Jazz @ Emmanuel – The Arc is Long, January 11, 2025

Boston, Massachusetts, 1853.

In a sermon to his Unitarian congregation, abolitionist and reformer minister, Theodore Parker, would first proclaim these now famous words, “The arc is a long one. My eye reaches but little ways. I cannot calculate the curve and complete the figure by experience of sight. I can divine it by conscience. And from what I see I am sure it bends toward justice”. 

This statement was delivered as part of a sermon called Of Justice and the Conscience. He goes on to speak of the Moral laws of the universe, beginning with a comparison to the Material or Natural Laws

I’m paraphrasing the 11-page document here:

The material or natural laws of attraction are perceived by observation. The moral laws are perceived by conscience. Moral laws, though laws of rightness in the universe, are ideals, divine rules of conduct that reside in each one of us. The rules of justice are for the benefit of all but are subject to the will of men.

Parker believed that all men intrinsically love justice and want to see it reign. They will even elect wicked men because they believe, falsely, that somehow justice will be served. People will put up with injustice for a long while, but eventually, they will revolt. All because they believe in, desire and need justice. This has happened over and over in history that, in the end, justice is accomplished.

This is the context of Parker’s quote regarding the arc of justice being long. How long? Just that much longer than people will put up with injustice. People will eventually desire justice above all and set things right again. Just as Jesus was mocked and killed, he has now been worshipped for 2000 years by most of the Western World. If justice is not realized for individuals or groups while here on earth, people reach out to the future, where in heaven, the ideal of justice will be in place.

However, in the now, the ruling class in Christian societies will choose intellect, function, capitalism, economy…anything above justice. “These men seek the uses of truth not truth itself…”
Parker asserts that Christendom justifies its own irreverence for justice. Is there any wonder that people do not flock to the church for spiritual help? He called Christianity a form of atheism in its contempt for justice. But justice will have its due. No man can escape from the torment of his own injustice.

In Summary, Justice is the idea of God, the ideal of man, and is “carried out by human works.” Each of us can participate through prayer, self-denial, and everyday “little atoms of justice.” So, we can pray, we can act justly…and we can hope. But, How long, O Lord, How long?

Of Justice and the Conscience is lengthy, especially for a sermon by today’s standards, but definitely worth the read. If you did not know it was written in 1853, you would think he is talking about the church and politics in America today.

Parker’s work was the basis for Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr.’s speech after the Selma marches, where he said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” This became his passionate phrase for the Civil Rights Movement. It was used in several speeches, in particular: “How Long, Not Long,” Montgomery, Alabama, 1965, and “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution” at the National Cathedral on March 31, 1968.

January is an important month for anti-slavery.

January 1, 1808: Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves
January 1, 1863: The Emancipation Proclamation Took Effect
January 31, 1865: 13th Amendment Passed by the House

💫CELEBRATE WITH US! 🧨

Jazz @ Emmanuel

Some stirring readings are planned for our January Jazz vespers and will feature Dr. “J” and ensemble. Be sure not to miss!

2nd Sunday
September through May
5:00 PM in the Sanctuary.

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How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
    How long will you hide your face from me?
² How long must I bear pain^[a] in my soul,
    and have sorrow in my heart all day long?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
Psalm 13:1-3

Restore us, O God;
    let your face shine, that we may be saved.
Psalm 80:3