If you are brought up in an area where crime is high or your parent is a criminal, this becomes acceptable or normalised behaviour (learned behaviour). Studies on ACES (adverse childhood experiences) show those who have
suffered trauma in their childhood – such as abuse, neglect, community violence, homelessness or growing up in a household where adults are experiencing mental health issues or harmful alcohol or drug use – can
have a long-lasting effect.
When our early attachments/ role models have been negative and these lead us to go on to have difficulties with relationships and our mental wellbeing and they might not know difference between right
and wrong. If an individual has 4 or more factors of ACES, then you are 15 times more likely to commit a violent crime compared to someone with none.
It is our duty as adults to protect children as they are innocent (haven’t done anything wrong or chosen this life)
Parents also have a duty to teach their children right from wrong if their child or themselves is committing crime this role is not being fulfilled. It goes against human rights; every child has the right to be brought up in a safe home and access education this is limited by a disadvantaged upbringing.
Christian responses to crime
Jesus taught forgiveness and compassion so everyone deserves a chance to change. We are all God’s children so we are all equal in the eyes of God. Everyone is the same.
“Only God can judge” criminals will receive punishment in hell Jesus taught his followers to forgive and “turn the other cheek”. There are examples of this in the Bible when Jesus forgave the criminals on the cross beside him.
Jesus taught in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25: 36) that people who help those in prison will go to Heaven. This is because Jesus identifies himself with the outcasts, including prisoners. Those who treat the outcasts well will have eternal life, which means they will go to Heaven.
-‘Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the
log that is in your own eye?’ Matthew 7:3
– “Give to the one who begs from you and don’t refuse the one who borrows from
you” (Matthew 5:42)
“An eye for an eye” whatever is done to you should be able to be done back. Examples of God seeking revenge in the story of Moses (carrying out CP to the first-born Egyptian son.
Buddhists are also taught to show compassion and forgiveness to others, and
they will aim to demonstrate loving-kindness to all human beings, including those
who have committed a crime.
Buddhists believe we should not have actions fuelled by the 3RPs. Buddhists follow the five precepts which are a set of ethics that Buddhists should follow for example ‘I abstain from harming any living thing’ and ‘I abstain from taking what is not freely given’
Buddhists also believe that any actions they have should be Skilful ones and they should avoid any unskilful actions as the Kamma that any actions generate will affect their rebirth and their ability to reach Nibbana.
Impact of Upbringing on Individuals or Society
Children living in a community filled with crime and poverty could impact their relationships with peers as they will be like minded so more likely to engage in criminal activity.
No positive role models which could mean they might look up to people who could have a bad influence on them for example Gang members or have relationships younger to fill a void. Nothing else to do in the community so might be bored which could lead to crime. Gangs could give a sense of family/relationships for these young people which could lead them to feel protective over these people and become involved in more violence.
Christian Response to Upbringing as cause of Crime
Christians meant to show compassion and would try to spread compassion to young people to be positive role models for them. Christians might run a range of supports to get young vulnerable people off the street.
Christians might try keep them out of trouble by hosting youth groups, breakfast clubs, boys/girls’ brigades. Christians might raise money through donations for their community and get young people involved in this to ensure they are being supported and keeping busy to stay off the wrong path.
An example is Youth for Christ’s team has specialised in ministry to young offenders and young people at risk of becoming involved with crime – whether in prisons or the community. Outreach Workers are positive role models who raise the aspirations and self-esteem of young men and women in prison, empowering them with the skills, confidence and character they’ll need to realise their full potential.
Buddhists Religious Responses to crime
Need to help as many people as may not be their fault due to the causes of
crime so need to look at individual circumstances and many of the people who
commit crimes should have compassion shown to them. Therefore we should give everyone the chance to reform themselves to become a better person in the society we are in.
The world would be a kinder and more compassionate place if we give individuals
the chance to reform.
- Some crimes are unforgivable some criminals don’t deserve compassion and
forgiveness and we need to focus on the innocent - As it doesn’t bring justice for the victim, criminals deserve to be punished, they
are responsible for their own actions
Non religious responses.
right to priorities majority and aim for maximum happiness as they are innocent
and aren’t criminals, it is fine to disregard criminals’ pain they have committed crime so deserve to
be punished.
criminals don’t deserve to be valued punishment should be equal to crime-
- majority aren’t always right don’t look at individual circumstances
- some crimes cannot be forgiven and deserve to die for their crime
For more on adverse childhood experiences and crime, click on this link here.
