M-A-D Prison Ministry
Reasons
Reasons for religious involvement
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Rabbi Philip R. Alstat, c.1920
Prisoners may become involved with religion while incarcerated for a variety of reasons ranging from the materially pragmatic to the personal and spiritual. According to research conducted by sociologist Harry R. Dammer, some of the more prominent reasons include:
Gaining direction and meaning in one's life.
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Improving one's concept of self.
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Promoting personal behavioral change.
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Gaining protection.
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Meeting other inmates.
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Meeting volunteers.
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Obtaining prison resources.
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In 1970, Rabbi Philip R. Alstat, who served as Jewish chaplain for The Tombs, the Manhattan Detention Facility, for thirty years, and also served as the Secretary of the National Jewish Council of Prison Chaplains, shared his vision of prison ministry by saying, "My goals are the same as those of the prison authorities--to make better human beings. The only difference is that their means are discipline, security, and iron bars. Mine are the spiritual ministrations that operate with the mind and the heart."
M-A-D Prison Ministry
It is best to visit one-on-one with a person of your same sex. This avoids the pitfalls of improper romantic relationships. ∙ As in any friendship, be a good confidant. Keep personal information shared by your special friend confidential. ∙ Prison is a very impersonal, dehumanizing place and an inmate doesn’t have much opportunity to receive individual attention. Make your friend feel special. Make your visits a positive, uplifting, fun time.