Jacob's Blessing, Cooperative Grace, and Practicing Law with a Limp

Authors

John M.A. DiPippa, University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of LawFollow

Publication Date

1998

Abstract

How does a lawyer's religious beliefs affect the lawyer's practice? I will answer that question by reflecting on baseball players, wrestling with mysterious strangers, and practicing law with a limp. This essay is divided into four sections. First, I will share the story of baseball star Sandy Koufax's refusal to pitch on Yom Kippur. Second, I will present a brief theology of grace. Third, I will discuss the Genesis story of Jacob's wrestling match with the Angel. Finally, I will relate a personal experience from my own practice. In truth, each of these sections demonstrates the same theme: that God's grace is present in our everyday encounters and that it has the power to change who we are and what we do. These sections are like different lenses turned on the same specimen.

Document Type

Essay

Recommended Citation

John M.A. DiPippa, Jacob's Blessing, Cooperative Grace, and Practicing Law with A Limp, 38 Cath. Law. 265 (1998).