Running Head: APPLICATION ESSAY 1
Application Essay 1
Question 1: How does sin, as defined by natural law, differ from the legal definition of crime?
What is crime? In our textbook it says that “A typical legal definition of crime is this: an
intentional violation of the criminal law or penal code, committed without defense or excuse and
penalized by the state” (Bohm, Haley). Now what does that really mean exactly, well it means
that issues like; murder, rape, theft, assault, as well as many others are considered crimes. The
law has different views on these crimes, for example murder and assault is considered self-
defense. Yet in the bible any type of crime is considered a sin. In Matthew 5:38-39, it states that,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do
not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other
also” (ESV). So, is there a way for both beliefs to coexist? Well Dr. Kahlib Fischer believes that,
“All crimes are sin but not all sins are crimes” (Fischer, 2016). Therefore, in retrospect although
there is a crime that may have been committed it may have been done out of necessity.
Question 2: What are unalienable rights? How do unalienable rights differ from legal rights?
What are unalienable rights? Well Thomas Jefferson believed that, “We hold these truths to be
self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain
unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” (The
Declaration of Independence). As Americans we believe in the right to be able to live life, have
liberty, and be able to pursue happiness. Yet although we have the rights to these qualms there
are a certain way that they must be obtained. We are bond by the law that we stand on while on
this pursuit of life. It is not moral to take from someone that may have what you have. It is also
not moral to commit a crime in order for you to create that sense of happiness.
Running Head: APPLICATION ESSAY 1
Bohm, R. M., & Haley, K. N. (2018). Introduction to criminal justice (9th ed.). Columbus,
OH: McGraw-Hill Custom. ISBN: 9781260394337.
Fischer, K. (2016, June 20). BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES. Retrieved from
https://prezi.com/rdo7e91mruov/biblical-principles/?
utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
The Declaration of Independence. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration
The Holy Bible ESV: English Standard Version: Containing the Old and New Testaments.
(2007). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
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