How lawless religions contribute to crime in our society

Fri, Sept 24, 2010

Editor: The debate to find the causes of and the solutions to crime in our society continues. The church is often called upon to give solutions to the increasing lawlessness in our land. Three Sundays ago, I was listening to a radio call in discussion on Cross Country Radio dealing with crime.{{more}} A pastor was part of the panel and unfortunately he fell short of giving the real cause of crime and showing that it is the law of God that is needed in the heart of men. He actually implied that the 10 commandment law was given to Israel and has been abolished.

Having heard that argument many times from religious leaders, I was not surprised, but was again saddened. Could you imagine a criminal listening critically and attentively to this pastor? I could only imagine the criminal saying “you mean pastor telling me the law of God is abolished but he’s telling me to respect the laws of society?” We must understand that religions that do not teach genuine adherence to the Law of God cannot give an effective and far reaching solutions in dealing with crime. You could talk about youth groups, social activities for young people, gospel fest etc., as much as you like. The Oxford dictionary defines crime as “breaking the law”. Similarly, the Bible describes sin as “the transgression of the law of God”. Now, if a religion teaches that we do not have to keep the law of God, how effective can it be in discouraging criminal activities? How can they honestly encourage the people to keep the law of a country? It is time for this contradiction in religion to stop! This causes the Devil and his evil agents to mock Christ and Christianity.

In reference to the cause and result of the French Revolution, One 19th Century writer had this to say “When the restraints of God’s law were cast aside, it was found that the laws of man were inadequate to hold in check the powerful tides of human passions and the nation swept on to revolt and anarchy. The war against the Bible inaugurated an era which stands in the world’s history as the ‘the reign of terror’. Peace and happiness were banished from the homes and hearts of men. No one was secure. He who triumphed today was suspected, condemned tomorrow. Violence and lust held undisputed sway”. In speaking about the baleful results of disregarding the law of God, the above author, Mrs. Ellen G. White, refers to France as an example in history that is not worthy of emulation in this regard.

Through His Prophet Isaiah, the Almighty God declared: “Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. …the earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant”. Until the Law of God is taught and upheld in the minds and experiences of citizens, there will be continual moral degradation and disrespect for the rights of man resulting in crime in society and worldwide- Sad but true!

Man has never been, is not, and will never be wiser than His Creator. So, it doesn’t matter how many ‘great’ plans we come up with, we cannot get genuine success in our approach in crime prevention/solution unless we apply the God-given solution. The duty of the church, therefore, is to teach and live the truths of Jesus Christ that renew the mind and bring man into obedience to the commandments of His Creator (not to teach man to disregard God’s Law)! This will naturally result in him loving his fellowmen and respecting his God-given inalienable rights and freedoms.

“He who obeys the divine law will most truly respect and obey the laws of his country. He who fears God will honour the king in exercise of all just and legitimate authority.”

Ann-Marie Ballantyne
svgpatriot@hotmail.com