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Posted January 3, 2012 by Billie K. Fidlin in Native American Spirituality
Author Joseph Strider is a popular Native musician. You may know his music, but not about his dedication to serving men in prison. "I really care for these men. And I also feel their pain. One need only look into their eyes to see that they are full of hurt, resentment, loss, and hope. My heart breaks every morning that I see them..." Read more by clicking on WnT link Life of a Chaplain below.
http://www.whispernthunder.org/Life_of_a_Chaplain....
http://www.whispernthunder.org/Life_of_a_Chaplain....
Billie K. Fidlin wrote at January 4, 2012
0 Votes 
I will let the author, musician yes, but also a Native chaplain, know your comments. The reasons for people being in prison vary. Are they not allowed access to God? I know what you mean. But in the US we presume to seek rehabilitation in prison. Many of us would believe that the Creator has a strong role to play in that rehabilitation.
Allen Jones wrote at January 6, 2012
1 Vote
I see nothing wrong with prisoners seeking rehabilitation through God. I think it helps them as long as they aren't using it to their advantage for parole.
Alfred Jones wrote at January 4, 2012
0 Votes
I'm not sure how I feel about this. Yes it is very nice of this musician to do what he does, but people are in prison for a reason also. I am torn.
Joseph Strider wrote at January 4, 2012
1 Vote
Hey Alfred
I DO know what you mean. Fact of the matter is that i am torn as well. I meet people in prison every time that i go to work there. There are a lot of them who are not very kind. They have committed terrible offenses and some have no regrets or remorse. This fact pains me. But on the other hand there are those who have committed offenses that MANY others do on a daily basis, but they have not been caught ! This bothers me immensely. In fact, right now there are heinous horrible acts being committed in this country and abroad and people are being paid for their "Good Work !" I walk through this life witnessing and having to choke down the horrors that mankind imposes on his brothers and sisters every single day. But these people are not seeking salvation in any way shape or form. After what I've learned while working in such a setting, it may be safe to say that were they charged for their crimes, they too could swing either way. But as was told to me on my first day at work, There are NO Atheists in foxholes. But fact is there are. And you may just be living next door to one. I make no excuses for these prisoners or myself, but i can say this... I am where i am for a reason, and so are these prisoners, and if they seek to learn to accept their position, their responsibility, to find a better way to live and to respond to society, I will do the best that i can to help them to find the way. As for the rest out there who have yet to be held responsible for their horrible behavior... When they meet their maker, no words will be necessary... Spirit already knows ! I cast no stones.
I DO know what you mean. Fact of the matter is that i am torn as well. I meet people in prison every time that i go to work there. There are a lot of them who are not very kind. They have committed terrible offenses and some have no regrets or remorse. This fact pains me. But on the other hand there are those who have committed offenses that MANY others do on a daily basis, but they have not been caught ! This bothers me immensely. In fact, right now there are heinous horrible acts being committed in this country and abroad and people are being paid for their "Good Work !" I walk through this life witnessing and having to choke down the horrors that mankind imposes on his brothers and sisters every single day. But these people are not seeking salvation in any way shape or form. After what I've learned while working in such a setting, it may be safe to say that were they charged for their crimes, they too could swing either way. But as was told to me on my first day at work, There are NO Atheists in foxholes. But fact is there are. And you may just be living next door to one. I make no excuses for these prisoners or myself, but i can say this... I am where i am for a reason, and so are these prisoners, and if they seek to learn to accept their position, their responsibility, to find a better way to live and to respond to society, I will do the best that i can to help them to find the way. As for the rest out there who have yet to be held responsible for their horrible behavior... When they meet their maker, no words will be necessary... Spirit already knows ! I cast no stones.
Last Update on January 4, 2012 by Joseph Strider
English (US) 