Religion Studies Grade 12 | Christian teachings regarding crime and corruption

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CRIME AND CORRUPTION

South Africa continues to struggle with entrenched corruption and organised crime, both of which have a deeply corrosive impact on governance and economic growth. Although there was notable progress made during Nelson Mandela’s leadership, the era of state capture and corruption under the Zuma administration triggered a sharp rise in organised crime.

Today, South Africa is home to some of the most diversified crime syndicates in the world. These criminal networks are connected to transnational syndicates and are involved in trafficking people, firearms, drugs, and minerals. Additionally, they smuggle stolen copper and oil—often with the complicity of insiders—from South African state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

These criminal groups also extort businesses, leading to the cancellation of important contracts, which in turn causes job losses and economic setbacks. While the current Ramaphosa administration has made some genuine efforts to combat both corruption and crime, these steps have so far been limited in scope and impact.

Question

With reference to Christianity, discuss its teachings regarding crime and corruption:

Christianity strongly condemns crime and corruption, urging its followers to uphold moral integrity and spiritual purity. A central teaching comes from 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.'” This verse warns believers to be cautious of the influences around them, as associating with immoral individuals can lead even the righteous astray. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong moral character in the face of peer pressure or societal norms that encourage wrongdoing.

In 2 Peter 1:4, the Bible says: “For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.” This teaching reminds Christians that lust—often in the form of greed—is a root cause of corruption. By striving to adopt God’s nature, believers are called to resist the temptations of greed and materialism that often lead to criminal and unethical behaviour.

The book of Genesis also offers a powerful image of corruption’s consequences. Genesis 6:12 states: “God looked on earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth.” This verse illustrates how widespread corruption angers God and leads to devastation. It implies that when humanity turns away from righteousness, the entire world suffers, which reflects the destructive impact of corruption on society.

Another hopeful perspective comes from Romans 8:21, which declares: “The creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” This verse teaches that those who live according to God’s will are looking forward to a future free from corruption. It highlights the Christian hope for a renewed, just world where righteousness prevails over crime and unethical practices.

Additionally, Psalm 14:1 presents a harsh judgment on those who live without God: “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds; there is no one who does good.” This passage teaches that the absence of God-consciousness leads to moral decay. Crime and corruption are seen as a result of turning away from divine guidance and embracing selfish, godless living.

Altogether, Christianity teaches that crime and corruption stem from greed, bad influences, and a lack of spiritual discipline. Followers are encouraged to seek God’s wisdom, remain morally steadfast, and live in a way that promotes justice, honesty, and purity. Through faith and spiritual transformation, Christians are called to resist the forces of corruption and instead build a society rooted in integrity and godliness.

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