In the early eighties James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling, both social scientists, introduced the “broken windows theory” in criminology. While the debate continues about the virtues of such a theory, it is quite an interesting idea.
Here’s how the name came about: A building with a few broken windows that aren’t repaired, might be a temptation for vandals to break a few more windows, maybe even to break into the building, or even occupy it as squatters, and so on. Or if there is a sidewalk with some litter, soon more litter accumulates, and even bags of trash. With all of these, the neighborhood becomes unlivable, respectable residents flee, unscrupulous and unruly elements take over, and the rest is history!
Wilson, Kelling and their cohorts believe that a successful strategy to prevent crime is to take care of problems when they are small. Repair the few broken windows quickly; clean up the sidewalk daily; and the tendency for vandalism to escalate is neutralized.
Low-level antisocial behavior leads to petty crime leads to major crime.
Apparently the logic of all this is that an orderly environment sends the signal that this is a locale that is monitored and that residents conform to the norms of law-abiding behavior. On the other hand, an environment that is littered and studded with broken windows sends the opposite signal: “You can do what you want and you can even get away with crime, because no one cares and no one is watching.” It’s that slippery slope idea.
This “broken window” theory was implemented by NY City’s Transit Authority and Police. When Rudy Giuliani became mayor in 1993, the strategy was adopted more widely, as a “zero tolerance” philosophy against fare evasion, public drinking, urination, and squeegee extortionists (who wipe windshields, demanding payment). Crime, both petty and serious, fell suddenly and significantly, and continued its downward trend for a whole decade. Albuquerque, NM, and Lowell, MA, have reported similar successes. In the mid 2000s, Netherlands worked to clear not only broken windows, but litter and graffiti as well; officials secretly monitored the locations to see if people behaved differently, now that the environment had become orderly. They did.
Small bad behaviors can encourage more bad behaviors.
While the Broken Window Theory is still controversial in criminology, I think there is something to it, in the Christian life.
Small bad behaviors can foster worse habits in one’s own life. One thing does lead to another. Sloppiness in one area of life is pervasive and soon other areas are affected. Lack of control with regard to food, time, leisure, expenditure. Loss of discipline in thought, in feelings, in words spoken, in actions undertaken.
Weeds tend to grow if the yard is neglected. Satan needs only a toe-hold to start his nefarious operations. I need only a gentle nudge to topple me down that slippery slope. One thing invariably leads to another.
Like the Holy One who called you,
be holy yourselves also
in all your behavior;
1 Peter 1:15
Be holy FULLY!
… because it is written,
“You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
If you address as Father the One
who impartially judges
according to each one's work,
conduct yourselves in fear
during the time of your stay on earth;
1 Peter 1:16–17
Be holy FEARFULLY!
… knowing that you were not redeemed
with perishable things like silver or gold
from your futile way of life …
but with precious blood,
as of a lamb unblemished and spotless,
the blood of Christ.
1 Peter 1:18–19
Be holy GRATEFULLY!
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1 comment:
My take on your Christian broken windows analogy is that we are quite capable of breaking that first window, then more windows and gathering more litter without Satan’s help. We start our own slide down that slippery slope and sin (left unchecked / not confessed / not turned from) always takes us farther away from God than we think has occurred. I would further say of this analogy, that Satan seems to dedicate more his time on those well-kept “buildings” – the ones that are an effective witness for God. It is there that Satan labors to break a window or two.
From a philosophical/theological standpoint, one could argue that Satan is involved on some level in all of the broken windows and litter in our lives; but from a practical standpoint, one need not know or settle such issues in one’s mind in order to repair the damage via prayer and change.
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