Reforming Theology Inside and Out: Mass Incarceration in the US
The reality of mass incarceration in the United States, where 2.2 million people are currently serving lengthy sentences in constricted and heavily fortified spaces, clearly calls for political reform. In this paper, I describe the situation, reflect theologically upon the spatial division between i...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
International Academy of Practical Theology
[2019]
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| In: |
Reforming practical theology
Year: 2019, Volume: 1, Pages: 61-68 |
| Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains: | B
USA
/ Detention
/ Racism
/ Loneliness
/ School teaching
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| RelBib Classification: | KBQ North America NBE Anthropology NCC Social ethics ZD Psychology |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (kostenfrei) |
| Summary: | The reality of mass incarceration in the United States, where 2.2 million people are currently serving lengthy sentences in constricted and heavily fortified spaces, clearly calls for political reform. In this paper, I describe the situation, reflect theologically upon the spatial division between insiders (those incarcerated) and outsiders (those living outside of prison walls), and offer a response. The themes considered include: proximity and distance, place and space, racial and classbased othering, solidarity, and the body of Christ. Numerous legal and political reforms are needed to address the racial injustice and punitive nature of the current system. One reforming response is described: that of teaching students from inside and outside together in theological classrooms inside prisons. The reformation of mass incarceration requires complex political and theological responses that break down the geographic and cultural walls that divide and isolate insiders and outsiders from each other. |
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| Contains: | Enthalten in: Reforming practical theology
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.25785/iapt.cs.v1i0.54 |