I am not sure there is in practice such a thing as a "general deterrent." People rarely make decisions based on the possible negative consequences of their actions. If going to hell is not a deterrent, would an extra year in prison be? I believe the research shows that what deters people is the certainty of being caught, not the harshness of the potential punishment.
Yep, a criminal record is much more of a deterrant or punishment than even spending time in jail. One physician told me how she was obligated to ask a physician being credentialed at a hospital about his one rather silly youth crime from when was 18 years old. Even 30 or 40 years of stellar and honest work will not prevent you from being questioned or judged about the one crime you committed.
I am not sure there is in practice such a thing as a "general deterrent." People rarely make decisions based on the possible negative consequences of their actions. If going to hell is not a deterrent, would an extra year in prison be? I believe the research shows that what deters people is the certainty of being caught, not the harshness of the potential punishment.
Yep, a criminal record is much more of a deterrant or punishment than even spending time in jail. One physician told me how she was obligated to ask a physician being credentialed at a hospital about his one rather silly youth crime from when was 18 years old. Even 30 or 40 years of stellar and honest work will not prevent you from being questioned or judged about the one crime you committed.
I'm proud of the bishop for not excusing this crime. I'm appalled at how trivial the penalties are for Father Thief.