Corruption is a form of dishonest or unethical conduct by a person entrusted with a position of

authority, often to acquire personal benefit. Corruption may include many activities
including bribery and embezzlement.
Morality is a way of conduct that a person acts and behaves in the acceptable norms and values
of a given society. In different areas of the world, people have different ways of living and
conducts. Therefore being moral varies in different areas and aspects. In the Christian setting,
being corrupt is immoral hence an abomination by God

FORMS OF CORRUPTION INCLUDE;

Bribery- Bribery involves the improper use of gifts and favours in exchange for personal
gain.
Extortion and blackmail- This can be the threat of violence or false imprisonment as
well as exposure of an individual's secrets or prior crimes.
Fraud- involves using deception to convince the owner of funds or assets to give them
up to an unauthorized party
Favouritism, nepotism and clientelism -involve the favouring of not the perpetrator of
corruption but someone related to them, such as a friend, family member or member of
an association
Embezzlement- involves tis the illegal taking or appropriation of money or property that
has been entrusted to a person but is actually owned by another.

CAUSES OF CORRUPTION

Poor welfare- due to poor standards of living brought about poverty, people are forced to
being corrupt.
Personal greed-leads to an unfettered desire for money or power, with no regard
whatsoever to moral boundaries.
Decline of personal ethical sensitivity
No sense of service when working in public or private institutions- this enhances use
politics for their selfish interests, instead of serving the common good through politics.
Low awareness or lack of courage to denounce corrupt behavior- That is the case of
someone who is aware of corruption and stays quiet. They simply cover for the corrupt
individuals,
Cultural environments that condone corruption- Such as defending or even admiring
crooks.
Permissiveness of society- people do what they want hence causing corruption
Regulations and inefficient controls
Slow judicial processes- Judges slow Judge and by the time the sentence comes, the
crime already is nearly forgotten
Lack of moral criteria in promotions
Downplaying or reacting mildly to corruption charges

Peer group pressure- Some embezzle funds because their friends in different fields also
to so
Low salaries and wages

EFFECTS OF CORRUPTION

Brings about income inequalities- corrupt people tend to become more rich than others
hence they control the poor
Lack of proper justice- Corruption in judiciary system, leads to improper justice. And
the victims of offense might suffer.
Chances of Unemployment- where by some people bribe to get jobs and the innocent
people end up unemployed.
Lack of respect for rulers- the public tend not to respect corrupt people in society.
Lack of faith and trust on the governments- corruption reduces faith and truth of the
citizens towards the government
Decrease in foreign investment- investors fair to invest in corrupt countries
Delay in growth and development- misuse of government funds delays economic
growth of corrupt countries
Differences in trade ratios

BIBLICAL VIEW ON CORRUPTION

The Old Testament reveals that corruption can never bring to true justice, Exodus 23:8.
The apostle Peter gives more encouragement to the followers of Jesus Christ in his
second letter to do away with corruption. 2 Peter 1:3-4
Sinful desires and being greed is the root cause of corruption, 2 Peter 1:4, 1 Timothy
6:45
The bible condemns corruption, Acts 2:27, Psalms 16:10
St Paul says that corruption is a crime that should be taken to courts of law.
Corruption is sinful, Hosea 9:9

CHRISTIAN RESPONSE ON CORRUPTION

Christians should be encouraged to work hard as co-creators with God.

Christians should abide by the teaching of the Ten Commandments.
The church should expose the corrupt and condemn them
The church should organize seminars, conferences to help shape the minds of citizens
Christians should encourage setting up anti-corruption bodies.
Christians should develop the attitude of practice and endurance.
Christians should counsel and guide the victims of corruption