A Christian Perspective On Crime

Dr. Timothy G. JacobsGrand Canyon University

September 24, 2014

1) According to the Bible, what is the fundamental cause of crime?

The fundamental cause of crime, according to the Bible: SIN in the human heart.

What is sin? Any failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude, or nature.

Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House, 2004), 490.

Sin is universal – everyone is born with it

Sin is comprehensive – it permeates every aspect of the soul

as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no

one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they

have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”

“Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.”

“The venom of asps is under their lips.” “Their mouth is full of curses and

bitterness.”

“Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and

misery, and the way of peace they have

not known.” “There is no fear of God before their

eyes.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ro 3:10–18.

2) How does a biblical understanding of the root cause of crime contrast with other theories?

…if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ro 7:7–8.

3) What is the relationship between "God's moral law" and laws in our society?

4) What solutions can a Christian understanding of crime and moral law offer to society and law enforcement entities?

4) What solutions can a Christian understanding of crime and moral law offer to society and law enforcement entities?

a) Sin – eliminates victimhood and promotes responsibility for one’s actions

4) What solutions can a Christian understanding of crime and moral law offer to society and law enforcement entities?

a) Sin – eliminates victimhood and promotes responsibility for one’s actions

b) Moral law – supersedes societal laws

4) What solutions can a Christian understanding of crime and moral law offer to society and law enforcement entities?

a) Sin – eliminates victimhood and promotes responsibility for one’s actions

b) Moral law – supersedes societal lawsc) Grace – produces gratitude which is

the foundation of ethics