2007-10-03 07:28:56 · 10 answers · asked by Will 1 in Social Science ➔ Other - Social Science
I was a probation supervisor for 3 years....my offenders often "found God" in jail....I usually found it to be a load of crap they were saying to try and get on my good side.
I guess it could be because often the only visitors are from churches....my deacon has a huge mission in the prisons....it could be they honestly take time to reflect on their lives, maybe they are quiet enough to hear the voice of God......
Call me a skeptic, but most of my defendants were sorry they got caught, not sorry for what they did and you can only find God when you are repented (and thus don't do it anymore) for your sins, not regretful of the consequences.
The Bible says "All of sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." "Whosoever believes in Him, shall never die." "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us."
So...yes it is possible, and many do...but a lot are playing the God card.
2007-10-03 07:38:28 · answer #1 · answered by jm1970 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am a criminal defense attorney. I do see this sometimes where someone starts talking the talk while in jail or prison. I have never seen it used in a bond hearing. It is rarely used in sentencing hearings because it is somewhat of a cliche- the judge will be cynical because he has seen so many people backslide and end up before him again. It only is helpful if there is some real evidence to back it up, not just saying it.
So, despite what some others here are saying, it is not usually a cynical attempt to get out of trouble. It doesn't really work in terms of getting out of the trouble they are already in, but it might help in terms of keeping them out of getting into future trouble. Like many other christians, many of these guys backslide and don't continue with their new faith, not because it was all a deception to start with, but because it was no longer easy or convenient for them. Some others do hold on tightly to their jailhouse religion like a drowning man holding on to a lifejacket because they know if they don't, they will go back to their old ways.
I think that many of these inmates have low impulse control and most have addictions. When they are clean and sober in jail and do not have their old buddies around, they can profess to have had a religious conversion, however like many religious converts, it is by their fruits that you will know them. Some do make real changes in their lives. Most will relapse.
There are some very effective prison ministry programs. I usually suggest getting into programs as opposed to the go-it alone style which these guys are often used to. Attend church, go to 12 step programs, etc.
Most people involved with inmates/criminals develop a cynical attitude because they have been deceived/disappointed so many times. They just think the inmates will never change and will always do drugs and be low-lifes. This attitude is then passed on to the inmates and they are surrounded by people who think they have no chance of ever changing their lives, so the inmates themselves think they are losers who will never make it.
Not only is this thinking false, but it can keep these guys trapped where they are because no one believes in them or thinks that they can make it. So, I try not to be cynical despite the fact that I keep seeing many of the same guys again and again. Many do make real changes in their lives, often because of religion or 12 step program or something and don't repeat.
Anyway, to get back to your question, there are christian jail and prison programs and some of the guys get some comfort from religion because they are going through some difficult times. Sometimes it sticks with them and sometimes it doesn't.
2007-10-03 09:07:10 · answer #2 · answered by Ron L 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It looks good at a parole hearing to see they have adopted a set of guidelines to live by.
2007-10-03 07:59:59 · answer #3 · answered by nursesr4evr 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think people like to have something to turn to when they are afraid or feel alone and religion can be very comforting. i'm not saying its good or bad i'm just saying it happens a lot when people go through a crisis they turn to religion for comfort.
2007-10-03 07:31:42 · answer #4 · answered by secretservice 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some times they convert because they know what they did was wrong. so in converting they think once they die they wont go to hell.
2007-10-03 07:36:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
either they really have seen their evil ways and repent or they SAY they change in order to impress the parole board
2007-10-03 07:35:31 · answer #6 · answered by oldguy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
they say the "found god" to get a shorter prison sentence
2007-10-03 07:31:25 · answer #7 · answered by fireguy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because prison is the red flag that their current lifestyle is perhaps not working....
2007-10-03 07:31:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
What makes you think they were atheist in the first place?
2007-10-03 07:31:25 · answer #9 · answered by :) 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
so they can get bail.
2007-10-03 07:30:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋