Can Prisoners Be REFORMED? - Is Real Reform POSSIBLE?

The Role of the Bible

Many people feel that religion can play a large role in helping prisoners to repent of their previous actions. Of course, a basic problem with this is that any change of character brought about behind bars may vanish once the prisoner has been released. One inmate put it this way:  "A lot of people find Christ in this place-but when they leave here, they leave Christ behind!"

Experience has demonstrated that genuine change must occur within-in the criminal's mind and heart-and that the basis must be sincere repentance  for past wrongdoing.  A program of Bible education can help an individual to learn how God feels about wickedness and why it is wrong.  This can give him strong reason for not wanting to continue in such a course.  

Jehovah's Witnesses are conducting such a Bible education  program with numerous prisons around the world, with wonderful results.  "We have been helped to discover what the Bible says about the purpose of life and the blessings the future holds for mankind,"  commented one prisoner, adding:  "It is an incredible education!"  Another inmate remarked:  "We're making decisions based on God's counsel. . . . We see changes in ourselves.  We know what life's priorities are."

Of course, the need for reform extends beyond prison walls.  The true solution to the prison crisis lies in eliminating the need for prisons. One of the glorious Bible truths that has touched the hearts of so many inmates is expressed in God's promise:  "Evil doers themselves will be cut off . .  . The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it." -Psalm 37:9, 29. 

When that happens, God's superior standards will be enforced by an incorruptible government that is both loving and firm. God's heavenly Kingdom under Christ-the government for which Christians have been taught to pray.  (Matthew 6:10) In that new world, every inhabitant will be reformed by learning God's superior laws.  Then it will be true as never before that "the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters are covering the very sea." (Isaiah 11:9) With what result?  The law-abiding inhabitants of the new world "will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace." -Psalm 37:11. 

Next time: Could the HOLOCAUST Happen Again?

From the Awake! magazine