Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Tuesday May 1, 2007

I recently received a scathing letter denouncing my advocacy on behalf of prisoners and the vitriol increased as the writer broached the comfort given to many on Death Row. I simply answered the upset "old nature eradicated" brother with the truth that if in fact his old nature is eradicated then why is he so upset as anger is part and parcel of the old man?

The other day I read a line in an article in the May 2007 issue of Homiletics titled, "Prison Break" I could not find the authors name, though I think I should have said it. The line simply states a truth that is hard for nice Christians to swallow, though it true beyond question:

"Christians are, after all, people who have been saved by a death row inmate."

Over the years I foolishly attempted to follow the advice of a well meaning mentor, though he has little to no experience in the area of prison ministry. A line in the movie "I Walk The Line" a version of the life story of Johnny Cash, as Johnny is set to perform at a prison. The warden says, "Mr. Cash, the record company asks that you not play any songs that would remind the prisoners that they are in jail." Johnny responds, "Do you think they forgot."

"Prison Break" touts the idea that the way for men and women to break out of the prison cycle is for the church, men and women such as you and I, to take our commanded responsibility from Jesus Christ and visit the prisoners while they are in prison and to be willing to be a part of their reentering society upon their release.

A judge told a group:

"Pastors should be as familiar with the inside of local jails as they are the local hospitals." The point being that the majority of people in the local hospitals already have a caring, support system in place to aid in their healing and comfort. People in prison have little support and are surrounded by people whose job is confine and punish them.

I am well aware of the plight of prisoners, both confined and released as they face the unChrist like response of "churchy" people. Certainly prisoners know they have done wrong and are being punished. Many who receive Christ within the walls and grow in grace through the faithful witness of chaplains and volunteer workers along with fellow prisoners are appalled and disillusioned by the hostile reception they receive when attending many if not most professing churches. A dear, saintly Christian lady wrote to me and asked to be removed from the mailing list as she "simply cannot accept anything from an ex-felon." I laughed as I deleted the name, said a little (Okay, very small) prayer for her and wished that she was correct in calling me an Ex. There is no such thing as an "Ex-felon." While this designation hasn't really hindered me, it is a road block for a lot now saved men and women who are trying to build a life of faith. The biggest hindrance is often those who sing of Christ The Redeemer, former death row inmate.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2007 Use with credit.

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