Alabama criminals sentenced to time in church
The separation between church and state has narrowed a bit in Alabama, where judges are now sentencing criminals to time behind bars or in a church pew.
Freedom of religion inspires great works of satire.
WKRG in Mobile reports city judges in nearby Bay Minette began giving non-violent criminals that fateful choice this week.
“Operation Restore Our Community,” which could be called “Operation We Lock Up More People Than We Can Afford,” will save the town of 8,000 a lot of cash, if offenders choose to get right with Jesus (or Allah).
Lawbreakers get to pick the church of their choice, but must check in with the pastor once a week for a year to get off the legal hook.
Bay Minette Police Chief Mike Rowland told WKRG it costs his department about $75 per inmate per day to feed, house and delouse criminals.
So far, 56 churches in North Baldwin County are participating. I bet none are Wiccan.
Rowland says the program doesn’t violate separation of church and state issues, but must not have run across any scorned atheists or ACLU lawyers, who are already considering a legal assault.
“This policy is blatantly unconstitutional,” said Olivia Turner, executive director for the ACLU of Alabama in an article in the Mobile Press-Register. ”It violates one basic tenet of the Constitution, namely that government can’t force participation in religious activity.”
Those planning to jaywalk in Alabama may want to go ahead and Google ”Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster” locations near Mobile.
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25 comments Add your comment
John
September 26th, 2011
5:10 pm
Hmmmm? Jail or Church? That’s a tough choice. Sitting in either sounds like equal punishment to me.
Tech'10
September 26th, 2011
5:19 pm
I like how the ACLU is quick to condemn, but slow to recommend viable alternatives.
EsoWatch
September 26th, 2011
5:25 pm
Oh, I wouldn’t say that.
Going to church every week, always with a new T-shirt could be awesome.
I think I probably would start with one of “KISS”(Knights in the Service of Satan), you know, to take it easy at first. Then maybe Antichrist and “My god is Thor, you know, the one with the hammer. I heard, yours likes nails?”. Of course, one with the almighty, holy Spaghetti monster would be a must too.
Well, I would probably end in prison, but it would be worth it.
Stan
September 26th, 2011
5:30 pm
I would think community service would be a better option that church. What about Jail or Community Service? I doubt this will change behavior.
Elder Flower Child
September 26th, 2011
5:41 pm
This is wrong, just plain out wrong. The separation of church and state is for a reason…look at the countries where it is not. I suppose next we will be told that women cannot drive, and must cover their bodies totally, and our men will be indoctrinated in ways to live which are acceptable to the mullahs, and imans, and any other dictator in charge. I do understand that they may want to find other ways of dealing with their criminals…but forcing religion on a thug or delinquent is not the solution. And who is going to pay to delouse the churches?
Tydarius
September 26th, 2011
5:43 pm
Would promising to watch Benny Hinn on TV every Sunday morning count?
trouble is a brewin
September 26th, 2011
5:56 pm
Hmmmm? Jail or Church? That’s a tough choice. Sitting in either sounds like equal punishment to me
How about Jail or Hell? Where the fire is not quenched and the worm dieth not.
FINALLY
September 26th, 2011
6:11 pm
Why is it wrong that a justice system finally offer a real chance at rehabilitation? No one is being forced to go to church. If you read the article it clearly states that those convicted are given a choice of church or jail. It seems much better to me to be able to choose your “punishment.” Maybe the reason all of you atheists hate Jesus, Christians and/or church is because you feel the conviction of your choice to deny His existence.
I’m sure this thread will be followed by a plethora of atheists who say they don’t care what others believe, blah blah, “we don’t want to be discriminated against” blah blah “God isn’t real’ blah blah. But guess what, if you don’t believe in God, why do you put so much energy into convincing others of his lack of existence? It would seem to me that if you don’t believe in something that the issue would stop right there. Let’s think about this one. At Christmas, do you go around protesting Santa Claus? Do you have attorneys try to stop little children from writing letters to him for presents? Why not? We know Santa isn’t real but you don’t care that parents lead their children into believing in him. So why is it that when we teach people about God and try to help them live a better life that you have such an adverse reaction?
Here is the reason. Deep down you know that there is something more to life and the shear thought of that shakes you to the core. That feeling that you are having in your heart right now is conviction. If you don’t believe me let’s just see how many of you post something after this to try and disprove His existence.
So go ahead, hold tight to your theories, pop cultures attempts to debunk God and your contempt; all of that is chaff. One day when all of that is gone you will have to answer for your rejection of Him and then He will honor your decision. But just remember it’s not to late to turn from your sinful ways, repent and ask Christ into your heart. The miracle is not that we accept Him but that He has accepted us. Jesus loves you, I love you and there is nothing you can do about it!
easy choice, trouble
September 26th, 2011
6:12 pm
I’ll definitely take hell. I wouldn’t fit in well in heaven; I don’t like wearing white and I hate harp music.
what is this heart business?
September 26th, 2011
6:17 pm
FINALLY, what does Jesus want with my heart? I thought zombies preferred eating brains.
Also, I love you too!