professional and private lives. Most of these pieces were first published in the Clark Memorandum, the J. Reuben Clark Law School alumni magazine. A few are from other sources. All of them address important questions about the experience of being a Christian attorney. Elder Marlin K. Jensen’s 1997 talk introduced the idea of "answering God’s interrogatories." Eventually, God will ask every professional several penetrating questions. The articles in the first section of this book ask, "Adam, Where Art Thou?" and speak to the concepts of balance, purpose, priorities, and preparation. The next section, "What is Property Unto Me?" looks at materialism, economic issues, greed, and integrity. The third group considers what a faithful lawyer does, focuses on service to others, and ponders "Unto What Were [We] Ordained?" The final section, "What Think Ye of Christ?" examines our duty and devotion to God, asking about our relationship to the master Advocate of us all, Jesus Christ. These essays point to the questions He asks of each of us in this life (and will equally ask us in the next) concerning what we’ve made of our lives in mortality. The authors explore their own choices in addressing these pivotal questions through instructive circumstances and people they have encountered along life’s way.

266 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a compilation of talks and treatises (written principally by LDS General Authorities and legal scholars) which respond to and address the following questions: 1. "Adam, Where Art Thou? (Genesis 3:9); 2. "What is Property to Me?" (D&C 117:4); 3. "Unto What Were You Ordained?" (D&C 50:13); and 4. "What Think Ye of Christ?" (Matthew 22:42). All were thought provoking and stimulate the reader to further thought and contemplation. Perhaps most impressive to me was a treatise written by Tad R. Callister (a former member of the Seventy) titled "How Do Justice and Mercy Relate the Atonement?" I had never before read such a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of natural law, God's law and the laws of man than set forth in this masterful analysis. It answered many questions for me including, What is the essence of law and how does it relate to man's universe? The essays were not an easy read, but contained great food for thought.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Attorneys and nonattorneys alike should consider and answer the questions presented in this book about ethical conduct and our personal motives. Not all the chapters are as good as others, but by and large this book is a treasure.

[LauraLee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a series of talks given to BYU Law Students by religious and public leaders. Easy to read when you have a little time here and there.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enlightening.