Based upon data from The Prison Policy Initiative, approximately 440,000
people are currently in prison due to drug offenses.[1]" This accounts for
approximately 20% of inmates are a direct result of illegal drug arrests."
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]" Also in the
textbook, there were several alternatives to prison that were presented
for the almost 75% of non-violent crimes." From my perspective, there
was one idea that stood out as a good alternative and one that was a poor
alternative." First, the poor alternative was in the increased use of
monetary fines or expropriation of property." 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." In my time debating the value of this system, it seems to
require a large support system for minimal monetary gain." Next, I felt like
the community service or service role option would be a more useful
option for an alternative to prison." I believe that this could even be
expanded to include monetary payment for services completed." 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." I
believe this is where our Christian responsibility must come in to guide
people to rehabilitation and ultimately regeneration." I am personally
involved in a ministry called Celebrate Recovery." This ministry is a 12-
step Christ-centered program focusing on people’s “hurts, habits, and
hang-ups.”" 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."
Attendees are encouraged weekly through worship, a large group
testimonial, and sharing their journey in small groups." 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." "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]" It is this type of ministry that Christians should sponsor and
engage." 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.
[3]"“History of Celebrate Recovery,” Celebrate Recovery: A Christ-
Centered 12-Step Program, last modified March 25, 2018,
https://www.celebraterecovery.com/about/history-of-cr.
