Do you think that when people go to prison, they really become saved, or use that to get out sooner?

Question

I don't doubt some are genuine, but do you ever wonder if some of them are just using it to get free sooner?

Would love to hear your opinions.

Answer 1

I would do almost anything to get out, even lie.

Answer 2

I've volunteered at the local level-4 State Prison, and from my experience (limited to that prison, of course) religious activity in the prison took several forms (or, I should say, had several motivations):

* a relatively safe activity (any activity that gets the guys off the yard is seen as good - religious ceremonies are safer than being on the yard)

* another type of gang (the inmates tend to group by ethnicity - most Muslim convesions in prison are of black inmates, likewise most Pagan inmates are white)

* an investment in getting a quicker parole (this would not apply to Pagan inamtes, for example, but conversion to Christianity may help when it comes to parole hearings)

* an opportunity to get things - and any posession at all is a plus

* an oportunity for contact with women (in the case of male inmates)

* an opportunity to try to con someone likely to be credulous

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That said, *some* of the inmates are genuinely concerned about their spiritual life. Some of them become more so in prison.

Answer 3

I've seen a lot of jailhouse conversions. Some are real and last while most fade soon after the prisoner is released.
When you are in jail its easier to turn to God because you have hit rock bottom, once you are out, the world will pull back the people that's hearts were not 100% converted but rather a conversion of convenience

Answer 4

Yes, I agree some are genuine, My Pastor for example, was saved while in Jail 25 years ago and never looked back after being saved 25 years ago.

My son is an example of the other side, he said he "made peace with God" while he was in jail and was changed, but when he got out he soon returned to his old ways , I knew this would happen before he did as a Christian can spot another Christian easily, we can tell one who is a false Christian and a true one.

Answer 5

Since I have worked as a religious volunteer in prisons, I know that the ones who claim to be saved, usually have.

Those that attended religious classes in prison are hand selected by the Chaplin of the prison.

Those with no interest in religious matters are not asked to attend.

Usually they do not get out early just because they have accepted Jesus in their life. That is a misconception.

grace2u

Answer 6

I think that there is probably a small group might be sincere however i think for the most part they might believe it can help their chances of getting released sooner.There is another factor i am looking at as well that people may get spiritual thinking it may help while they are prison because there are many that might have met trouble while in prison.People are always looking for a safe haven.

Answer 7

We come to Christ in our darkest hours. Well prison is a pretty dark hour wouldnt you say? I believe many are actually saved. Many our like the parable of the sower. Many hear the Word and take it to heart and are on fire for God at first but then they lose it just as quickly. Yes Im sure many use it to get out early. Just as many pastors dont have a true relationship with Christ and do it for the money. Peace out.............

Answer 8

Some of them have nothing else to do while they are in jail. I think they really feel like some of them feel like really have been saved but when they get out they get caught up in the outside world once again and just let it go. I have seen two people do that and one of them was my brother. He went to church while he was in jail he even talked about going when he got out. Now I can't get him to go for nothing. So what is you're opinion??

Answer 9

When I was in prison-for a very short sentence I should add- religion was just used as an excuse to get out of doing other tasks. I don't believe I met one single person who I would describe as genuinely commited to Christianity.

Answer 10

For some people I am sure it's just a lazy man's excuse to get out of work, and a liar's way of getting out on good behavior or something.

However I know for a fact that many people DO get saved in prison. The proof is in their life when they get out. How do they tslk? Where do they go? Who do they hang out with?

God can use any circumstance to reach people.

Answer 11

There is no doubt that some people do use it do get out sooner, and sometimes they can fool even the brightest judge. There is one that will never be fooled though and on judgement day that person who lied and thought He won will have lost it all