The Supreme Court Chief of NC and Faith (with Chief Paul Newby)
Sep 10, 2024
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Paul Newby, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina, shares his inspiring journey to faith and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. He discusses the historical evidence for Jesus' resurrection and reflects on the unique challenges of practicing faith in the legal system. With personal anecdotes, Newby emphasizes the importance of integrity and equality in justice. He also offers advice for young Christians pursuing law, stressing the significance of maintaining their values in a politically charged environment.
Chief Justice Paul Newby's journey to faith illustrates how historical evidence can profoundly influence personal convictions and one's professional ethos.
Newby highlights the importance of integrity and humility in the judicial system while advocating for equal treatment and God’s universal justice.
Deep dives
Journey to Faith and Justice
Chief Justice Paul Newby shares how his journey to faith significantly impacted his role as the Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. Growing up in a Christian household, he faced challenges to his beliefs during his education, particularly at Duke University, where a professor suggested that biblical stories were mere parables. After a period of searching and doubt, a pivotal encounter with Sean McDowell's father and the book 'More Than a Carpenter' helped him reassess his faith, leading him to a profound understanding of the evidence for Christ. Newby emphasizes the importance of using one's skills, such as legal training, to explore the complexities of faith, illustrating that looking at historical evidence can bring clarity and conviction.
Challenges of Faith in the Judiciary
As Chief Justice, Newby discusses the unique challenges faced by Christians within the judicial system, particularly the pressure to downplay one's faith in a professional setting. He recounts an early interaction where a colleague advised him to tone down his Christianity, highlighting the importance of staying true to his convictions and recognizing his role as being appointed by God. Newby expresses that maintaining a firm stance on faith, while treating others with dignity and respect, is essential in the legal profession, especially during times when politics seeps into judicial responsibilities. He insists on the value of integrity and humility in his role, emphasizing that obedience to God is crucial while leaving the outcomes in His hands.
Promoting Equality and Justice
Reflecting on his upbringing, Newby highlights the influence of his family's anti-slavery beliefs and the lessons taught about equality and justice. He perceives the law as an extension of moral values, advocating for equal treatment regardless of skin color, and insists that God's justice applies universally. Historical experiences with racial tensions in Greensboro informed his views on leadership within the North Carolina Supreme Court, as he strives to create an environment fostering unity and mutual respect among diverse communities. Newby believes that justice should be blind and fair, encouraging leaders to come together at the foot of the cross, which embodies the idea that everyone is equal in God's eyes.
What people and events led Paul Newby to become the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina? What historical evidence originally led him to become a Christian, and how does he uniquely practice his faith as a Chief Justice? And what advice would he give to young Christians who want to serve God through the law? We had the unique opportunity to talk with Chief Paul Newby to hear him address these questions, and more, as well as talk about his personal journey to faith.
Paul Martin Newby is the 30th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina. In addition to his service on the Court, Chief Justice Newby is an adjunct professor at Campbell University School of Law, where he teaches courses on state constitutional law and appellate practice. He is the co-author of The North Carolina State Constitution with History and Commentary (2nd ed. 2013) with Professor John V. Orth of the University of North Carolina School of Law. And he is a father, husband, elder, and Sunday School teacher.
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Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California.
To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.
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