5.1 Discussion

Getting Started

Throughout this course, you will engage in a series of discussion board assignments relating to "Biblical Wisdom." Typically, each week there will be a posted question to which you will be required to respond.  It is expected that this initial response be a minimum of one paragraph in length.  You will also be required to respond to one other student.  These responses should be substantive in nature.

At Indiana Wesleyan University, a key component in our mission is, "…changing the world by developing students in character…" We believe character building is rooted in Biblical wisdom, to the extent it is the cornerstone joining every course to a Christ–centered worldview.  As you prepare for each workshop in this course, we ask that you begin with a devotion highlighting a relevant passage from the Bible and discovering how it might apply to your life, character, and to this course.

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

· Explain the unique nature of humility in criminal justice service.

Resources

· Bible

Background Information

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.

Philippians 2: 3–4 (NIV)

The criminal justice public servant often deals with criminals and offenders who prey upon society, making it difficult to reconcile God's commandment to "love one another" and to be humble while considering the interests of others above your own.  It can be tempting to look down on those who, for one reason or another, fall into a cycle of criminal activity and take no personal responsibility.

The paradox created by being a Christian in service to others while dealing with an element of society who clearly needs direction can be difficult to comprehend, much less explain, yet it is critical to maintain personal humility while dealing not only with the criminal element, but with people who seem content to live and raise children in conditions that are less than optimal.

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. Navigate to the threaded discussion and respond to the following prompts:

a. As a criminal justice professional, should you value a criminal on the street above yourself, as the scripture says?  Why or why not?  Provide examples to explain your answers.

b. Does humility in service to a community equate to weakness?

c. Defend your answers and be substantive in your response.