I took some flak years ago for saying that we shouldn’t imitate savage behavior by, for example, sentencing a man who had thrown acid in the face of his estranged girlfriend to similar treatment in a public stadium.
“You think he should get away with a slap on the wrist!?!”
“No, I said I thought he should be shot. Can’t you read?”
I’m also on record saying that, if we’re going to sentence minor criminals to anal rape, we should come out and openly do it ... perhaps even have the people who give the sentence also do the deed.
I don’t really like saying the person should be shot. However, if we’re trying to prevent him from causing further severe harm to others - whether “he’s” a child rapist or a repeat murderer - we have to do something. At this point, our system neither prevents his being released - no matter what his sentence-of-record is - nor prevents his causing severe harm to others while incarcerated.
In addition, the system limits the possibility of genuine rehabilitation for many by restricting Christian programs for prisoners. Prison Fellowship’s programs have an excellent success rate in reducing bad behavior in prison and recidivism. However, the system cannot acknowledge that turning repeat offenders into productive, law-abiding, born-again Christians is an improvement.
“I don’t really like saying the person should be shot. However, if we’re trying to prevent him from causing further severe harm to others ................-”
I so agree!
“In addition, the system limits the possibility of genuine rehabilitation for many by restricting Christian programs for prisoners. Prison Fellowship’s programs have an excellent success rate in reducing bad behavior in prison and recidivism. However, the system cannot acknowledge that turning repeat offenders into productive, law-abiding, born-again Christians is an improvement.”
I was not aware of this! Do you know for how long this has been going on and in what states?
I know some protestants in my area who do prison work, they seem to have no trouble. I have even known some Muslims (yes I know everyone) to go into the jails. The Catholics, and Mrs. D you should know if this, have the Legion of Mary http://www.legionofmary.ie/ which visits people in jail and seems to have a positive affect.
I agree there should be more Christians visiting the jails and they should be allowed.
I saw a documentary of Jeff Dahmer and that he converted to Christianity. He was even baptized in prison before he was murdered. I know these people do have a positive affect.