Walking in two kingdoms
Local author profiles man who balanced legal career, faith
Many readers might be unfamiliar with James Mackay, who served as Lord Advocate of Scotland from 1979-84 and as Lord Chancellor of Great Britain from 1987-97.
Yet there’s much that can be learned from the example of this man who attained an eminent position in the judiciary of Great Britain while at the same time seeking to “do justice, love mercy, and to walk humbly with his God.”
It’s with that in mind that Lethbridge author J. Cameron Fraser presents a portrait of Mackay in his new book, “Learning From Lord Mackay: Life and Work in Two Kingdoms.”
In a modern world that preaches the importance of separation of church and state, Mackay was able to serve skilfully in both realms. That ability underlies Fraser’s intent to introduce Mackay “to a wider Christian audience, while pointing out lessons that may be learned by others in political office and seeking to locate him in terms of the contemporary (largely American) ‘two kingdoms’ controversy.”
Fraser does so by first explaining the “two kingdoms” — the earthly kingdom and the heavenly, or spiritual, kingdom of God, and then detailing the life and work of Mackay, who overcame his natural shyness to become a highly skilled and respected lawyer. His career took him to posts as Queen’s Counsel, leader of the Scottish Bar, and Lord Advocate, the chief legal officer of the government and crown in Scotland. British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher later named him as Lord Chancellor of Great Britain.
Through it all, Mackay, who turned 90 this summer, demonstrated his skill in serving in the two kingdoms while remaining faithful to both the callings of his law career and his Christian faith. That’s not easily done and Fraser is right in suggesting that readers will find an admirable example to follow in this “humble Christian who has served his Lord in church and state.”
The author is in a unique position to profile Mackay. A “proud Canadian Scot who grew up in Scotland,” Fraser, who has authored or coauthored four previous books, has known Mackay since his youth. This connection enabled Fraser to write this portrait of a man who has declined other requests for biographies or autobiographies.
Fraser’s privileged role is the reader’s good fortune.
Signed copies of “Learning From Lord MacKay” are available in the Religion section at Chapters for $15.50.
Find out more about the author and his other books at