Criminal Justice Within the Bible Book Review

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Criminals of the Bible written by Mark Jones in the year 2006. Criminals of the Bible examines and studies the subject matter of the different criminal acts committed by different persons in the Bible. These criminal acts in the book are considered as a measure against Mosaic Law, a law that was common for an extended period of time within which the Bible was written. In addition, Mark Jones, the author, takes into consideration peer studied assessments of criminal law theorists both in the 21st century and even before. The Bible is such an intriguing and interesting book. It consists of numerous stories from the creation story to the end of the world that can be fascinating and keep one enthralled with the different characters. The book offers a societal, legal and political context of the criminal acts that took place at that point in time (Jones and Johnstone, 2012).

Changing Views on Crime

The nature of what is considered a crime in the societal order has changed in the course of time. The same can be said of the punishments awarded for such crimes. In the book Criminals of the Bible, Jones (2006) sheds light on the edge that is existent between what is deemed as a crime in the book during the biblical period and what the social order now denotes as a criminal activity or wrongdoing. In addition to this aspect, the punishments that were rendered, and those that were not granted result in a more profound understanding of the manner in which crime and punishment in the social order can develop. For example, a number of the main characters in the book who are considered as being righteous by Christians would be considered wrongdoers and criminals in the lawful system of the present day. In Criminals of the Bible, Jones (2006) denotes and points out 25 five different circumstances in which the aspect of crime and punishment in this certain respect can be thought and discussed.

The issues that are raised in the book are comprehensively analyzed from a criminal justice viewpoint. Jones (2006) is able to show this instance using the case of Moses. Moses is a famous character considered a prophet within the bible, who brought the Ten Commandments from God down from Mount Sinai. However, from a contemporary criminal justice perspective, Moses is faulted for committing the crimes of stabbing, covering up a murder and absconding from justice and the law. As Jones (2006) brings into attention, Moses is one of the several cases which depict the ability of the heroes within the Bible engaging in wrongful acts and misconduct. Criminals of the Bible is an enlightening study of some of the most substantial wrongdoings and indiscretions within the bible. The book encompasses ill-reputed wrongdoers and sinners such as Cain, Jezebel, and the persons along the highway who attacked and robbed the Good Samaritan. Nonetheless, the author also includes loved characters such as David and Moses.

Biblical

Each of the twenty five cases discussed by the author follow a somewhat similar format. In particular, this book critique will take into consideration the case of Cain in the Bible. The case starts with a quote from the scripture. In this case, the main quote of the act is found in Genesis 4: 8, which states "Now Cain said to his brother Abel, Let's go out to the field. And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him." This is followed by contextual information on the principle characters. Cain was the oldest son of Adam and Eve and the meaning of his name was spear or smith. Cain and his brother Abel tended to the flocks of the family. This story is deemed as part of the creation account in ancient Hebrew. These kinds of stories typically acknowledged their religious principles or simple worldview. In particular, the characters of Adam, Eve, Cain, and Abel are perceived as characteristic of human beings and their nature.

The passages from the book and the issues from each case are analyzed from a Christian worldview standpoint and inferences that can be made from them. In this case, the tale of Cain is an astute and perceptive but at the same time upsetting account of our cruelty to each other and the tendency as well as predilection of human beings towards evil. It also shows a perspective of the merciful reactions that God has for human beings with respect to their evil actions and the love that God has even for those who do not love Him. Cain exemplifies the Old Testament outlook of the basic nature of human beings, which are jealousy, violence, and selfishness.

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However, it also shows that God does have eternal love for human beings that transcends the evil actions (Steigerwald, 2006).

In every case, the author analyzes the criminal perspective with regard to the purported or actual transgressions, every so often giving definitions of criminal terms and making references to Mosaic Law. According to the views of Cochran and Van Drunen (2013), Mosaic Law was the legal principles that were applied in the society prior to the coming of Christ. The individual cases within the book do portray a main theme, which is highlighted by the author. However, the most apparent aspect of the book is that it largely places emphasis on the aspects of crime and punishments. Also that, the author is too keen on analyzing these two key aspects from a Biblical standpoint. The tale of Cain and Abel presents a prevalent theme that is perceived not only in the book of Genesis but also for most part of the Old Testament and that is of sibling rivalry. This can also be perceived in the case of Joseph and his brothers, who, out of jealousy make the decision to sell him off. However, the rivalry in this case had a violent end and a very evident communication from God that violence is an unbecoming way of resolving differences between human beings.

Contemporary Perspective

In addition, in the book, the author takes a present day perspective of the wrongdoing. In this context, as indicated, murder is the most severe criminal act in the present and according to the existing judicial system, the wrongdoing carries a probable death sentence. In legal terms, the justice system categorizes murder into different kinds. There is murder in the first degree, which is killing done with scheming and intent. There is also murder in the second degree, which is killing with the purpose of causing death but devoid of any scheming. Lastly, there is also murder in the way of causing death devoid of any reasonable or justified grounds. In the case of Cain, the murder of Abel can be perceived to be premeditated as he tricked his brother to an isolated area with the intent of killing him. This indicates the difference between the present law and the law employed at the time. Cain was exiled as a punishment for his crime and no individual murdered him for his transgressions. However, in the present day, it is safe to say that he would have been sentenced to death by majority of the federal courts as it was in fact a premeditated murder (Hiers, 2009).

Conclusion

In conclusion, Criminals of the Bible is an entertaining and thought provoking book for any reader. Not only does the book offer the chronological crimes that were committed in the biblical times but it also makes a comparison with the crimes being committed in the present times. Mark Jones is able to expose the manner in which the Bible is filled with several crimes, which are committed not only by the infamous characters of the Bible but also the famous ones. It also indicates what the punishment of such crimes was at that point in time and the punishments that would be rendered for such crimes in the present times. In general, the book offers a comprehensive chronological account of the 25 crimes committed within the bible, the individuals who are involved and implications of such actions together with the lessons learned. Criminals of the Bible is an enthralling, captivating book. In addition, it can be of great help to individuals who study theology as it expounds on the different individuals and times of the Biblical account. Criminals of the Bible is highly recommended, as, in addition, the text in the book is straight to the point and quite easy to understand. The author elucidates legal terminology in amateurs' language and imparts the reader aspects regarding biblical history in addition to it. Another strong suit of Criminals of the Bible is that it has been meticulously researched and written. The book, therefore, will act as a comprehensive adviser to students who are also seeking to study law and criminal justice......

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