Based upon data from The Prison Policy Initiative, approximately 440,000 people
are currently in prison due to drug offenses.[1] e This accounts for approximately
20% of inmates are a direct result of illegal drug arrests. e Like mentioned in the
McQuilken and Copan textbook, “ (The US Prison system) only functions well as a
just form of punishment; retributive justice is served—although, insofar as
criminals are behind bars, they will not be a danger to the public (protection of the
innocent).”[2] e Also in the textbook, there were several alternatives to prison that
were presented for the almost 75% of non-violent crimes. e From my perspective,
there was one idea that stood out as a good alternative and one that was a poor
alternative. e First, the poor alternative was in the increased use of monetary fines
or expropriation of property. e While this would deter some members of society
from crime, I believe others would abuse this system to continue criminal activity
and skirt their required monetary/property payments. e In my time debating the
value of this system, it seems to require a large support system for minimal
monetary gain. e Next, I felt like the community service or service role option would
be a more useful option for an alternative to prison. e I believe that this could even
be expanded to include monetary payment for services completed. e If criminals
would be monitored daily, with frequent drug tests, and receive compensation for
their work, it could push them toward rehabilitation.
While justice is served and citizens are protected from these criminals, the prison
system lacks the needed push for rehabilitation and deterrence. e I believe this is
where our Christian responsibility must come in to guide people to rehabilitation
and ultimately regeneration. e I am personally involved in a ministry called
Celebrate Recovery. e This ministry is a 12-step Christ-centered program focusing
on people’s “hurts, habits, and hang-ups.” e These 12 steps bring people to the
realization that there is a higher power, they have sinned, humbly ask God to
remove their defects, make amends to those they hurt, and disciple them through
Christ. e Attendees are encouraged weekly through worship, a large group
testimonial, and sharing their journey in small groups. e Through this ministry, I
have seen the burdens people carry filled by drugs and alcohol lifted off them by
understanding the grace that comes through Jesus Christ. e e Since it’s inception in
1991, Celebrate Recovery has seen more than 5 million people complete a step
study and they have grown their ministry to include recovery homes, rescue
missions, universities, and prisons.[3] e It is this type of ministry that Christians
should sponsor and engage. e Even if we have not commuted the same crimes as
those in prison, we are all sinners unworthy of God’s grace and humbly meeting
people where they are and showing them the love and grace of Jesus increases
the impact of our evangelism and brings them to the point of rehabilitation and
regeneration.
Word Count: 543
[1] Wendy Sawyer and Peter Wagner, “Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie 2020,”
Prison Policy Initiative, March 24, 2020,
https://www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/pie2020.html.
[2] Robertson McQuilkin, and Paul Copan,
An Introduction to Biblical Ethics:
Walking in the Way of Wisdom
(Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2014), 436.
