Prison minister 

Prison religion includes the religious beliefs and practices of prison inmates, usually stemming from or including concepts surrounding their imprisonment and accompanying lifestyle.1

Contents

History

Religion being found and/or expressed in the setting of a prison or jail cell can be traced back several thousands of years; the Bible mentions a few instances of this.2

In 1987, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that prison inmates retain constitutional rights, including that of religion.3

A recent 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

Religious groups are known to supply scripture and reading material, organize programs and worship, and train chaplains for work in prisons.

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:

  1. Gaining direction and meaning one's life.
  2. Improving one's concept of self.
  3. Promoting personal behavioral change.
  4. Gaining protection.
  5. Meeting other inmates.
  6. Meeting volunteers.
  7. Obtaining prison resources.56

See also

Notable Organizations

Buddhist

Christian

Jewish

References

  1. ^ Religion in Prison - Harry R. Dammer, University of Scranton
  2. ^ Paul and Silas Imprisoned, The Philippian Jailer Saved - King James Version of the Bible, BibleGateway.com
  3. ^ Radical Religion in Prison - Brian Levin, Intelligence Report, Southern Poverty Law Center, Fall 2003
  4. ^ 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):443–457
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ Dammer, Harry R. 1992. Piety in Prison. Ann Arbor: University Microfilms.