More on the Influence of Corruption

Every once in a while, you write something that strikes a cord with folks.  I have received three very good comments by readers on my entry on Corruption.  Andrew, a missionary in Brazil, wrote the following comment:

I have no way of comparing the relative corruption of the society where you live with that of my adopted home (Brazil). I do know, however, that it is rampant here.

My personal opinion is that corruption starts from below, and not from above. What are corrupt government officials if not normal people who take advantage of the opportunities presented to them by their political position. The everyday people who cheat on their taxes, pay to be bumped to the front of lines, and slip cash to police officers are just as corrupt--they simply do not have the opportunities that those in power have.

A Brazilian columnist recently asked why it was that newspaper dispensers (such as we have in the US, where you put in a coin and take just one paper) could never exist in Brazil. The answer is not corrupt politicians.

Rob, a physician in the U.S. was more to the point:

Dishonesty and laziness are not learned - they are base traits of our fallen race. We have to learn to be honest and hard working.

And finally, Jim, a missionary in Mexico added this insight:

Interesting quote there. There is a similar feeling in Latin America as well - the idea that "we just have bad blood" and so our situation is hopeless.

No doubt, as Rob put it, these are symptoms of a fallen race. On the other hand, this fatalistic idea that we just can't help ourselves - that we're somehow worse than other countries or races, seems to be to be equally dangerous.

It's interesting to hear a comment like that from another culture. I suspect it may not be an isolated feeling... what do you think?

I think they all hit on the issue that corruption is the state of Fallen Man.  It is a result of Original Sin.  There is no other way around it - poor, abused, neglected, suppressed men would do the same exact thing (because they are already doing it on a smaller, seemingly insignificant scale) if they were in positions of power and authority.  And that is the reason we have a need for the Redemption of the Cross.

We are all corrupt.  No one is good.  There is nothing we can do to earn God's favor - except to plead the blood of the Cross.  And that is the Good News. 

And these responses have been a poignant reminder not to shift blame back up the scale - towards the leaders.  I must first confront the corruption in my own heart.  Certainly, as per my other thoughts on the Great Commission, there is a role for us to pursue integrity, justice, and fairness, but we must never blame corruption on anyone other than ourselves.

First take the plank out of your own eyes, and then.....

Comments

[Andrew]

The reason this post generated so much discussion is that it is such a relevant topic.

One thing I have noticed is how easy it is for missionares (me in particular) to become accommodated to the corruption around us.

Two questions:

1. To what extent (if any) should we accept and adapt to this kind of corruption in the cultures where we work?

2. What is the best way for us as cultural outsiders to combat corruption?