The cover of the most recent Harvard Magazine proclaims it in large letters: “America’s Prison Problem.”
The accompanying article by Elizabeth Gudrais does a good job describing the current state of prisons in the United States. The author effectively shows that the current system is both inefficient and ineffective. She points out the sky-high incarceration numbers (2.2 million Americans behind bars) and the staggering recidivism rates for those released from prison (two-thirds will be arrested within three years of release; half will return to prison). She shows the relationship between incarceration and sociological indicators such as race, poverty, and education level. She also discusses many of the difficulties that face prisoners upon release, and the reasons why so many of these men and women find themselves back behind bars.
All very important points. But are these things, collectively, the “prison problem,” or are they symptoms of a greater issue?
In highlighting all the elements that contribute to the failures of the current justice system, the article attempts to assign systematic repairs. What it fails to consider is the importance of cultural and spiritual renewal in such reforms, and the role private citizens and non-governmental agencies can and should play in the process.
“Reentry services for the released only go so far,” says Gudrais. “Making a real dent in the size of the prison population will require intervening in a cycle that begins long before any crime is committed.” On this point, Gudrais is absolutely correct. However, she fails to mention two very important sources for breaking such a cycle—families and churches.
Statistics have consistently indicated that children from intact, two-parent families less likely to be involved in violent crime. A 2005 study reveals that a decrease in the number of fathers in a particular neighborhood has a direct correlation to the increase in juvenile violence in that community. Other studies have highlighted the role of regular church attendance in reducing crime rates among at-risk children.
While there is definitely a need to revitalize and reform the justice system itself, there is an even greater need to change the culture which feeds our prisons and perpetuates a cycle of crime that impacts generations. Families and churches are uniquely positioned to have an impact on the hearts and minds of people stuck in a spiral of crime and incarceration, and leaving them out of the process is only likely to reduce the effectiveness of any desired reforms.
“Often we want to say that people in prison are criminal and evil and unredeemable, or that they’re innocent and victims of circumstance,” says Professor Bruce Western, faculty chair of the Harvard Kennedy School Program in Criminal Justice Policy and Management. “The truth is that they’re neither of those things. You can do some very terrible things in your life and yet be deeply human at the same time.”
This is true. However, of the things criminal justice system can and should offer a returning prisoner, redemption is not one of those things. Fortunately, there is One who does offer redemption and forgiveness, as well as new life and a new purpose.
Prison Fellowship (and the churches and individuals who partner with us) are able to offer prisoners and their families something that state agencies cannot—the life that comes through Jesus Christ, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. To find out how you can join us in being the hands and feet of Christ to those in need, visit our get involved page.