Crime

Archive for 'Crime'

The nature of evil: Reflections on an age-old question

Theologians have pondered the nature of evil for centuries, but for Americans, the attacks of Sept. 11 brought the issue home as few other atrocities in recent times have.

Human trafficking and the sex trade: Faith groups mobilize

The State Department will release its annual report on human trafficking by the end of June, spotlighting the global trade in enforced labor and the selling or prostitution of people – as many as 27 million, mostly women and children – without their consent or benefit. The issue is increasingly mobilizing religious groups.

Scientology in the dock: News spotlights star-studded religion

Scientology always has a high profile owing to its many celebrity adherents, but recent headlines have not always been good news for the church. A lengthy New Yorker article profiled the defection of director and screenwriter Paul Haggis, for example, and revealed that the FBI is investigating Scientology on human trafficking allegations.

Bullying emerges as a social blight and a religious debate

The suicide of a New Jersey college student whose intimate encounter with another man was broadcast on the Internet by two other students has cast a spotlight on the problem of bullying and its often brutal consequences. Religious groups condemn hateful behavior like bullying but can differ on the solutions.

Juvenile justice: Faith groups begin to speak out

The United States sentences more of its citizens under the age of 18 to life without parole than any other major developed nation, and American believers are increasingly viewing juvenile justice as a critical challenge for faith groups. This edition of ReligionLink focuses on this controversial topic.

Militias and religion: Hutaree case puts Christian extremism on trial

The indictment of nine members of an extremist militia in the Midwest known as the Hutaree has cast a spotlight on shadowy right-wing hate groups, and on their fringe religious worldviews. The Hutaree case also comes amid concerns about growing threats stemming from contentious policy debates such as health care reform.

Executions up, death sentences down

Two reports in early January highlighted the ongoing tumult in the national debate over the death penalty. A story in The New York Times looked at a prominent legal group’s decision to end its support for capital punishment. And the annual survey from the Death Penalty Information Center presented a mixed picture.

Hate-crimes bill becomes law: Religious opinion divided

A landmark hate-crimes bill expanding federal statutes to include protections for homosexuals was signed into law on Oct. 28, 2009 by President Barack Obama. The law is a landmark achievement for the gay community but a dividing line for some religious groups.

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