All societies prosecute violent crimes: murder, rape, armed robbery, kidnapping, and assault. We even prosecute “white collar crimes,” wrongs committed by people sitting at computers in shirts and ties: embezzlement, securities fraud, insider trading.
But Public Order crimes are controversial.
Should gambling be a crime? Drugs? Prostitution?
People call these “victimless crimes,” arguing that if both parties are consenting adults, there is nothing wrong with what they are doing. They argue drugs should be legal because they are either harmless already or could be rendered harmless by government regulation rather than operating in the current lawlessness of a black market.
The Libertarian Party platform says: “We favor the repeal of all laws creating “crimes” without victims, such as gambling, the use of drugs for medicinal or recreational purposes, and consensual transactions involving sexual services.”
But are these really “crimes without victims”?
A consenting adult may gamble away his family’s grocery money, rent money, and more—causing great harm to children. Even a cursory knowledge of the way crack cocaine destroyed inner cities proves the devastating consequences of drug addiction. The victims of victimless crimes are children, wives, families, and society as a whole. We are all victimized by so-called victimless crimes.
Nevertheless, politics and legislation can be a difficult business. Reasonable minds will disagree. But the Bible often provides practical guidance:
“A prostitute is a deep pit, and a strange woman is a narrow well. Indeed, she sets an ambush like a robber and INCREASES THE UNFAITHFUL AMONG MEN” Proverbs 23:27-28.
A prostitute increases the unfaithful among men.
Is that a goal we want to pursue in our society, more faithless men? Do we want a government that hands out licenses so people can incorporate as small business owners—operating brothels?
PUBLIC ORDER crimes will always be controversial. But the Bible provides guidance. Actions have consequences.
Prostitution is an action that “increases the unfaithful among men.”
God, thank you that Your word has practical answers for everyday life.
ΑΩ
Household Words: 