Will Samson has an interesting post today following up on recent news of the US prisons restricting access to religious books in prison. By the way, don’t we live in America? Someone correct me if I’m wrong…
Almost two weeks ago I wrote about the new Bureau of Prisons policy that is removing all religious books except for a government-approved list (original story here). I could say something smarmy and passive-aggressive like, “Boy, I am so glad we elected a true religious conservative to the White House.” Or possibly I could ask, “How did someone so publicly aligned with the One who spoke against fear come to be ruled by fear?” But I will avoid those thoughts as they might cause controversy.
Apparently prisoners will still be allowed to maintain five books of their own choosing though. Will then ponders which books he would bring to prison while religious liberties were being eviscerated.
I am having a hard time coming up with five titles to tell the truth. Here is my list as it stands now.
- Bible (NRSV or WEB)
- I guess this goes without saying, right?
- Epic by John Eldredge
- A wonderful little book, subtitled “The Story God is Telling and the Role That Is Yours To Play.” Perspective.
- The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
- A true Christian classic by a man who understood suffering and imprisonment for his faith.
- Tortured for Christ by Richard Wurmbrand
- Another Christian classic recounting love for God and one another in the face of terrible suffering and imprisonment for one’s faith.
I’m still working on my fifth choice. Some possible choices include:
- Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyan (Bunyan wrote this masterpiece while imprisoned for his faith)
- Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliott (my childhood favorite and always a great inspiration)
- There are a few others rattling around in my brain as well…
If I can arrive at a definite fifth choice I will update the list. Meanwhile, I am curious which five books you would take to prison with you. If your religious freedom was being stolen from you which five books would you find most critical to bring to prison with you?
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Most of the time while in Federal Prison they will allow you to rotate the 5 books that you have. You can send them home or pass them on to other inmates that don’t receive mail. My pics to receive were Leatherbound NKJV Bible, No Compromise by Melody Green, Brother Yun’s story, Watchman Nee and a Concordance.
At FPC Alderson when I was there in 2005 - the chapel library was FULL of books. But they are all gone now from what I heard. But - He is faithful to get His truth in to His people. Pray for His protection for His Word for all those in prison.
Thanks for sharing your list!
I’m glad that they are at least allowing prisoners to choose some books for themselves - and to rotate them. It is scary when our government wants to start regulating and censoring what people can read though.
Everything must change - Brian McLaren
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