Inmates Would Benefit from Atheist Groups in Jails
I often read about Christian groups who go to jails and hold services or their version of counseling sessions. Sheriffs who run county jails compliment these Christian groups saying inmates who take part are often easier to control.
There is no evidence that inmates who receive Christian training are any better off for that experience than non Christians. The rate of inmates who have participated in "Christian training" are released and return to jail is no better than those who have not participated.
I know there have been overtures made to the Cass County ND Sheriff to allow opportunities for atheist groups to hold meetings in the Cass County Jail. I understand those overtures have not been well received.
In Iowa, one of the State's prisons has developed an active atheist group. This is the Ft. Dodge Correctional Facility.
A member of the Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers Society holds meetings regularly inside the prison. A library with atheist reading material is available. An inmate has taken on a leadership role in developing a reading list and in conducting atheist ceremonies such as in prison funerals. At atheists gatherings inside the prison everyone is welcome including religious inmates. Some Christians who attend say they have experienced doubts about their faith and find the atheist gathering helpful in understanding themselves.
As the U.S. society outside prisons has become more and more secular, providing inmates with exposure to atheism may help them in their post prison life.
Generally speaking, if a person is in jail it is because they are either atheist or not practicing their religious precepts, i.e. sinning. Atheism implies following one's own made-up personal moral code, if any personal moral code. Religious belief is nearly always aligned with a set of moral codes which are not chosen by the person but are for all people of that faith. The best example might be the Ten Commandments. One would probably not be in jail if one was following the Ten Commandments.
ReplyDeleteMatt 2:34 "Generally speaking" we could say something factual. Nearly all inmates self identify as Christian. Christian inmates have been known to taunt non Christian inmates.
ReplyDelete"Atheism implies following one's made-up personal moral codes..." Facts show the number of people unaffiliated to any religious organization is increasing, the number in organized religions falling. This can only mean if people remain religious, they are making up their own religious views. Separation of church and state mean separation of government, the general public, from religion.
As to the Ten Commandments and prisoners, a huge proportion are in jail because of drug violations. The Ten Commandments do not seem to cover that.
From 2012, http://www.pewforum.org/2012/03/22/prison-chaplains-exec/
Deletereligious extremism displayed by inmates is very low. The 3 highest, in order, are
1. Muslims (59%),
2. Pagans (37%), and
3. Protestants (24%).
Jon - those pagans are your people. Catholics are at 8%.
Perhaps having atheists running jail 'ministries' is not such a good idea. Still, if the content is not anything like your blogs, it might be useful. For example, atheists running a jail ministry on woodwork, self-help, auto mechanics would be fine.
Your point about falling religious affiliation is pointless. Your conclusion about "making up their own religious views" is baffling since people can adopt a certain religion after studying or feeling compelled. They don't make it up out of nothing.
Separation of Church and State really means keeping the State out of the Church's business a la the Bill of Rights. Other than that it is simply a philosophy espoused by one of the founders ... one.
Drug violations are an abuse of one's body, a sin. Harming one's self or another is a sin.
We could put more criminals like catholic priests who molest children in jail.
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ReplyDeleteMark "atheism means following one's own MADE UP moral code."
ReplyDeleteThe vast majority of prisoners in penitentiaries/jails are self identified Christians. They made up their own moral codes. Christians make up their own moral codes--different Christians have different moral codes.
We have laws. To some extent they are based on a collective view of moral codes. Mostly they are about one person/group taking what belongs to another.
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DeleteJon understands the point but prefers to deflect and twist.
DeleteIf one is Catholic, the moral teachings of the Church are what defines a Catholic and his moral code. One is not free to change - "cafeteria Catholic" - or pick their own bits and pieces and still call one's self Catholic. The same is generally true of anyone who ascribes to a religious denomination that professes an absolute moral code. Those religions, and there are many, which let you pick and choose what you believe, are worthless. Sure, there are things which are optional. For example, I can still be a good Catholic without having an abiding belief in certain approved apparitions.
Those that are in jail are probably there for being both a criminal and a sinner. They violated the moral code of their religion as well as the laws of the local jurisdiction. Being a Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Jew, etc. does not mean one is perfect. Moral codes are broken. Sinners are healed, i.e. forgiven and the path towards salvation is still traveled.