At first this sounds like a step toward objectivity. Who are we, after all, to disagree with modern science? It is actually a retreat into subjectivity similar to the previous question. We leave the rightness or wrongness of a behavior up to an individual's most deeply felt emotional needs.

Analogously, modern psychological insights into the nature of kleptomaniac behavior show it also to be measurably different from acts of stealing in general. Criminal law recognizes this by assigning diminished responsibility for kleptomania. Catholic canon law does the same.

The Bible considers the whole spectrum of stealing sinful -- from stealing because of unchosen deep psychological necessity to stealing courageously chosen to provide bread for your children. The Bible's solution to kleptomania is to do the opposite. (Ephesians 4:28)

30 August 1996. Copyright information is available.