If you convert to a religion in jail, is that really voluntary, yes or no?

Answer 1

In the case of certain celebrities, I think its just an act motivated by whatever over-dramatized experience they percieved as having in jail, but ultimately it is their choice.

As for the religion making its way through jails, I think its quite convenient for both parties.
Many of these imprisoned men and women are in despair, waiting, lonely and have not much to do but think.
Why am I here?
Do I have a purpose in life?
Is there something better for me than this?
Among the many questions we all ask ourselves, whether in or out of jail.

If a person is emotionally broken down, then he or she is vulnerable to be taken advantage of psychologically.
Religion then becomes the easy crutch to lean on when attempting to find answers for questions as the ones above, to them it represents hope.

Yes, it is their choice to believe, no one is forcing them, but it is also a smart manuever from the churches to expand their following (preying on desperate people) especially in Christianity (all branches within) and Islam.
And that doesn't include all the other little perks that come with this, monetarily speaking.

I'm not saying that all Christians and Muslims are intentionally preying on the people whom are locked up, but indirectly, the purpose is to sell their religion, and in most cases, to gain financially.

Edit: Furiousblue made an excellent point about the sentence, forgot about that...

Answer 2

Well, it seems like convicted celebrities miraculously find Jesus in the brief span of time between the verdict being read and the first press conference. Maybe it's just the regular folks who wait until they're actually in jail before they open their hearts to the Lord. Either way, I'm sure it's legitimate inspiration by the spirit and not the fact that inmates usually get their sentences reduced when they convert to Christianity.

Answer 3

If people felt threatend they would all be with the black muslims in jail. I have heard theya re the most hard core and intimadating at times.

I would say voluntary. You must remember the majority isn't religous sects in jail so there is little to no threat..This may vary by local but not by much to be of concern.

Answer 4

No its usually influenced by your surroundings or the people in your surroundings...PEER PRESSURE to some extent...the true act of searching out god should be done within yourself not from a normal expected way of being from the majority around you...study all religions since you have time...buddism, taoism, all the christian forms alone will keep you busy, MY FAVORITE is taoism and some of the studies that deal with how energy works..but you will find comfort in believing in someone or something more than you

Answer 5

I dont know if its "voluntary" or not, but I have known several people who "found Religion" while they were incarcerated.
And almost none of those people who claimed to have "seen the light" while in jail, continued to to believe after they left.

Answer 6

Sure. It voluntary for the sake of the parole board. There's a lotta converts to public atonement.

Answer 7

There could be some sincere conversions, but with prison ministries receiving tax dollars to evangelise in jail, (thanks to the Bush admin)while secular rehabilitation services are not offered, it could be , it is also likely that prisoners are "converting" (or pretending to convert) just for the perks that aren't available any other way. (Inner change program used to give it's participants color TV's , private bathrooms, etc. Inmates were kicked out of the program if they weren't "religiously correct")

Also, if a prisoner is up for parole, he's going to give them the whole "I found Jesus" spiel, in hopes of getting paroled.

Answer 8

Yes.

I've led Bible studies in jail for many years.

Not all jail conversions are real, but they are all voluntary.

Chaplains in jails and prisons have very little influence on guards or judges.

Pastor Art

Answer 9

ppl are so down and out with few visitors that, that is when they decide to call on their maker. most ppl call on Jesus when they hit rock bottom with no where else to go. yes its voluntary

Answer 10

No.

There are many instrances in which nonbelievers are discriminated against in prison, and other advantages, so it could be easily seen as under duress.