Book chapter
Art Therapy and Prison Chaplaincy: A Review of Contemporary Practices Considering New Testament Teachings
Innovating Christian Education Research: Multidisciplinary Perspectives, pp.239-269
Springer Singapore
2021
Abstract
The biblical books of Acts (12:1; 12:5), Matthew (11:12) and Romans (16:7) all speak of the apostles Peter, Paul and John interacting in prison discipleship with other followers of Christ. These references are the first documentation of New Testament prison chaplaincy, and the Gospel of Matthew (25:36) goes even further, admonishing Christians to be actively involved in assisting prisoners in the place of their incarceration. Thus, prison chaplaincy has a long history and remains a fundamental right of prisoners (UN-OHCHR 1977). The significance of prison chaplaincy is particularly noted in the context of growing incarceration trends in Australia, which have seen adult prisoner populations increase significantly in the last decade to a total of more than 43,000 inmates (ABS 2019). Meanwhile recidivism has remained steady at 40% over the last 5 years (QCS 2019). Importantly, budget restraints have occasioned cutbacks in therapeutic and rehabilitation programs, thus resulting in a situation that is leaving a growing number of inmates with fewer restorative and rehabilitative opportunities. Furthermore, illiteracy rates remain high within prisons and only a limited number of inmates can read. It is against this background that art therapy is highlighted as an effective communication tool and therapeutic practice in prison environments. Art is also prevalent in the Bible and visual communication was used not only by Jesus but also by the early Church to communicate the biblical stories to different cultures. Through experiences both inside and out, the first author of this pilot study understands the implications and hurdles associated with rehabilitation whilst having convictions recorded. The analysis presented in this chapter synthesises lessons learned from developing and implementing the ‘Change the Design of Your Life’ art therapy program in Queensland prisons. Experiences and lessons gathered in this chapter will be useful for educators, policymakers, practitioners and chaplains serving the cause of social prison ministry in Australia and beyond.
Details
- Title
- Art Therapy and Prison Chaplaincy: A Review of Contemporary Practices Considering New Testament Teachings
- Authors
- Sarah Tucker (Corresponding Author) - Christian Heritage CollegeJohannes M Luetz (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Social Sciences - Legacy
- Contributors
- Johannes M Luetz (Editor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Social Sciences - LegacyBeth Green (Editor) - Tyndale University College & Seminary
- Publication details
- Innovating Christian Education Research: Multidisciplinary Perspectives, pp.239-269
- Publisher
- Springer Singapore
- Date published
- 2021
- DOI
- 10.1007/978-981-15-8856-3_15; 10.1007/978-981-15-8856-3
- ISBN
- 9789811588563
- Organisation Unit
- School of Law and Society; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Social Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99500608302621
- Output Type
- Book chapter
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