Biblical Worldview
Paper
CJUS630
Introduction
Mental health is an area in today’s society that has recently been put under the spotlight
as well as a microscope. Though mental health awareness and training has taken leaps and
bounds in recent years, there is still so much to learn. Law enforcement agencies have been
doing a spectacular job with providing their officers with tools and resources to better prepare
their officers for dealing with members of the community that suffer from mental health issues
and may even be suicidal. Law enforcement officers frequently encounter individuals suffering
from mental health disorders, these types of interactions can be challenging and require
specialized training and effective approaches. Law enforcement officers are the providers and
protectors of the community, it is only just that they are equipped with the most knowledge and
information that is out there to help its most vulnerable citizens.
Biblical and Secular Worldviews
Secular and biblical worldviews are fundamentally different perspectives that shape how
a person views the world and how they make their decisions. The foundation of a biblical
worldview is based on God’s word. It recognizes that God is the creator of everything in heaven
and on earth, and His word serves as the ultimate standard of truth. God is all-powerful, all-
knowing, and unchanging. A biblical worldview informs how Christians respond to major
events, prioritizing time, and money, interact with leadership, raise children, and handle hurtful
words. A Christian with a biblical worldview responds to life events through the lens of
Scripture, trusting in God’s wisdom, Christ’s future return, and the spread of the gospel.
Whereas, the foundation of secular worldview considers beliefs as a matter of personal
preference, not absolute truth. It relies on reason and science rather than divine revelation. The
Biblical Worldview
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CJUS630
truth is subjective and varies from person to person and that morality and ethics are shaped by
societal norms.
Distinction in Differences
How law enforcement officers approach an individual that is suffering from a mental
health issue and may be suicidal can be influenced by both secular and biblical worldviews.
From a secular worldview preventing suicide focuses on evidence-based strategies and practical
solutions. Risk factors for individuals that may be suicidal are job-related stressors, traumatic
events, and genetics. Secular approaches emphasizes on addressing those risks by using
counseling services, peer support programs, and training on stress and wellness. Secular
worldview tries to target ways to improve how an officer may react in a situation where they are
having to respond to an individual that may be suicidal, by being resilient without relying on
religious beliefs.
Romans 13:4 says “For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid,
for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out
God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.” This scripture connects law enforcement duty to divine purpose
and has been used in police training. Many believe that faith provides officers with a sense of
purpose and resilience when dealing with trauma and criticism. However, critics raise concerns
about the separation of church and state and the potential impact on policing practices (Griffith,
2022). The biblical worldview emphasizes officer’s role as God’s servants and avengers, but it
also raises questions about balancing faith-based principles with professional duties.
Conclusion
It is absolutely possible for a law enforcement officers to possess both secular and
biblical worldviews while being on duty. Both secular and biblical worldviews influence how
Biblical Worldview
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CJUS630
officers address handling an individual that is suffering a mental break as well has addressing
suicide prevention. While secular worldview focuses on evidence-based strategies, the biblical
worldview integrates faith and purpose into an officer's work life (Preventing Suicide, 2023).
Ultimately, finding a balance that supports the individual's well-being while respecting
constitutional boundaries. To be able to properly serve the individuals in the community law
enforcement officers need to not only operate in the secular worldview, but also in the biblical
worldview. It is imperative for their own mental health and well-being and for the people they
serve. It is also imperative that individuals that suffer from suicidal thoughts, seek out help from
not only counselors or therapists, but looking towards God for answers by seeking out help from
the church can play a huge role on suicide prevention.
Biblical Worldview
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CJUS630
Resources
Holy Bible. Romans 13:4. King James Version.
Griffith, A. (2022). American Christians “Backing the Blue”: On Faith and Policing. Religion
and Politics, Washington University in St. Louis, MO.
Preventing Suicide Among Law Enforcement Officers: An Issue Brief. National Officer Safety
Initiatives.
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