Prison in Norway focuses on reform in a comfortable environment

I’m amazed and given hope by a prison that focuses on rehabilitation rather than retribution. In the kingdom of God, those who are a threat to the safety of others (and themselves) will be given places like this, where they are helped to improve instead of punished and scarred, physically and mentally.

Check out the article and photos here: PhotoBlog – Prison in Norway focuses on reform in a comfortable environment.

According to the article, “statistics show that in Norway only 20% of inmates (1 in 5) commit another crime and return to prison within two years of their release.”

How much is the recidivism in the United States? According to this study, “Within three years of their release, 67% of former prisoners are rearrested and 52% are re-incarcerated, a recidivism rate that calls into question the effectiveness of America’s corrections system, which costs taxpayers $60 billion a year.”

In this photo, inmates at the prison in Norway prepare themselves a meal.

 

The Weather In Me

 

Homeland Security Public Service Announcement, at Wal-Mart!

This is hilarious, and by hilarious, I mean a little scary. I guess what I’m saying is, When I’m afraid, I try to laugh it off. It works! (It doesn’t work.)

Just one question for this Orwellian video: Does destroying local businesses and local manufacturing count as suspicious activity?

Walmart Public Service Announcement, posted with vodpod

 

Sheryl WuDunn: Our century’s greatest injustice

 

Study shows young clergy increasing

We young pastors are the blue column…. but the whole story (by the UMC news service) is hopeful. But, the average age of United Methodist clergy has ALSO reached a historic high. (In the second story, I would be counted as one of the young local pastors.)

In regards to young clergy, I’m curious about any details beyond mere numbers: Why are young people entering the ministry? Are their/our reasons different than those of other generations? Why was there such a drop-off between 1978 and 2000? What other demographics are a factor? What type of ministries are young UMC pastors interested in? What type of ministries are they actually able to put into place?

Full Story: Study shows young clergy increasing.