Good article from Kirby Anderson with Point of View
 | | February 10, 2012 |
| | More God, Less Crime
by Kerby Anderson | | Faith-based organizations and people of faith can make a profound impact on the
crime rate and the recidivism rate in our prisons. This is the argument that renowned
criminologist Byron Johnson makes in his book, More God, Less Crime. He is a
professor at Baylor University and was on my radio program to talk about the many
success stories and the transformative power of faith.Sadly most social scientists and even criminologists seem reluctant to make the
connection between faith and the impact religious perspectives could have on America’s
crime problem. Dr. Johnson believes that a faith-based ministry or message doesn’t
resonate with most social scientists. Many are even hostile to religion as demonstrated by
the opening chapter in his book entitled, “The Last Acceptable Prejudice.”Dr. Johnson also says that faith-based organizations are merely tolerated within
the criminal justice system. In some places, they are seen as valuable and even helpful. In
other jurisdictions, they are viewed with suspicion. This is unfortunate since the criminal
justice system is facing cutbacks and shrinking budgets. Prison ministries like Bill Glass,
Prison Fellowship, and Kairos Prison Ministry can provide people and programs that can
make a difference. Faith-based organizations of all kinds can provide volunteers and
educators to help with programs in life skills and adult education.The book is full of positive examples of what can happen when Christians get
involved in their local community. He tells the story of “The Boston Miracle” where
police and pastors worked together to break the stranglehold gangs had in the
community. He also talks about the mission of the Center for Neighborhood Enterprise
and violence-free zones. And he even gives practical advice on the important issue of
prisoner reentry and aftercare.Most importantly, he provides a review of the literature so that churches and faith-
based organizations can show skeptics that the title of the book is true: More God, Less
Crime. I’m Kerby Anderson, and that’s my point of view. |
Point of View | P.O. Box 30 | Dallas, TX 75221
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Posted via email from Steve Young's posts
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