Conning or Conversion? The Role of Religion in Prison Coping

Abstract

Prisons today face what might be a nearly insurmountable task: somehow to meld humane, safe confinement and correctional programming within the context of expanding populations of offenders serving longer sentences. The use of prison religious programs presents one unique program opportunity to channel inmates’ energies in meaningful and beneficial ways. Although religion has always played a vital role in correctional programming, it has also evoked controversy because uninhibited religious expression may conflict with concerns relating to security and safety. In this article, the authors assess a variety of issues surrounding the provision of religious services in prison settings.

Understanding Personal Change in a Women’s Faith-Based Transitional Center

“…In making claims of substantive conversions, residents seemed cognizant of the fact that change is difficult and that many in the general public are doubtful of the possibility of dramatic change, especially among those who have served time in prison and have drug and alcohol problems. Skeptics abound of -jailhouse conversions‖ and sudden instances of individuals -finding religion‖ while experiencing stressful life events [18,22,[30][31][32][33]. Residents of The Center seemed aware that their chances for success were in some cases a -long shot,‖ and would be diminished with each relapse.…”

“…Among these religious adherents, there is a focus on having a conversion experience or singular moment of commitment to faith that is -accompanied by substantial changes in attitudes, thoughts, and self-understandings‖ [22]. This conversion is often conceived of as a -religious epiphany‖ or as being -born again‖ [19][20][21]. Indeed, religious epiphanies often create a shift in how the -saved‖ individuals define their past and current selves.…”

A büntetés-végrehajtási szervezet reintegrációs tevékenységeinek új rendszere

“…Hozzájárulnak ugyanis ahhoz, hogy az elítéltek meg tudjanak birkózni a büntetés-végrehajtási intézet kemény, kíméletlen, néhol embertelen környezetével, ehhez biztosít erőt számukra (Dammer, 2002;Sundt, 1997;Szegál, 2007;Thomas és Zaitzow, 2006).…”

Redemption from the Inside-Out: The Power of Faith-Based Programming

“…While some inmates, staff, and members of society share the belief that inmates practice religion to manipulate or "con" others into early release decisions or to influence Wardens or Chaplains to improve prison living conditions, prisoner religious organizations present a unique opportunity to channel inmate energies and use their talents in meaningful and beneficial ways (Thomas & Zaitzow, 2006).…”

“…Many prison officials report that religious activities are widely popular and successful. Thus, it is not surprising that increasing theoretical attention has focused on the use of such programs in a correctional institution as well as a resource for reentry efforts (O'Connor, 2004(O'Connor, , 2004(O'Connor, -2005Thomas & Zaitzow, 2006).…”