Could a New Theology of America’s Prison-Industrial Complex Save the Economy?

A Pew study on the over-expense of the U.S. prison system found that 1 in every 31 people are in jail, on probation, or on parole, reported the New York Times.  More frightening than that is, “Twenty-five years ago, the rate was 1 in 77.”

I’m 24 years old. That means that in my lifetime, incarceration rates per capita have more than doubled. If those numbers don’t shock you, you are not paying attention.

Especially considering we are in an economic crisis, recession, or what Robert Reich is now referring to it, “Liverwurst.”

“Criminal correction spending is outpacing budget growth in education, transportation, and public assistance,” reports the New York Times. More surprising, correction spending has increased steadily “even as crime rates sharply declined, by about 25 percent in the past two decades.”

So, as my time on this earth has gotten safer, and “at a time when states are facing huge budget shortfalls, prisons, which hold 1.5 million adults, are driving the spending increases,” says the New York Times article.

Even more, the state spending on prisons don’t even make a difference on post-prison criminal habits. States spent tens of thousands more on incarcerated prisoners–$29,000 a year—than probationers–$1,250 a year—and parolees–$2,750 a year.

Does this make sense? Why are we closing libraries, schools, hospitals, and things that keep people healthy, educated, and happy citizens when locking people up isn’t making them better citizens when they come out?

Because, as we know well, the prison-industrial complex has its lobbyists, too. Says the Times, “prisons and jails…are in a much better position to protect their interests than are parole and probation officers.”

Which shows. The United States has more people incarcerated than any other nation on earth.

 What does this mean for Christians whose savior was an imprisoned, executed God at the hands of an empire?

Daring theologian Mark Lewis Taylor asks that question in his book, The Executed God. While a bit outdated since its 2001 publishing, our economic crisis makes the case for reprioritizing monies away from a “Lockdown America” and for community sustaining programs like healthcare and education.

Remember what Paul says to the Galatians: “It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly exhibited as crucified!” (Gal. 3:1)

“One might say that when Paul held up the crucified Christ as central to a salvific message, he was stealing the show,” Taylor said, “spiriting away the cross from the theater of terror maintained by Rome” (85).

Obviously, not all prisoners are the victims; however, since 1999, there are over 1 million non-violent prisoners, incarcerated for as minimal a crime as marijuana possession. Allowing early walks for these folks is a smart move, saving millions of dollars that can go elsewhere.

In that regard, states! America! Obama! Take Pew Center director, Sue Urahn’s advice when she says, “Corrections is one area [we] can cut and still have good or better outcomes than what [we] are doing now.”  Trust her. And, to all those Christians out there, remember who your savior is. Steal the show.