CJUS 700 Biblical Position Paper Assignment Instructions

CJUS 700 Biblical Position Paper Assignment Instructions Overview

The purpose of this assignment is to get you thinking about the nature of human behavior, specifically the deviant side of human behavior. In criminal theory, we have a double duty: to understand the secular view of crime and the spiritual view of crime. The trick is to be able to employ concepts from both, but keep them separate so that the spiritual is not corrupted by the secular. This assignment will help you articulate your spiritual view of crime, namely the sin nature as a proxy for that, and solidify your beliefs in a tangible document. This may also end up being a document to which you refer later if you ever apply to teach criminal justice at a Christian university.

After a cover page, you will write a 5–6-page essay on the sin nature. You should discuss all of the following in your paper: · describe the sin nature. · describe how we get the sin nature. · describe how we overcome the sin nature. · describe the effects of the sin nature. · describe how the sin nature plays or does not play a role in criminal behavior. You MUST include or discuss the following items: · Scripture MUST be used heavily throughout the paper to support your claims! · If the concept is biblical, include a citation. · The question that should be answered clearly in your paper is: · “To what extent does the sin nature explain criminal activity?” The Bible should be the only citation you are using in this paper.

Consult the APA manual for details on how to do that! Your paper must use current APA format in the following items: running head, page numbers, title page, spacing, indentions, margins, and headings. “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, King James Version). Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The Influence of the Sin Nature on Human Behavior and Criminal Activity: A Biblical Perspective

Introduction

The concept of the sin nature is fundamental to understanding human behavior from a biblical standpoint. It posits that human beings are inherently inclined towards sin due to the fallen state of humanity after the Genesis narrative. This paper explores the nature of the sin, how it is acquired, how it can be overcome, its effects, and its role in criminal behavior, primarily supported by Scripture. The central question addressed is: To what extent does the sin nature explain criminal activity?

Understanding the Sin Nature

The sin nature refers to the innate propensity of humans to rebel against God and pursue sinful acts. According to Romans 5:12, "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned," emphasizing that sin entered through Adam’s disobedience and is passed down to all humanity. This inherent flaw corrupts human nature and influences behavior, making sin an inescapable part of life from a biblical perspective (Romans 7:18).

How We Acquire the Sin Nature

The biblical account of humanity’s fall in Genesis 3 illustrates that humans inherit a sinful nature due to Adam’s disobedience. Ezekiel 18:20 notes, "The soul who sins shall die," highlighting the spiritual consequences of inherited sin. This fallen state perpetuates through successive generations, emphasizing that humans do not acquire sin by external actions alone but are born into a sinful condition (Psalm 51:5).

Overcoming the Sin Nature

Overcoming the sin nature involves divine intervention through salvation and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." This spiritual rebirth allows believers to resist sin and live according to God's righteousness (Galatians 5:16-17). Nonetheless, believers must continually rely on God's grace and strength to combat sinful tendencies.

Effects of the Sin Nature

The effects of the sin nature manifest in a propensity toward deceit, greed, violence, and other sinful behaviors. Jeremiah 17:9 describes the heart as "deceitful above all things and desperately wicked," illustrating the depth of human depravity. These tendencies can lead to criminal activity when individuals yield to sinful impulses (Romans 3:23).

Sin Nature and Criminal Behavior

From a biblical perspective, the sin nature provides a foundational explanation for criminal activity. Romans 7:21-23 declares, "I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. I delight in the law of God according to the inward man, but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind." This internal conflict reveals how the sin nature influences behavior, leading some individuals to commit crimes when their sinful inclinations override moral restraint. However, personal accountability remains essential, as divine grace offers the possibility of transformation and redemption.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the biblical concept of the sin nature offers a profound understanding of the roots of human depravity and criminal behavior. It emphasizes that humans are inherently inclined toward sin, stemming from the fall of Adam, and this inclination influences criminal conduct. While divine grace through Christ provides a pathway to overcoming the sin nature, acknowledging its role is crucial in understanding the spiritual dimensions of crime. Ultimately, Scripture underscores the importance of external divine intervention and personal spiritual renewal to combat the sinful tendencies ingrained in human nature.

References

  • Romans 5:12. (King James Version).
  • Romans 7:18. (King James Version).
  • Romans 3:23. (King James Version).
  • Romans 7:21-23. (King James Version).
  • Galatians 5:16-17. (King James Version).
  • Jeremiah 17:9. (King James Version).
  • Psalm 51:5. (King James Version).
  • Ezekiel 18:20. (King James Version).
  • 2 Corinthians 5:17. (King James Version).
  • The Holy Bible, New King James Version. (2016). Thomas Nelson.

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