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Imprisonment

Introduction

What often naturally follows accusation, whether true or false, is some kind of punishment. Perhaps falling just short of the most extreme punishment (death) is imprisonment, which is a type of death in some ways. Death is the loss of life, and imprisonment is the loss of freedom. Joseph avoided the former and experienced the latter as his final step of struggling with all the “masters” in this study.

The Reasons for Imprisonment

As was mentioned in the introduction, punishment is one of the primary reasons for imprisonment. Those within the legal system determine that society would be better off without the accused/convicted being part of its free citizenry.

A second and more prominent reason for imprisonment in modern society is the idea of “correction.” Many cultures use the term “department of corrections” to identify their prison systems.

• When thinking about prisons, have you considered the differences between the concepts of punishment and correction?

The Effects of Imprisonment

Removal of freedom can affect prisoners by crushing their spirits. Such prisoners are sometimes referred to as being “condemned.” Much like a condemned building because it is no longer considered safe or useful, the prisoner’s value to society has plummeted to nothingness. For some prisoners, this effect is hopelessness.

There is an odd paradox of benefits for others who lose their freedom. The removal of life’s choices results in a type of focus. A refined vision results in clarity of purpose. The minimization of choices limits temptation to the extent that it can result in responsible living. The effect here is one of health and hope.

• Have you read about or know personally someone who has spent time in prison?

Will Imprisonment Master You?

• How can a better understanding of imprisonment help you to live well in your freedom?
• Though you may not be physically incarcerated, are there “little prisons” that may be stealing your daily freedom?

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