[ [http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?aid=120 "Radical Religion in Prison"] - Brian Levin, Intelligence Report, Southern Poverty Law Center, Fall 2003] ]A recent study suggests that the practice of religion significantly reduces the chance of prisoners to engage in verbal or physical , and increases the likelihood of reform after completing prison sentence time. [ [http://main.uab.edu/show.asp?durki=87547 "UAB Study Finds Religion Helps Reduce Negative Prison Behaviors"] - Gail Short, UAB.edu, citing: Kent R. Kerley, Todd L. Matthews and Troy C.Blanchard. (2005) "Religiosity, Religious Participation, and NegativePrison Behaviors." "Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion". 44(4):443–457]
Religious groups are known to supply scripture and reading material, organize programs and worship, and train chaplains for work in prisons.
Reasons for religious involvement
Prisoners may become involved with religion while incarcerated for a variety of reasons ranging from the materially pragmatic to the personal and spiritual. According to research conducted by sociologist Harry R. Dammer, some of the more prominent reasons include:
#Gaining direction and meaning one's life.
#Improving one's concept of self.
#Promoting personal behavioral change.
#Gaining protection.
#Meeting other inmates.
#Meeting volunteers.
#Obtaining prison resources. [Dammer, Harry R. 2006. "Religion in prison." In "Encyclopedia of American Prisons", edited by Marylin D. McShane and Frank P. Williams III. New York: Garland Publishing.] [Dammer, Harry R. 1992. "Piety in Prison". Ann Arbor: University Microfilms.]
ee also
*Prison reform
*Prison contemplative programs
*Religion in the United States' prisons
Notable Organizations
Buddhist
* Buddhist Peace Fellowship - Transformative Justice Program
Christian
* International Network of Prison Ministries
* Kairos Prison Ministry
* Prison Fellowship
Jewish
* European Aleph Institute
References
