The criminal justice field and Christian worldviews
Liberty University
CJUS 400-B02
Abstract
Having a Christian worldview in law enforcement can prove to be a very beneficial tool for
anyone. An officer has the opportunity to bring a person closer with God and at the same time
making their own faith stronger. Every officer has their own personality and the way they handle
situations. A Christian worldview can provide them with the patience and understanding they
need to do the right thing in any situation.
Keywords: faith, trust, police, ethics, God, worldview, & conduct.
Introduction
A career in law enforcement in unique and challenging on a daily basis, a person must
be prepared to encounter any situation at any time. Officers are usually the first responders to a
scene and are the first person to encounter those in need. A good officer must be understanding
in a person’s time of need and understand what those needs are even though the other person
may not. For an officer to be effective in their job they should have good morals and ethics that
they live by. Law enforcement officials have a responsibility to uphold the law and do what they
believe is right while in the performance of their duties.
Most law enforcement agencies look to hire people that have strong morals and ethics.
They look for these qualities because anyone can enforce the law but not everyone knows how to
do the right thing. An officer must treat others with equal respect and understand that everyone is
equal under the law and should be treated with respect regardless of education, class, color, or
any other differences (Jones & Carlson, 2004 pp. 27). As Christians we are charged with
spreading the word of God to others. To a person during a great time of need in their life talking
to them about God may be exactly what they need.
A worldview can be described as how a person may see the world. By incorporating
Christian values in law enforcement we can effectively administer justice while seeing to others
needs. People argue that instituting a set standard of what is right and what is wrong will never
work because each person has their own set of values. However, our beliefs and our values are
incorporated in our worldview. It is the understanding that we have about the nature of reality,
knowledge, morality, and life’s meaning and purpose that helps us understand what is ethical and
important (Kim, Fisher, & McCalman, 2009 p.. 116).
Christian worldviews are what the United States was founded upon. The founding fathers
knew that God should be important figure in the development of this country. The justice system
was founded on Christian principals. The Bible states that “everyman must submit to governing
authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God.
So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it
bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:1-3, New King James Version).
A police officer should understand that incarceration is not the answer to deterring a
criminal from being involved in crime. An officer should be supportive to those who seek to
improve their life by legal means. They should provide encouragement and testimony to those
who seek to build a closer relationship with God. Being a Christian means that an officer should
treat others with courtesy and respect. By incorporating this type of worldview in law
enforcement an officer can be prepared to handle most situations.
References
1. Jones, J.R. & Carlson, D.P. (2004). Reputable Conduct Ethical Issues in Policing
and Corrections. Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc.
2. Kim, D., Fisher, D., & McCalman, D. (2009). Modernism, Christianity, and
business ethics: a worldview perspective. Journal of Business Ethics, 90, 115-121.
doi: 10.1007/s10551-009-0031-2
