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Biblical Worldview of Corrections
Biblical Worldview of Corrections
Caitlyn C. Blakely
Helms School of Government, Liberty University
Author Note
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to
Email:
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Biblical Worldview of Corrections
Introduction
Correction is part of human life as people often make mistakes, some of which are in
their complete knowledge. Correction traces back to the biblical times which is why it is
important to also evaluate the biblical worldview of this subject. There are a number of
theories and principles that are found in the bible and can be connected significantly to the
field of correction in the modern society. In this essay the focus is on the subject of
corrections, its principles and the practical application which touches on the rehabilitation,
restoration, and reintegration into the society.
The Biblical Foundation of Correction
The bible is a spiritual book and according to the Christian religion it provides bearing
for the various activities and actions of people in the world. There are a number of principles
and the theoretical frameworks that explain the actions that need to be taken in the various
situations. One of the main viewpoints presented in the bible about correction is about the
themes of redemption and restoration of people. The bible recognizes that sometimes people
might need correction and that is the point redemption and restoration is brought in. The one
clear thing about the bible is that it is full of hope and gives people second chance.
Individuals are normally allowed to reform and renew their ways.
The biblical view of correction is built on the opinion that offenders should be viewed
as people who actually change their ways and get redeemed given a chance. The bible
focuses quite little on the punishment of offenders and is keen on the second chance which is
the same notion that is held by the modern era corrections. Biblical foundation of correction
is therefore built on forgiveness and correction.
Restorative Justice
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Biblical Worldview of Corrections
One of the most common theories in the field of correction and justice is the
restorative justice. Restorative and its approach connect s closely to the principles that are
presented in the bible about the same subject. Restorative justice just as the name suggests is
keen on mending the harm or the effect that is caused by the offenders. The theory or
principle for that matter is keen on ensuring that the community is protected the people are
actually reintegrated into the community. In as far as the bible is concerned the restorative
justice concept is seen on how the people get to embrace reconciliation, forgiveness an
accountability among people in the society. Different books that have discussed the biblical
perspective of the subject have been keen to focus more on the forgiveness issues.
The practical Application: Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is one of the major components of the correction services, and it has
biblical meaning and perspective. The bible emphasizes on the need to ensure that one grows
continuously, and that the personal growth is allowed to take place both physically and
spiritually. The events that trigger correction are not biblical, but the bible gives the people a
chance to actually adjust their behavior and traits. Transformational growth is highly
encouraged by the bible. The bible also requires the correctional facilities or the institutions
to give the offenders the opportunity to get new skills and some educational experience to add
on top of the counselling. Rehabilitation seeks to ensure the individual are able to become
productive members of the society and also ensure that they become law-abiding. The
training and the development that they go through is meant to help these people become
better members of the society.
Reintegration
Another essential aspect of corrections is reintegration, or the process of successfully
reintroducing prisoners back into society once they have served their sentences. The biblical
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Biblical Worldview of Corrections
worldview places a strong emphasis on the necessity of community and reintegrating back
into society. The Bible teaches that people ought to be given the opportunity to reconstruct
their life and the relationships in their lives. Professionals working in corrections can help
facilitate this process by providing offenders with resources, mentoring, and support after
they have been released from custody.
Compassion and Mercy
Compassion and mercy are themes that are regularly emphasized throughout the
Bible. These principles can be applied by correctional personnel by ensuring that offenders
are treated with decency and respect at all times. This necessitates the provision of humane
circumstances of confinement as well as the meeting of their physical, emotional, and
spiritual requirements. Compassion and mercy are crucial components in the process of
facilitating rehabilitation and change. According to the Bible even salvation is received
through mercy. In Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV), the Apostle Paul sheds light on the connection
between the mercy of God and redemption by saying, "But because of his great love for us,
God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in
transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." This verse demonstrates the depth of
God's mercy and its inextricable link to the saving work of Christ by drawing attention to
both of these aspects.
Accountability and Justice
The Bible places a strong emphasis on kindness and forgiveness, but it also
emphasizes the significance of holding people accountable and maintaining justice. The rule
of law should be upheld at all times by correctional professionals, and they should make sure
that offenders are held accountable for their acts. This may contain appropriate punishments
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Biblical Worldview of Corrections
and consequences, but it should also offer possibilities for the individual's own development
and evolution.
According to the teachings of the Bible, accountability is not just about punishment
but also about redemption. It is consistent with the biblical notion of accountability, which
emphasizes responsibility as a tool to foster personal development and growth. The New
International Version of the Bible says in Galatians 6:1, "Brothers and sisters, if someone is
caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But keep a close
eye on yourselves, or you can fall into the same trap." This passage places an emphasis on the
restorative component of accountability, which is the concept of holding persons responsible
for their acts but doing so in a way that encourages their growth and repair. In the context of
rehabilitation, this can be interpreted as referring to structured programs that offer individuals
the chance to accept responsibility for the actions they've committed in the past and actively
work toward making positive changes in their lives (Grimsrud, & Zehr, 2002). In the field of
corrections, characteristics of the rehabilitation process that are fundamentally important
include accountability and justice. These principles not only guarantee that individuals will be
held accountable for their deeds, but they also encourage fairness, reparation, and repentance.
When interpreted in light of the teachings of the Bible, accountability and justice can be
found to have deep roots in the canon of sacred writings, where they are found in alignment
with the doctrines of righteous rule and divine justice.
A biblical worldview of corrections goes beyond the confines of a jail and places an
emphasis on involvement in the local community. In order to facilitate reintegration and
prevent recidivism, correctional staff should interact closely with the communities that their
clients will be returning to (Virkler, & Ayayo, 2023). Collaborating with local churches,
social assistance agencies, and other community organizations may be necessary in this
regard. (Virkler, H. A., & Ayayo, K. G. 2023).
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Biblical Worldview of Corrections
Participation of the community in rehabilitation is also consistent with the restorative
justice principle found in the Bible. This principle places an emphasis on reconciliation,
forgiveness, and making amends. Individuals are encouraged to seek reconciliation with those
they have offended and to make things right with them in the Bible. According to the New
International Version of the Bible (NIV), Jesus says in Matthew 5:23-24, “Therefore, if you
are offering your gift at the altar and there you remember that your brother or sister has
something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar.” Go first and make amends
with them; only after that should you bring them your present. This teaching highlights how
important it is to work toward reconciliation within the framework of a community. This
biblical viewpoint is aligned with the practice of restorative justice programs, which
frequently involve community members, victims, and offenders in the process of
reconciliation.
Conclusion
Correctional workers can benefit from having a biblical perspective on corrections because it
provides them with a valuable ethical foundation. It aligns with contemporary conceptions
such as restorative justice and places an emphasis on the ideals of redemption, restoration,
and reconciliation. In practical applications, a focus is placed on rehabilitating the offender,
reintegrating them back into society, showing compassion and mercy, being accountable, and
engaging the community. In order to fulfill the biblical duty to love one’s neighbor and seek
justice, correctional professionals can work toward the transformation and redemption of
offenders by adhering to these values and working toward the transformation and redemption
of offenders.
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Biblical Worldview of Corrections
References
Grimsrud, T., & Zehr, H. (2002). Rethinking God, justice, and treatment of
offenders. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 35(3-4), 253-279.
Leary, J. S. (2017). A biblical critique of the US Prison System. J. Christian Legal
Thought, 7, 20.
Wolters, A. M. (2005). Creation regained: Biblical basics for a reformational worldview.
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing.
Virkler, H. A., & Ayayo, K. G. (2023). Hermeneutics: Principles and processes of biblical
interpretation. Baker Books.
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