solved Discussion Instructions The thread must be 400–550 words and demonstrate

Discussion Instructions
The thread must be 400–550 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 150 words. Each thread must support the student’s assertions with at least 3 citations in the current APA format, and each reply must be supported by at least 2 citations.
Topic: Faith-based Prison Programs
Thread: There are few or no laws to protect individuals from the stigma of prison and the discrimination they face. What are the advantages and disadvantages of faith-based prison reentry programs?
Replies: Provide a scriptural example in each reply and explain how it relates to your classmate’s thread. Two citations from the textbook and or scholarly resource may also be used.
Replies: Provide a scriptural example in each reply and explain how it relates to your classmate’s thread. Two citations from the textbook and or scholarly resource may also be used.

Peer Response #1:
The use of faith-based ministry programs for the reintegration of offenders can be controversial because of society’s demand for the separation of church and state. However, despite this, we cannot forget the United State of America was founded on Christianity and can be seen in our Pledge of Allegiance still recited in many public schools as well as our United States Currency that state’s “In God We Trust.”
When we follow the separation of church and state, there is more flexibility amongst society with debates such as same-sex marriages and denial of birth-control to employees based on religious beliefs. Regardless of beliefs, it is obvious that many of the morals and ethics the law follows are very similar to the bible, so finding a strong difference between morality and politics is difficult (Hull & Edgell, 2021) as they overlap in so many ways.
Religion is often looked at traditionally as a personal experience that individuals often seek out when they are ready to find meaning in their life and make positive life changes. Research shows that people in prisons often face an array of feelings to include guilt and shame and are often ready to make a change in themselves with religion as their spiritual guide (Stansfield & Mowen, 2019).
Those who oppose prison ministries often cite it is simply unfair, as it can be viewed as pushing a specific religious belief on someone without any choice, feeling pressured to participate in order to receive special treatments or benefits (Hull & Edgell, 2021). As an example, in a recent article, a person of Jewish faith may feel they will receive extra assistance if they participate in a Christian based prison program (Hull & Edgell, 2021). Those who also oppose this type of religious framework in prisons will argue it is also unfair for the government to be participating with taxpayer monies assisting with any sort of religious funding, as it is a direct violation of church and state.
Regarding those who support the prison ministry programs, the argument is these programs focus more on morals and ensure the programs in place are there not for profit but for assistance for those who need it the most. If others do not intervene and assist, such as volunteers in Christian based prison programs, the offender may likely not get the help they need. Many advocates also look at this to at least try to better the person by giving them the choice to have an open-mind and better themselves (Hull & Edgell, 2021). Having inmates and parolees participate in an open volunteer program, that is not required, is why many of the Christian based ministry programs can be allowed as they are not mandated. Also, the faith-based programs are not pushing any specific religion but are mere Christian-based using the bible as an ethical guide.
Overall, it appears there is a direct link of lower recidivism when a faith-based program is involved with those who are incarcerated or on parole. Specifically, it does not appear if the person was a practicing Christian before entering that their religion alone lowered recidivism. Therefore, it can be concluded the programs offered in prisons by faith-based facilities, to include job re-entry programs and career enhancement skills, are imperative to help society by helping those who are reintegrating after being imprisoned (Stansfield & Mowen, 2019). Often when people are seeking religious guidance it is not necessarily for “finding God” but as a means of social and community-level support, working together with others.
It would only make sense for faith-based religious programs to be available as an option, as it is only realistic for a future employer to be hesitant to hire someone who was just incarcerated. As an example, if someone served time for too many thefts, how would an employer possibly feel comfortable trusting this person knowing they have a history of theft? It is religious organizations that can help with this dilemma and bring resources to those who have been imprisoned by incorporating an ethical guide specific to the bible and the word of God. A second chance is something a Christian truly supports, as it is the way God wants us to live . As stated in Micah 7:18, “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy” (New International Version, 2011). When these faith-based organizations intervene and assist, there are more positive outcomes for everyone.

Peer Response #2:
It has been well researched that the integration of faith based organizations and encouraging offenders to look into their own spirituality and commit time and effort into exploring their own spirituality is an important intervention when it comes to rehabilitating the offender (Milakovich & Gordon, 2013). It is important to look into interventions that work and research has strongly suggested that religious intervention leads to lower rearrest rates (Milakovich & Gordon, 2013). Prison fellowship programs are widely accessible throughout the country and exist in almost every state and federal prison. This low cost, easily accessible intervention should be built upon to further the offender’s participation. Every week we have learned of one way to make rehabilitation more of a reality for the offender, however it is learning how to make these programs more appealing to encourage participation. It is important that these offenders be exposed to the word of God and understand his forgiveness and love before they are released into society. The use of a good mentor is one of the best ways to achieve this.
One study I found to be most interesting took place in Indiana through the use of 40 mentors who volunteered their time and energy to rehabilitating offenders through faith based programs. It accounted for the mentors’ motivations in effort to understand how to make faith based reintegration programs work. Stacer and Roberts(2018) wanted to understand how good mentors affect the way these offenders are rehabilitated. She identified that the mentors that were connected to churches who would be accepting of offenders in order to help set the offenders up with communities that would be understanding and not ostracize these individuals (Stacer & Roberts, 2018). Six of the mentors were offenders in the past, nine had a family member who was an offender, and the others had no connection to the criminal justice system (Stacer & Roberts, 2018). After six months of mentoring the mentors reported feelings of appreciation for their life, were more aware of the struggles offenders have with the rehabilitation process, and why they offend (Stacer, 2018). I felt this study was important because it showed that volunteering to work with former offenders is an important job and can be rewarding to communities.