No-one is above the law. That’s a sentiment often expressed in instances where politicians are trying to play by a different rule book than the average Joe. Politicians are human and so are prophets and so-called men of God, like Shepherd Bushiri.
And as human beings they are subject to our human laws. It matters very little whether they have performed miracles, healings and whether they promise to change their followers’ lives and fortunes. The standard should not be lowered for the professed prophets.
In fact, they should be held to a higher standard because, by virtue of their profession, they are the custodians of the moral compass that should guide and regenerate society. Of course, the principle of innocent until proven guilty applies to the prophet as equally as it does to other accused. State prosecutors are sure that the prophet has a case to answer and they have assembled evidence against him.
The burden of proof remains with the prosecution, they have to show that the prophet is guilty. And if the prophet has done no wrong, he has nothing to worry about. It is therefore very strange to hear followers of a prophet outside court and elsewhere saying that he should be exempt from scrutiny because he is a prophet. Much rather, they should be all for the prophet’s arraignment as this is a perfect stage for him to prove his profundity.
If indeed he is greater than us all, a trial before the courts should not be too grave a trial and should actually vindicate him. Perhaps the prophet’s followers have a problem with the judge or the justice system itself. Perhaps it is their view that the process is rigged against their beloved prophet. Yet, even so, there are checks on that kind of thing.
The prophet has recourse to appeal to higher courts. He can make use of all the legal procedures available to ensure he gets a fair hearing. Accountability is a value that is not limited to the realm of the political. Because no-one is a law unto himself, each of us should be able to answer for what we say and do, as well as for how we behave and conduct ourselves in varying circumstances.
This is all the more important, because we are social beings. We exist in relation to other people. We are citizens of a state and that brings with it not only rights but responsibilities. We are also members of families as well as cultural and social systems, which carry in themselves norms and mores that members need to uphold.
As individuals we have the freedom to choose to associate with groups and people whose values are aligned to ours. But when it comes to questions of criminal conduct, we are subject to the same penal code and laws. It has become fashionable for people of influence in society to cast aspersions on the justice system and the prosecution as a means of escaping review of their conduct.
But it is the powerful that should understand more than ordinary people that to whom much is given, much is expected. Some of the prophet’s followers may argue that the prophet should be left alone because God will see to him. However, even the Bible speaks of the relationship between cause and effect and reminds us that God is no respecter of persons.
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” A trial before the court could be the prophet’s moment of reaping. It will be clear to all, the devout followers and prospective converts to the prophet’s teaching, what manner of harvest he is producing in his personal life.
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