Uploaded November 2014 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Restorative Justice Symposium: More God, Less Crime
Byron Johnson
Al Barsema
Human service systems nationwide are struggling to fill the gap between increased human needs and fewer resources. We know from decades of research that religion is a key protective factor. Indeed, faith-motivated individuals, local congregations, and faith-based organizations bring enormous good will and resources to bear on many social problems, especially those related to crime and justice. This consistent finding—that actively religious folks tend to be more humane than heartless—expresses the help-giving mandates they are taught within our houses of worship. However, faith-motivated individuals and groups can do so much more. We sense it is time for communities of faith and secular agencies to join forces in order to mobilize and coordinate a comprehensive strategy to will help rebuild lives and transform communities.
Restorative Justice Symposium: More God, Less Crime
Byron Johnson
Al Barsema
Human service systems nationwide are struggling to fill the gap between increased human needs and fewer resources. We know from decades of research that religion is a key protective factor. Indeed, faith-motivated individuals, local congregations, and faith-based organizations bring enormous good will and resources to bear on many social problems, especially those related to crime and justice. This consistent finding—that actively religious folks tend to be more humane than heartless—expresses the help-giving mandates they are taught within our houses of worship. However, faith-motivated individuals and groups can do so much more. We sense it is time for communities of faith and secular agencies to join forces in order to mobilize and coordinate a comprehensive strategy to will help rebuild lives and transform communities.
