Why is it that convicts convert to Christianity not atheism?

Answer 1

I've no doubt SOME are genuine converts.

BUT I've also have a strong suspicion that some (can anyone say Paris Hilton??) who "finds God" to look good at their parole & the like.

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Answer 2

Atheism (rationality) would tell them factually what's in store for them but religion (say,Christianity and it's legendary-forgiveness ) gives them a hope to escape from the consequences.It's more apt in their case,'a man lives on Hope'.They also think that by converting to Christianity ,people shall accept the impression that he has regrets and has reformed which may get him some leniency in the punishment.

Answer 3

Because our society is structured so that one has a better chance even when faking Christianity, even over being honest and admitting a belief in atheism. Tell 'em what they want to hear, make them believe they have "saved" another soul.

I was raised Christian, but it amazes me how deep-seated religion and self-righteousness can cloud people's judgment.

Answer 4

Convicts eventually feel remorse for their actions and so seek some higher power to forgive them .. someone to repent to.. The christian church teaches repentence and gives the convict a feeling of community. Convicts may also feel fearful of the afterlife and want to repent so that they can enjoy the afterlife. Atheism is harder for convicts to relate to as it means that have to come to terms with what they have done and realise that they ARE responsible and that no matter what they do they cant turn back the clock.

Answer 5

A. It won't help with the parole board
B. Prison is not a good place to have a religious "discussion" with other prisoners/guards
C. Atheists are less likely to commit crimes
D. It won't help with the parole board.

Some become muslims because they have a strong recruiting force on the inside and it is a good way to make friends, avoid gangs, get of drugs (for a while)

Answer 6

To blend in with the crowd.

"Convicts register their religious affiliation when they're processed into prison. And about 99.5% of the huge U.S.A. prison population consists of inmates who identified themselves as members of religious denominations." — Gene M. Kasmar.

"We have often seen reliable statistics showing that the percentage of the North American population who hold no religious beliefs ranges between 13% and 37% (in BC); the percentage of prison inmates who are atheists is about 1%." — The Canadian Atheist, 1996.

"Out of convicted rapists, 57% admitted to reading pornography. 95% admitted to reading the Bible."

Answer 7

Exposure to Christian proslityzing and acceptability...Not many athiests go to prisons to give the word of "no god" and try to convert prisoners from Christianity. think about it...? Aren't Athiests kind of ostracized in our country...?

Answer 8

Christianity offers more hope than just self reliance.


Also, in prison if you are not part of a group---the predators will eat you. And the chapel crowd are left alone.

Answer 9

Maybe during the time of their imprisonment, they have no where else to seek solace. No relatives and friends to speak to.
Given their extended periods of free time their given, they "find" God to make them stronger or initially, blame God for turning His back to them.
As time passes, they gradually forgive themselves of their past convictions, and while doing so, change their perception of God, thinking that it is all a test to strengthen their beliefs or resolve

Answer 10

Because it makes them look better sounds better for them to say i just got out of prison but I found God there, than saying I went to prison and now im an athiest....We know that Christians have good morals and Athiest do not have a set of rules and morals... not that their bad people