There are many ethical issues in the field of intelligence that warrants further contemplation from the Christian perspective. Issues such as the use of deception, rendition, spying without reasonable cause and the use of torture to extract information, are all areas that are difficult to accept as a part of the intelligence role. As a Christian, although I am able to understand the necessity of some controversial aspects, I do not think I would be able to partake in the operations side of intelligence. In particular, I take issue with the use of torture and rendition as methods to extract information from persons of interest, despite the noble motive of “saving lives”. From an individual perspective, the Bible tells us in Romans 12:19 not to take revenge because vengeance is the Lord’s. However, viewing torture from a governmental perspective is even more challenging. Some may argue that the end justifies the means in relation to torture, but Romans states, “Why not say--as some slanderously claim that we say--"Let us do evil that good may result"? Their
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Agencies such as the FBI and NSA, have abused the privilege of eavesdropping on U.S. citizens for the fulfillment of their own agendas. One example is in the case of Martin Luther King, whose phone the FBI wiretapped without a court order, in an attempt to blackmail him to subvert his campaign for civil justice (Johnson & Wirtz, 2015, p.406). This action breaks moral code from a biblical perspective as seen in the book of Luke. Luke writes, “Even some soldiers were asking him, ‘And what should we do?’ He told them, “Never extort money from anyone by threats or blackmail, and be satisfied with your pay” (Luke 3:14, ISV). In light of this scripture, I could not see myself knowingly engaging in this type of behavior as it challenges some of the core tenets of my Christian
Agencies such as the FBI and NSA, have abused the privilege of eavesdropping on U.S. citizens for the fulfillment of their own agendas. One example is in the case of Martin Luther King, whose phone the FBI wiretapped without a court order, in an attempt to blackmail him to subvert his campaign for civil justice (Johnson & Wirtz, 2015, p.406). This action breaks moral code from a biblical perspective as seen in the book of Luke. Luke writes, “Even some soldiers were asking him, ‘And what should we do?’ He told them, “Never extort money from anyone by threats or blackmail, and be satisfied with your pay” (Luke 3:14, ISV). In light of this scripture, I could not see myself knowingly engaging in this type of behavior as it challenges some of the core tenets of my Christian