Discussion Board 3
Historically, criminal activity has been viewed as an expression of a sinful
nature and the accountability for those actions fell on those individuals
because of the choices they have made. However, studies over the last
century have shown that in some cases, such as mental illness, the
person is not necessarily responsible. Robertson McQuilkin states, “The
end result of the general acceptance of this approach was to distinguish
between criminals who were normal and thus responsible for their crime
and those who were abnormal and needed treatment, not
punishment.”[1](However, in light of the United States' battle with illegal
drug use, the punishment does not always seem to fit the crime.
((((((((((( An increasing number of the country uses or has tried an illegal
substance. In 2013, it was reported that “24.6 million Americans 12 or
older (9.4% of the population) had used an illicit drug in the past
month.”[2](While illegal drug use normally begins with peer pressure or
curiosity, the effects of the drug can be addicting leading to the user
experiencing difficulties stopping the usage. In most cases, the purpose of
punishment for illegal drug use is to be a deterrent, McQuilkin proclaims,
“if sure and swift punishment is the greatest deterrent, our present
system can hardly be expected to deter.”[3](Yet, while the focus of the
battle should be on those providing the illegal drugs, those incarcerated
for its use without proper avenues for treatment do not seem to fit the
rehabilitation purpose of punishment. The reason, McQuilkin explains, is
that “most Western governments have abandoned such
efforts.”[4](Though few incarcerated persons suffering from drug
addictions, the NIDA states, “Initiating drug abuse treatment in prison and
continuing it upon release is vital to both individual recovery and to public
health and safety.”[5](However, rehabilitation in the case of illegal drug
use should be the first response of the legal system with the goal to
provide a path for the person to be a contributor to society. Because once
labeled as a criminal, the chances of that are slim. Michell Alexander
agrees, “Even when released from the system’s formal control, the stigma
of criminality lingers.”[6](Therefore, the Christian response should be to
advocate for such responses, especially for first or second offenses, in lieu
of incarceration.
((((((((((( Though the Christian should advocate for rehabilitation prior to
incarceration, Christians still have a responsibility in participating in the
rehabilitation process while incarcerated through sharing Christ. McQuilkin
agrees, “the church and individual Christians must do all within their
power to promote the one thing that can rehabilitate—
regeneration.”[7](Like Prison Fellowship mentioned by McQuilkin, I have
served with the Kairos Prison Ministry creating friendships, sharing the
gospel, and the forgiveness that is found through Jesus Christ. It is a
powerful ministry that has not only impacted those incarcerated for illegal
drugs but those who have committed more heinous crimes such as rape
and murder. I disagree with the author when he states, “To say ‘you can’t
legislate morality’ is false.”[8](Someone once said, “The reason we have
thousands of pages of laws today is that humanity could not follow 10.” It
is the power of a changed heart through Jesus Christ and the work of the
Holy Spirit that uncovers the morality of God’s image-bearer. As a result,
while many of these men may never see the other side of the fence, their
rehabilitated life provides them an opportunity to contribute to the cause
of Christ while inside. Therefore, while the Christian response includes the
desire for justice and the protection of the innocent, the church and the
individual Christian must seek out the lost sheep, going to where they are.
(
((((((((((((((([1](Robert McQuilkin and Paul Copan,(An Introduction to Biblical
Ethics: Walking in the Way of Wisdom,(Downers Grove: IVP Academic,
2013), 429.
((((((((((((((([2](SA Content Team, “Illegal Drug Abuse: What is Illegal Drug
Abuse?,”(Substance Abuse,Jan 22,
2020.(https://www.substanceabuse.com/drug-addiction/illegal-drugs/ ( (Link
s to an external site.)(Accessed April 29, 2021.
((((((((((((((([3](McQuilkin,(An Introduction,432.
((((((((((((((([4](Ibid.
((((((((((((((([5](NIDA. "What role can the criminal justice system play in
addressing drug addiction?."(National Institute on Drug Abuse, June 3,
2020, https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-
treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/frequently-asked-
questions/what-role-can-criminal-justice-system-play-in-addressing
Accessed Apr. 29, 2021.
((((((((((((((([6](Michelle Alexander,(The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in
the Age of Colorblindness, (The New Press, 2012), 141.
((((((((((((([7](McQuilkin,(An Introduction,441.
((((((((((((([8](Ibid.,431.
Bibliography
Michelle Alexander,(The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of
Colorblindness, The New Press, 2012,
McQuilkin, Robert, and Paul Copan.(An Introduction to Biblical Ethics:
Walking in the Way of Wisdom.Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2013.
NIDA. "What role can the criminal justice system play in addressing drug
addiction?."(National Institute on Drug Abuse, June 3, 2020.
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-
treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/frequently-asked-
questions/what-role-can-criminal-justice-system-play-in-addressing
Accessed Apr. 29, 2021.
