Introduction to Criminal Justice from a Christian Perspective

The United States criminal justice system plays a key role in the maintenance of law and order and public safety in society. At its core, our American criminal justice system is tasked with upholding justice fairly and equitably while also ensuring responsibility and accountability for those who break the law. It is also responsible for advocating for and protecting the innocent and underserved, promoting peace, and fostering a peaceful society. For those of us who are Christians, these functions are our duties and keep us deeply connected to the characteristics and heart of Christ and His desire for human flourishing, thriving, and success.

Introduction to Criminal Justice from a Christian Perspective offers its readers a compelling and engaging view and exploration of the criminal justice system through Biblical scripture and Christian theology, while drawing on personal experiences and historical Christian ethics and truth. The book examines criminal justice from a historical and secular perspective, while also introducing and challenging readers to consider its characteristics through the lens of Christ. These characteristics include forgiveness, restoration, rehabilitation, transformation, and reconciliation. The book examines the four Cs of the criminal justice system, which include Community, Cops, Courts, and Corrections. The community is involved in every facet of the criminal justice system. 

The book explores key systems through various topics, including the United States Constitution and the Ten Commandments, as well as the intersections of Christianity with Law Enforcement, the Courts, Corrections, Social Justice, and Restorative Justice. The author calls for the integration of faith and Christian principles in every area of the criminal justice system. 

From a Christian perspective and belief, justice is a reflection of God and not a human invention. Biblical scriptures reveal the heart and nature of Christ, showing us, that God is both just and filled with grace and mercy. God demands righteousness, defends those who are oppressed by society, but also offers repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation, restoration, and transformation for those who ask. Therefore, a Christian perspective on criminal justice must be a balance of justice and mercy, truth, grace, discipline, redemption, and restoration. 

The Biblical perspective of justice is rooted in the belief that all human is formed in the image of God. This is true for victims, offenders, and the community alike. The Biblical and Christian perspective of justice requires a criminal justice system and social justice system that treats all individuals with humanity, equality, and fairness. The Christian perspective also recognizes the fall of man and sin. Even with this recognition, sin is never the end of the story. Through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, forgiveness, restoration, and transformation are always possible. 

While our criminal justice system focuses on retribution, responsibility, accountability, and punishment for the crime committed, restorative justice is also a mandate. This model of justice seeks healing for victims and offenders, while also offering rehabilitation for offenders and peace to communities and all stakeholders.

The Christian perspective on criminal justice does not ignore the need for law enforcement, the courts, and corrections; instead, it calls for a deeper perspective and reflection on how these systems of government and law can reflect the justice of God and His heart of love for a broken world. As Christians, we commit to God and our systems to spread the gospel of Christ. That includes officers, attorneys, judges, professors, chaplains, social workers, advocates, volunteers, and the list goes on. We all have a unique opportunity and calling from Christ to be instruments of love, accountability, grace, and hope.

In the chapters that follow, we will explore how Christianity and Biblical scriptures can transform and inform each stage of the United States' criminal justice system. This process spans from arrest to rehabilitation and reentry. In each stage of the system, the goal is to pursue justice, redemption, forgiveness, and restoration.