Subject: Re: Practical request for info
From: Bfp2000@aol.com
Date: Thu Nov 02 2000 - 16:22:10 CST
Jeanne:
Good question. Considering the main thrust of a vast majority of US prisons
(assuming you're in the US) is warehousing prisoners instead of
rehabilitating them, the introduction of religion by members of the community
into the prison can be a very positive a form of non-governmental behavior
modification intervention. I won't speculate on the degree of success,
however, even if she turns ONE felon around every so often, she has
accomplished something for society's benefit (luckily my personal physician
doesn't have the same philosophy)!
I would venture to say that many prisoners feel anger towards society for
being in prison, and this is one way for society to show we care and perhaps
take the "edge off" of some of the anger in some of the prisoners. Religious
principles deal in the same arena as correctional counseling... admitting
your faults and pledging to live by rules (be they laws or commandments)...
When I was a probation officer we used to say that "Jesus lives in our County
Jail" because as soon as someone was released they were sure to tell us that
they "found Jesus" while they were in jail (I've been to the County Jail to
visit my probationers... never saw Jesus though). Regrettably many returned
to their old ways, but some did shake their past and stay out of trouble.
Your aunt has found what I believe is a very important ministry... one that
is perhaps neglected (in the correctional professions) and definitely
under-researched... please pass on my encouragement!
Bruce F. Pawlak
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