Abstract
This paper argues that religious freedom has consistently been linked to volunteerism and the work of faith-based individuals and organizations in addressing a variety of social problems including crime and delinquency, substance abuse treatment, offender rehabilitation, and prison reentry. Moreover, the emerging subfield of positive criminology is beginning to document the ways in which faith-based efforts are providing more positive and restorative approaches that tend to be effective in reducing crime and promoting prosocial outcomes. Indeed, religious interventions are proving to be some of the most innovative and consequential at a time when jurisdictions are faced with ever-tightening budgets. Moreover, the role of faith-based volunteers and even offender-led religious movements in the process of identity transformation and reform is particularly relevant and timely when there is such a widespread call for evidence-based approaches to justice reform.
Highlights
Religion and Volunteerism in Contemporary American SocietyVolunteers make enormous contributions to civil society in the US (Putnam 2000; Putnam and Feldstein 2003)
This paper argues that religious freedom has consistently been linked to volunteerism and the work of faith-based individuals and organizations in addressing a variety of social problems including crime and delinquency, substance abuse treatment, offender rehabilitation, and prison reentry
We know that many Americans volunteer and that volunteers make critical contributions to American civil society
Summary
Volunteers make enormous contributions to civil society in the US (Putnam 2000; Putnam and Feldstein 2003). Synagogues, and mosques are unique communities that encourage volunteerism and other- focused outreach and introduce individuals to secular as well as religious opportunities to serve others This service creates social bonds which make it more likely that people will respond to volunteering invitations. There is support for the notion that for nonreligious people, having strong connections to those that are highly active in congregational life increases the likelihood that they will volunteer (Lim and MacGregor 2012; Merino 2013) This is important because volunteerism means a great deal to America in ways that are substantial as well as positive, and if religion can help to multiply volunteerism, society will benefit from this good will. Putnam’s calculation of the contribution of religious congregations to America’s overall storehouse of social capital and good will—coupled with a growing body of evidence on the important role of religiously motivated volunteers—is truly immense
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