In prison, religion will always carry privileges. There are always chapel and programs and religious services, certainly far more than educational opportunities. I once saw a guy get out of a class because he was was Muslim and the teacher was a woman: it was against his religion to be taught by someone with ovaries, apparently. At a job, you have an automatic out: a religious service. Protestant worship, chapel library, Native American drumming. It’s not even questioned. But ask to be let out of work to finish a book about philosophy you’ve been reading, and they’ll look at you like you’re crazy. Intellectual endeavors are not given any consideration, but spiritual ones always are. I’m not complaining; I’m saying this is the wrong way to go about it. The priorities of everyone, from top to bottom, are way off. Focusing on the intellect is where it all has to begin.
Dan Turner
DOC# 767569
To be fair, I doubt they’d be given time out to read the Bible or other books, rather than joining an organized activity. You place a high value on thinking for yourself, which is great. But I believe some things can only be learned in community and other people’s insights are always worth listening to – don’t have to agree with them but they may not be all wrong either.