I heard it on the news today (September 23). A judge in Baldwin County has given an option to non violent prisoners; go to church or go to jail! Area ministers working with the judge came up with the plan, convinced that regular church attendance will benefit these prisoners more than time in jail and it will also save the county money by keeping people out of jail.
But it smacks of church going as punishment. Many children, who have endured long services with fidgeting and boredom, would agree with this concept. Many churches have rescued their children from this punishment by having “children’s worship” geared to children and their interests.
The American Civil Liberties Union has already announced a challenge to the plan. They consider it to be an entanglement of religion and state. In that it is a decision of the individual prisoner who must choose the option, no one will be forced to go to church. It is a way to avoid going to prison. Therefore, I don’t agree with the ALCU.
And I agree with the ministers who helped to come up with the plan. I dare say that many of these prisoners have had little or no exposure to the gospel or worship. One of the most significant ways of turning a life around is by a commitment to Jesus Christ and a new life in Him. I trust their church going will be a positive experience and, for some, a door to a new life.
Maybe this idea will spread to other areas. I hope so. I would be happy to be one of the mentors in our area.
Grace and peace.
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