Corruption from Christian Viewpoint

Are you aware of what true corruption is? Corruption is an unmerciful and conniving thief lying in wait to steal all that is precious to you. Dreadfully, the history of man professes and validates that corruption is almost inevitable—predominantly through leaders—unless extreme measures are taken to prevent this. This rings true currently. Famous authors in literature, such as Shakespeare, wrote with an unwavering sense of realism and tragedy, which commonly included corruption. Undoubtably, everyone has personally experienced someone close to them become enslaved to this power-hungry impulse.

The Bible also has numerous verses about this, which makes it a topic of concern for a multitude of Christians. Due to the sinful nature of man, anyone can be corrupted by power, yet some realize this and set boundaries in place to keep corruption at a distance.

Effects of Corruption

Within history lies numerous tragedies caused by corruption festering and lingering in the hearts of men. One must look to the past to truly understand the future.

Fortunately, the United States has an abundance of restrictions for the government in the hopes to resist corruption, but other nations are not so lucky. Mohamed Suharto is an extraordinary example of exploitation. Serving as active president of Indonesia from 1967 to 1998, Suharto stole the people’s coin and confidence in the government. Because he was only the second president in office, the people contained no knowledge about the crimes he was to ruthlessly and enthusiastically commit – about fifteen to thirty-five billion dollars was stolen from these innocent followers.

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Notably, his intentions were authentic and transparent in the beginning. “By 1997, Indonesia’s poverty rate had fallen to 11% (from 45% in 1970), life expectancy was 67 years (up from 47 years in 1966), infant mortality had been cut by more than 60%” (Sandbrook). The country also achieved self-sufficiency, which won Suharto a gold medal. Eventually he succumbed to greed. [2]In the Indonesian government embezzlement was simple to keep from the public eye since the citizens did not want to believe his betrayal. Unfortunately, this historical tragedy caused by corruption only caused distress to the people.

As time progresses, corruption becomes increasingly common with celebrities. Between political elections celebrity scandals are analyzed and conversated about. Fame always results in strife. ]Celebrities hold themselves to lofty and unobtainable expectations, which drive them to criminal activities. Acquiring the attention of the public, these idols vexingly and rottenly expect all they ask after their first taste of wealth. They are like starving wolves. Lori Loughlin is only one excellent example of wrongdoing because of corruption. Wrongfully, she bribed her daughter’s way into college. “Payments in exchange for either tagging their children as fake athletic recruits to get them admitted into elite colleges or fixing their college entrance exam scores” (Garrison). In her efforts to secure her daughter’s education Loughlin stole from young students—their college opportunity, hard work, and ambition. The fear of failure and losing wealth pushes the corrupt over the edge. Although modern corruption is not as tragic as in story books, it is extraordinarily frequent in our current society.

Theme of Corruption in Literature

The theme of corruption is a topic generally only touched by tragedy-based authors—such as Shakespeare. Within the play Macbeth, a solemn theme of corruption is a weighted fog on the minds of all who behold it. Tragically, this story commences and reveals that a man of the name Macbeth is emotionally tortured by his devious and astute wife, Lady Macbeth. She routinely challenges his manliness, which is an important quality to him. “Therefore she was one of the main reasons his previous moral view were corrupted” (Discussing The). Continuing on his melancholy journey, Macbeth regrettably and unwittingly stumbles upon a group of witches. Although they deceived him, they gave him hope with their prediction. He would become king. After this false prophetism Macbeth became obsessed with claiming the throne because it would please his wife and him. The idea of wealth and power corrupted him and drove him insane. Ruthlessly, he murdered a man who was in his way. Manipulation was a tremendous contributor in this story and Macbeth paid for his naïve ways. Writing this book, Shakespeare used illustrations from his own life to write this solemn tragedy.

Corruption in Daily Life

Corruption—though on a reasonably lesser scale—is experienced by everyone. Have you ever experienced corruption in your life? In Illinois, which is a state undoubtedly and shamefully known for its corruptness, the police force is unlike any other in their conduct. Although Illinois has shown its true colors time and time again, it is not the only place affected. There have been studies done showing how corruption and power are directly linked. “His maxim has been vividly illustrated in psychological studies, notably the 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment, which was halted when one group of students arbitrarily assigned to serve as “prison guards” over another group began to abuse their wards” (Shea). Sadly, the once just and wholesome police force has become enslaved to their power-hungry ways. Patrolling the streets, these men and women belittle and badger innocent citizens. Tennessee police are extraordinarily different. While the officers from Illinois are unkind, the southern force is refreshing and caring because they have not let the horrific face of greed shine through. The once bright-eyed recruits of Illinois have turned to accusers breathing down the neck of those whom hold less power. Experiencing corruption, one may find the world a bit dim, but God disclosed that this day of suffocating crookedness would arrive.

Story of Corruption in The Bible

The Bible paints a flawless and melancholy picture of corruption. Specifically, Luke 20:9-19—otherwise known as the parable of the corrupt farmhands—depicts and educates this malfeasance as farmhands who allowed power and greed lead them to murder. Although an abundance of examples exist in the Bible, this one is among the clearest examples. The story begins with a master leaving his farmhands in charge of his vineyard although he would later regret this decision. A few years had passed as the farmhands slowly became accustomed to the power they possessed. Desiring to take the vineyard for themselves, the farmhands, who had been alone in the vineyard for ages, ferociously and premeditatively attacked all whom the master sent. “In time he sent a servant back to the farmhands to collect the profits, but they beat him up and sent him off empty-handed” (Luke). They planned. They assaulted. They murdered. After some time the master sent his beloved son, but the farmhands slaughtered him on sight. While they were loyal to their master, they betrayed him at their first taste of power. Envy was their downfall. This upsetting portrayal of corruption is the same type we face in this current age.

Truly, corruption mangles at the morals, mind, and humanity of a person, but spotting this early and placing and enforcing restrictions can ward off its attacks to the spirit. Inside history, most leaders have fallen, but some have risen to fight this for the good of those they rule over. Becoming slaves to their own influence, current celebrities commit crimes without thinking of others until they are caught. While most literature consists of cheerful endings and fairytales, it is unfortunately and truthfully not the world we live in, and some authors write their tales about the sobering truth of the world. Personal experiences have an impact on everyone, especially when the experience includes corruption although some experiences are more extreme than others. God—through the Bible—has made His stance clear about what corruption causes one to do and how it hurts others. Corruption strips the soul of all whom encounter it and fall into its intoxicating, yet poisonous, promise of power.