Jesus Don't Snitch
A full reprint of last issue's cut off article
Jaime White
Issue date: 4/30/09 Section: Opinion
The implementation of the "Silent Witness" program at Messiah seems to me to be a paradoxical view of Christian beliefs. The basic proponents of the program allow anyone on campus to report a crime of any level, as well as name names - completely anonymously. It is easy to access - simply go to the Messiah website, click on the Department of Public Safety link, and go to the "Silent Witness" link on the left side.
Basically, it allows anyone at any time to accuse anyone else on campus of a crime. While in theory, this may seem like a good idea, providing a place for people to make Public Safety aware of wrongdoings occurring on campus. However, it is direct contradiction to Jesus' teachings in Matthew 18, verses 15-17:
"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector."
It should be self-explanatory, but I'll break it down piece by piece. If you catch a brother in the act of sinning against you, it is your job, and your job ALONE, to confront them on it. I will even grant that a sin not specifically committed against you may be considered up for grabs because as Christians, any sin is a sin against the kingdom of God. If your friend does not respond to your arguments and pleas for repentance, Jesus allows that you may bring some back-up to try and help. If that doesn't work, you can bring in the "authorities", such as an RA or an RD, or Public Safety, if need be.
Nowhere does Jesus say "if you see someone sinning, fill out a form online telling the authorities about it, and don't tell anyone you're doing it!"
Granted, there are situations that automatically warrant authorities' interventions. But I'm not talking about those situations-I'm talking about smaller, pettier incidents, such as talking to someone of the opposite gender through a window, being too loud, or, God forbid, breaking visitation hours. If your roommate has a girl/boy over, and you have a problem with it-TELL THEM! It is completely unfair to sneak around and report them to the RA. The same thing applies to the Silent Witness program-if you see kids out running around, maybe vandalizing, or you are suspicious they may have imbibed some alcohol, chill out. If you know them, and you think they may hurt themselves, you may have the obligation to discuss the incident with them, and maybe provide some support. But if they are a complete stranger to you, or "oh, that's the kid from my CCC class", please never consider it your "Christian duty" to initiate proceedings that may get them kicked out of college.
Basically, it allows anyone at any time to accuse anyone else on campus of a crime. While in theory, this may seem like a good idea, providing a place for people to make Public Safety aware of wrongdoings occurring on campus. However, it is direct contradiction to Jesus' teachings in Matthew 18, verses 15-17:
"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector."
It should be self-explanatory, but I'll break it down piece by piece. If you catch a brother in the act of sinning against you, it is your job, and your job ALONE, to confront them on it. I will even grant that a sin not specifically committed against you may be considered up for grabs because as Christians, any sin is a sin against the kingdom of God. If your friend does not respond to your arguments and pleas for repentance, Jesus allows that you may bring some back-up to try and help. If that doesn't work, you can bring in the "authorities", such as an RA or an RD, or Public Safety, if need be.
Nowhere does Jesus say "if you see someone sinning, fill out a form online telling the authorities about it, and don't tell anyone you're doing it!"
Granted, there are situations that automatically warrant authorities' interventions. But I'm not talking about those situations-I'm talking about smaller, pettier incidents, such as talking to someone of the opposite gender through a window, being too loud, or, God forbid, breaking visitation hours. If your roommate has a girl/boy over, and you have a problem with it-TELL THEM! It is completely unfair to sneak around and report them to the RA. The same thing applies to the Silent Witness program-if you see kids out running around, maybe vandalizing, or you are suspicious they may have imbibed some alcohol, chill out. If you know them, and you think they may hurt themselves, you may have the obligation to discuss the incident with them, and maybe provide some support. But if they are a complete stranger to you, or "oh, that's the kid from my CCC class", please never consider it your "Christian duty" to initiate proceedings that may get them kicked out of college.
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