Rather than an exhortation on what we must do to earn the Kingdom, the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25 is an astonishing promise that Christ can be found reliably in a visible, material location.
Prison.
Karl Barth scholar, Mark J. Edwards, is back to talk about “the sacrament of imprisonment.”
Show Notes
Summary
In this conversation, Mark Edwards discusses the concept of prison as a sacrament of freedom. He highlights the global problem of mass incarceration and the need for prison abolition. Edwards explores the theology of Karl Barth and his prison sermons, which offer a unique perspective on the nature of prison. He also delves into the definition of sacrament and expands it beyond traditional notions. Edwards examines the role of proclamation in the sacrament of prison and its connection to the biblical narrative and the civil rights movement. This conversation explores the themes of prison ministry, the transformative power of imprisonment, and the role of protest and reform in carceral conditions. The chapters cover topics such as the first Christian community in prison, the reconciliation and liberation found in Christ's imprisonment, the truth about ourselves revealed in prison, and the presence of Christ in prison. The conversation also delves into the humanitarian concerns of prisons, the church as an imprisoned body, and the theological understanding of imprisonment as a sacrament. The chapters conclude with a discussion on protest and imprisonment in the context of Bonhoeffer's theology and the sacrament of imprisonment as a means of freedom.
Takeaways
Mass incarceration is a global problem that needs to be addressed and abolished.
Karl Barth's prison sermons provide a unique perspective on the nature of prison and the Christian responsibility towards it.
The definition of sacrament can be expanded beyond traditional notions to include practices that sustain, nourish, confirm, and increase faith.
The sacrament of prison encompasses four aspects: proclamation, human rights and humanitarian protection, protest, and persecution. Prison can be a place of transformation and liberation, both for those imprisoned and for those who minister to them.
Imprisonment provides an opportunity to see the truth about ourselves and to experience the presence of Christ in a unique way.
Prison ministry should not only focus on spiritual well-being but also on improving material conditions and advocating for humanitarian rights.
Protest and reform are important aspects of addressing the injustices and inhumane conditions of prisons.
Imprisonment can be understood as a sacrament, a visible sign of an invisible grace, that reveals God's presence and offers the possibility of freedom.
If you’d like to read Mark’s paper:
The Sacrament of Imprisonment