October 22, 2020
We have scattered our seeds to the wind. We have cultivated some of the garden. But one of the values of our work is that a spiritual practice is set in motion. We are working with the inner development of people and shifts of paradigms in society (theology), things not so easily quantifiable. In other words, Jesus overturned the moneychangers in the temple, but we still have Christian capitalism.
Prison Theology wants to undo incarcerated culture with the incarnation of Christ within inmates. Pontius Pilate offers prison reform but will not give the keys to the prison up, and so will never receive the keys to the kingdom. Middle class society must choose between Christ and Barabbas – between Prison Theology and prison reform. Prison Theology does support prison reform. Prison Theology believes in any advancement of conscience and social structures, both of which move towards “doing less harm.” But the goal is to move towards a society that brings the peaceful will of God that is “on earth as it is in heaven.” In heaven, I imagine no prisons.
October 14, 2020
Prison Theology is not a dogma. We do not have creeds articulated. We have a conceptual framework.
Jesus the Liberator is not a church. We do not have (exclusive) membership rolls. We extend and support.
What is the value of openness when the walls of churches and prisons are closed? Should not “Christian formation and sacraments” be required to maintain “order and cohesion?”
What if seeds of consciousness are planted without concern for cultivation? Is not the planting of seeds the first act of the garden?
Prison Theology is concerned primarily with planting the seed of that idea within “Christians in churches” and “inmates in prison.” Inmates in prison are the Christian Church within Prison Theology.
Prison Theology 