Mike Watt
Theology
3 Lessons We Could All Learn From Atticus Finch
Atticus Finch treats all people with respect. He compliments everyone that he sees, including a crabby old lady and he caused her to forget about her anger with Scout by his kindness. Atticus works for whatever people can afford to pay him with. Atticus treats the blacks with dignity. Atticus does not make judgments about anybody. Atticus is patient with people. Atticus did not react to the man who spit in his face and ultimately caused the death of Tom Robinson. Atticus is a single parent who is fair and loving.
Atticus is a man who is true to his beliefs. Atticus is very brave, and does not back down to political pressure about defending Tom Robinson. Atticus defends Robinson because it is the right thing to do. Atticus sacrifices his own safety to insure the protection of Tom Robinson against a lynch mob when Tom is brought back to town for trial. Atticus asks the jury in the name of God to treat all men in court equally and believe Tom Robinson. Atticus is a man born to do the unpleasant jobs.
Atticus really cares about his family. He thanks Boo Radley for saving his kids. Atticus teaches by example. Atticus forbids his daughter to fight. Atticus is always honest towards people. Atticus wishes he could protect his family from all the ugly things in the world, but realizes that he cannot. Atticus is a good father and will not let his kids touch a gun. Atticus takes up a gun to defend his kids from a rabid dog even though he does not like to shoot a gun.