The December 9-16 trip to Thailand was very interesting. Although much of the work is confidential there are a few important observations that can be shared. I am reminded of how often we make false assumptions. In our limited experience we think we know the meaning of words and use them across cultures without intentionally suspending assumed meanings. For example, a person who is a voluntary participate in a research trial may later break the law and become a prisoner. In the United States a prisoner is considered vulnerable and due extra protection. We might assume that a person in prison cannot continue to make free, voluntary and informed choices equivalent to those outside the prison. In truth, much of our prison system is based on punitive justice, punishment for a wrong done, and less emphasis on rehabilitation, education, and re-entry into society. In the case of a prison in Rayong, Thailand, the situation is very different. The compound is enclosed in high concrete walls topped with barbed wire. Inside the compound there are several buildings dedicated to education, learning skills that would lead to employment once released, and sleeping quarters that are enclosed in bars. The days are filled with activity: sports, classes, projects, and counseling while at night the prisoner is confined. The communal nature of the work, whether gardening, cleaning, cooking, or working, all prisoners are actively engaged in some meaningful activity. The concept is one of correction for a successful return to society. This model speaks of corrective justice with the hope of a participatory outcome. In contrast to a high recidivism rate in the US, the rate in Thailand is less than 1%. There was not a weapon in sight other than a nightstick attached to the belt of each guard. The atmosphere in the prison was one of peace, tranquility, hope, and respect.
On the long flight home, I thought about what incarceration is intended to achieve. Plato in “The Laws” described punishment for a crime as a means to educate the person with the intent to reform the person’s behavior. I wonder if the punitive justice system we have created reflects our theology. The system of punishment and isolation practiced in the US may reflect a concept of a God who punishes the sinner and blesses the righteous. If we view crime as a sin against humanity then our laws and system of “correction” seek to extract a penalty from the guilty person. Education requires an open mind, and a chance to change and grow. If we seek to reform the guilty, there must be opportunity to grow in a new direction. Paying the penalty assigned proportionate to the guilt is a consequential system of punishment and rewards. The Bible has numerous references to consequences for good and bad choices that appear to be mediated by God. Punishment can be only one aspect for reform. Reconciliation and restoration are equally valued in Scripture. The penitent confesses the sin and receives forgiveness. If we believe that God is forgiving and seeks reconciliation then the systems we design to reform the guilty ought to focus more on restoration. Systems that merely punish diminish the open future every penitent needs in order to renew his/her life. Our baptismal covenant requires that we respect the dignity of every human being.
One of the benefits of international study is a new and fresh look at ourselves. I am grateful for the opportunity to take part in this project, and for the support of the parish. As was the case during my sabbatical in Thailand a decade ago, the gentle people who value compassion have much to teach me about loving my neighbor as myself.
Ann+