Crime and punishment has been existent since the beginning of organized
human society, however as society becomes more complex so do the laws
that govern it – as society’s understanding of the human experience
expands so do the variety of methods by which society disciplines those
who dwell within it. McQuilkin describes a variety of concepts that involve
the justice system and the cultural beliefs that fuel each concept. For
example, McQuilkin describes the philosophical differences between
blaming society and blaming the individual for the crime that is
committed. It is fair to say that both society and the individual play a role
within the existent of crime. A social environment is an accumulation of
individuals and their choices, which can strongly influence others who are
being raised in that environment. Therefore, accountability should be held
for the individuals who commit crimes with the intentionality to reform
social environments – preventing others from committing crime.
McQuilkin states “Blaming society means abdicating personal
responsibility for the direction of one’s life. And this refusal to own up to
one’s wrongdoing shuts the door to the possibility of salvation by God’s
grace.”[1]/It is important for anyone who has done wrong to accept
responsibility for their own sake of receiving the salvation of Christ
because if one does not confess that they are a sinner then within their
own mind there is no need for salvation.
This discussion of the manage of crime and punishment resonates with
me due to my involvement of ministry within a juvenile detention center. I
meet many young men, some who have done horrendous crimes. The
commonality among them is that they understand that they have done
something wrong – whether they express penance for what they have
done is a different matter. One thing that is interesting is that they do not
recognize the influence that their environment has on their choice making
– until it is brought to their attention by their incarceration. Many of these
young people have tunnel vision, focusing on the carnal desires that they
have and do not recognize that they are being influenced until it is too
late. It is how many young people get manipulated by gang culture
because they find themselves in a place of weakness only to be provided
power through evil means. McQuilkin writes that “God’s primary purpose
in punishment has always been the restoration of the
sinner.”[2]/Therefore, I believe that there should be some form of
rehabilitation for individuals convicted of crime and reformation of their
community in order to restore as God restores.
/
[1]/Robertson McQuilkin and Paul Copan./An Introduction to Biblical Ethics:
Walking in the Way of Wisdom./(Illinois: Intervarsity Press, 2014) 430
[2]/Ibid 432
