The declaration of Jesus that...
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The declaration of Jesus that he had come to set the prisoners free would be welcome news to most of the men in our jails and penitentiaries, as it was in Jesus' day, but a somewhat different kind of news to his hearers. Now, as then, men in prison are often seen by the general public as "deserving whatever they get," and we generally do not concern ourselves much with their welfare and fear their release. Many prisoners are abandoned by their families, who are unwilling to share the pain of their misdeeds and incarceration. Thus, in a setting where time weighs heavily on their hands and minds, they also lack the family support most of us take for granted. A simple hug, a pat on the shoulder, a backrub, holding hands or sitting side by side with a loved one watching television are all denied to men in prison. In addition, they lack the simple distractions most of us take for granted. Television access is limited, and when in the recreation area, television programs are either pre-selected or must be negotiated with a large group. The prisoner must ask for permission for every activity, from borrowing library books or magazines to using the telephone. In some jail settings, even going to the bathroom is something that must be done without privacy. In this sort of setting many men become agitated. The sense of abandonment, fear, remorse, and anger at the people or things that led to their downfall pile up until the tension is so great that some try to break free by violence toward those around them, attempts at suicide, use of smuggled-in drugs, sexual acts with other prisoners, or long daydreams about what they will do when they get out, including plans for revenge. Some men, however, learn that freedom is not a matter of bars and locks and chains. When the spirit is turned over to God, many learn that freedom is a state of mind, and can be achieved inwardly despite any outer conditions. -- Herrmann
