Integrating Faith and Sociology

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California Baptist University *

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213

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Sociology

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Jan 9, 2024

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docx

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Uploaded by DoctorRam6785

Integrating Faith and Sociology A G Cal Baptist University SOC213: Introduction to Sociology Dr. Yvonne Thai November 19, 2023

Understanding crime and deviance, especially among children and adolescents, presents a complex challenge. This paper explores the intersection between Christian faith and sociological understanding, two contrasting fields in their approach to human behavior. Christianity, grounded in spiritual and moral values, emphasizes redemption, compassion, and the inherent worth of each individual. In contrast, sociology views crime and deviance through the lens of social structures, cultural influences, and environmental factors. This paper aims to enrich our understanding of how Christian principles intersect with sociological theories in addressing youth deviance. By examining Christian philosophical foundations alongside sociological insights, this discussion seeks to illustrate how these two worldviews can coexist and collaboratively offer a better understanding and more humane response to juvenile deviance. Christian teachings on compassion and redemption, paired with sociological insights on the impact of social structures and environmental factors, can address the issue of children and deviant behavior. Christian values, particularly forgiveness and redemption, are practical principles applicable in scenarios like the juvenile justice system. These principles encourage viewing young offenders as capable of positive change and growth, an approach reinforced by Matthew 25:35-40's call for compassion towards the marginalized. This perspective is vital, considering sociological findings that youth are more prone to criminal activities and tend to 'age out' of crime as they mature (Ferris & Stein, 2022, p. 164). Both Christian and sociological approaches focus on restoring these individuals to a constructive role in society rather than solely on punishment, with Christianity adding a dimension of reconciliation with God. By recognizing the developmental aspects of juvenile crime, interventions can be personalized to address specific needs, combining Christian moral guidance with an understanding of age-related criminal behavior.

From a sociological perspective, rehabilitation and reform involve reintegration into society and behavior modification through education, therapy, and skill development. This approach also seeks to understand the root causes of delinquent behavior, such as family background, social environment, and educational opportunities. Merging these concepts with Christian philosophy leads to a more compassionate approach to juvenile justice. For example, Scandinavian open prisons, which are more like boarding schools than detention centers, demonstrate a shift from punitive systems to those focusing on transformation and growth in young offenders (Ferris & Stein, 2022, p. 169). This model aligns with both sociological methods and Christian principles of redemption and highlights the importance of accountability and creating an environment conducive to personal development and positive change. Additionally, the integration of faith and science extends to community involvement. Churches and faith-based organizations, driven by compassion and redemption, can significantly support rehabilitation efforts by providing resources, mentoring, and supportive communities. This might involve juvenile justice systems collaborating with faith-based organizations to create programs that cater to both spiritual and social needs of young offenders. Societal values and norms should also be considered, as they are influenced by Christian teachings and secular ideologies. This plays a role in shaping our understanding and response to crime and deviant behavior. Christian values, with their emphasis on compassion, forgiveness, and redemption, often advocate for approaches to crime that prioritize rehabilitation and the moral reformation of individuals. Conversely, secular perspectives emphasize rational calculations of crime and punishment. Theories of deterrence suggest that severe punishment can prevent crime, as individuals weigh the cost of punishment against the benefits of the crime, a concept reflected in policies like

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