The religion department introduced me to the philosopher and theologian
Reinhold Niebuhr, whose work resonated with me deeply. Niebuhr saw the
evil in the world, understood that human limitations make it impossible for
any of us to really love another as ourselves, but still painted a compelling
picture of our obligation to try to seek justice in a flawed world. He never
heard country music artist Billy Currington sing, “God is great, beer is good,
and people are crazy,” but he would have appreciated the lyric and, although
it wouldn’t make the song a hit, he probably would have added, “And you
still must try to achieve a measure of justice in our imperfect world.” And
justice, Niebuhr believed, could be best sought through the instruments of
government power. Slowly it dawned on me that I wasn’t going to be a
doctor after all. Lawyers participate much more directly in the search for
justice. That route, I thought, might be the best way to make a difference.