In dealing with the continuing battle of illegal drug use in the United
States, there are alternative ways to deal with minor drug offences. One
thing that should be understood is that an individual that has a drug issue
may not be simply using drugs to have a good time. Many drug users are
suffering from other conditions such as depression, anxiety, or physical
pain. Taking illicit drugs is sometimes a way of self-medicating, especially
given the fact that some drugs can be more accessible and affordable
than prescription drugs. If one is to promote a more viable alternative to
rehabilitation than to warehousing offenders, the individual’s motivations
must be taken into consideration as well. One thing McQuilken and Copan
stated about the Christian responsibility to criminal justice was that we
must advocate for a just and merciful society that asserts God’s
standards1). This is apparent by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross; though all of
humanity was guilty of sin, Christ exacted punishment upon Himself to
reconcile humanity to the Father (Rom 5:8, 1 Pt 3:18). In that, we must
also understand that humanity is broken, and people do things as a result
of that brokenness. Therefore, a one size fits all response is not always
applicable for rehabilitation. In dealing with these kinds of crimes, the
primary function of punishment must be
focused on restoring the offender. McQuilken and Copan advocate this
point by stating, “God’s primary purpose in punishment has always been
the restoration of the sinner. ‘Have I any pleasure in the death of the
wicked, says the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his
way and live?’”)2.Some Christian responses to address minor drug offences
are Christ centered drug rehabilitation programs. This of course cannot be
mandated, but a faith-based drug rehab can be offered as an option to the
offender, especially if they have gone through rehab in the past. There are
many churches that already offer drug programs that are focused on
Christ’s teachings and are self-funded. One that I am aware of requires
the individual to remain in the church’s housing facility for a period of
thirty days, with no contact with the outside world while going through an
intense Bible study program. Another alternative to jail time, specifically
for those that may not have a serious addiction, could be a program that
provides a service to the community while educating the offender on the
effects of drug use. An offender can be adequately educated on the
causes, issues, and results of illegal drug use, then be required to teach
other offenders on the same material. Thus, this program would be self-
sustaining while requiring limited resources.
)
1 Paul Copan and Robertson McQuilkin, “An Introduction to Biblical Ethics:
Walking in the Way of
Wisdom, (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2017), 432.
2 Ibid,. 440.
