Prison religion
Prison religion includes the religious beliefs and practices of prison inmates, usually stemming from or including concepts surrounding their imprisonment and accompanying lifestyle.[1] "Prison Ministry" is a larger concept, including the support of the spiritual and religious needs of prison guards and staff, whose work in an often demanding and brutal environment often creates a special need for pastoral care, similar to the care that is extended to the military, police officers and fire fighters.
History
Many religious groups often supply scripture and reading material, organize programs and worship, and train
In the United States, early
English prison chaplains also heard confessions from condemned prisoners, some of which were published – for example, the 18th century Ordinary of Newgate's Account. Such accounts presented the prisoners as coming to terms with their guilt and preparing for salvation.
Chaplains have worked with prisoners and prison staff for many years, even before formal legislation addressed the constitutional rights of inmates.
A 2005 Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion study suggests that the practice of religion significantly reduces the chance of prisoners to engage in verbal or physical altercations, and increases the likelihood of reform after completing prison sentence time.[4]
Reasons for religious involvement
Prisoners may become involved with religion while incarcerated for a variety of reasons ranging from the materially pragmatic to the personal and spiritual. According to research conducted by sociologist Harry R. Dammer, some of the more prominent reasons include:
- Gaining direction and meaning in one's life.
- Improving one's concept of self.
- Promoting personal behavioral change.
- Gaining protection.
- Meeting other inmates.
- Meeting volunteers.
- Obtaining prison resources.[5][6]
In 1970, Rabbi Philip R. Alstat, who served as Jewish chaplain for The Tombs, the Manhattan Detention Facility, for thirty years, and also served as the Secretary of the National Jewish Council of Prison Chaplains, shared his vision of prison ministry by saying, "My goals are the same as those of the prison authorities – to make better human beings. The only difference is that their means are discipline, security, and iron bars. Mine are the spiritual ministrations that operate with the mind and the heart."[7]
See also
- Prison contemplative programs
- Prison reform
- Religion in United States prisons
- Conversion to Islam in prisons
Organizations
- Aleph Institute
- International Network of Prison Ministries
- Crossroad Bible Institute
- Buddhist Peace Fellowship
- Exodus Ministries
- Prison Fellowship
- International Prison Chaplains' Association
References
- ^ Religion in Prison Archived 2007-07-02 at the Wayback Machine. Harry R. Dammer, University of Scranton
- ^ The preaching of Islam: a history of the propagation of the Muslim faith. Sir Thomas Walker Arnold, p. 335
- ^ Clear, Todd R., Cole, George F., Reisig, Michael D. 2008. American Corrections. Florence, KY: Cengage Learning.
- ^ UAB Study Finds Religion Helps Reduce Negative Prison Behaviors. Gail Short, UAB.edu, citing: Kent R. Kerley, Todd L. Matthews and Troy C. Blanchard. (2005) "Religiosity, Religious Participation, and Negative Prison Behaviors." Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion. 44(4):443–57
- ^ Dammer, Harry R. 2006. "Religion in prison." In Encyclopedia of American Prisons, edited by Marylin D. McShane and Frank P. Williams III. New York: Garland Publishing.
- ^ Dammer, Harry R. 1992. Piety in Prison. Ann Arbor: University Microfilms.
- ^ Edward Fiske, New York Times, "City Prison Chaplains' Load is Heavy", Oct 26, 1970.