November 2004 - Tower - Page 8
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Church and Society
Russell Fox, Captain
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It is impossible to live without taking risks. We face situations all the time where we are asked to take an action which results in some consequences. Risks come in all matter of forms. Some are taken without thinking about it because the risks are either small or hidden.
When we get into our car to drive on the highways there is some risk involved. Some people refuse to fly because they think it is too risky. Some take risks that result in accidents of serious proportions.
People are willing to take risks which account for the popularity of playing the lottery, playing poker, horse racing etc. For some, these are innocent activities, while for others they become an obsession with serious consequences.
A recent article in the Daily Press, prompted the writing of this column. On September 2, 2004 there was an article about the number of teenagers who are being incarcerated for minor crimes, but because there is no good alternative these youth are being imprisoned along with hardened criminals. The article asked the question, "Can alternative plans decrease the number of kids in detention facilities? State officials are now seeking an answer." Should a juvenile be put behind bars , or can some plan be developed whereby they can be put into a wholesome environment whereby they can receive good counciling and be a less risk to society.
The difficulty with the problem is the risk involved. Can the church become involved? Most of us are adverse to taking risks of this nature because we do not want to take the chance of becoming involved emotionally. We are willing to risk our dollars but not our emotions.
Our judicial system does a poor job in rehabilitating the prisoner. When released they have difficulty finding jobs and often
return to a life of crime. In Luke 11:24-26, Jesus, in a parable, tells about an evil spirit coming out of a man and going around seeking rest, and not finding it, returns to the house he left and finds it clean and in order. He then goes and gets seven more spirits, even more wicked. Then they all come and enter and the poor man is worse off than before.
It would seem that when prisoners are released they must be filled with something wholesome, or else they are forced back into crime.
With the case of the teenagers, society must find a way to fill their bodies and souls with a wholesome Christian environment, or else there is a strong risk of their returning to a life of crime.
So, returning to the beginning of this article, the church has a great opportunity to become involved in seeking a solution to this problem. However, it will involve taking risks, not only financially, but emotionally. But the rewards would be great if it would lead to saving these teens from a life of crime with more incarceration being the result.
Thus far (Oct. 24) no receptions have been held during the month of October. Thanks to our committee members for being ready if needed.
Co-chairs for November are: Mary Lou Carter, Mary Charlotte Corson, and Doris Preston.
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If you have any comments on any of these pages, please email me: Robert W.(Bob) Mckitrick, thanks.
Last update: November 7, 2004
