RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OF INMATES IN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS

The article is devoted to the problem of religious education that may be of great importance to rehabilitate and reform the offender or prisoner. As the problem of crime is one of growing importance, every means available should be used to reform and train the prisoner so that when he leaves the penitentiary he will go out and become a useful member of society. The various reasons for inmate religious involvement are investigated, such as many psychological and emotional benefits, improving their own self-concept, use religion to help change their behavior or to gain physical protection, to meet other inmates or volunteers of the opposite sex. It is proved that inmates can acquire a number of positive characteristics from the practice of religion in prison, because serious religious involvement promotes self-discipline, self-introspection, and concern for others, psychological peace of mind, positive self-concept and improvements in self-control and intellectual abilities. According to the law of many countries, correctional institutions must provide inmates with legal rights concerning the practice of religion and attending religious services, but considering security of the institution. The programs aimed at the successful reintegration of inmates into the community need the assistance of religious personnel to find employment and promote positive family relationships. There has been considered that the prison chaplain has greater potential opportunities in helping to rehabilitate the prisoner, he has shown the most interest in criminals and has been motivated by a religious spirit or a welfare mission. The article analyzes characteristics that the modern prison chaplain must use; he should be extreme tactful, frank, honest, and truthful, careful to keep his promises, sympathetic, must know something about the social sciences and should be a man of strong and attractive personality. The chaplain’s duties and obligations are analyzed. One of the aims of a chaplain is to analyze the inmates' religious and social background, diagnose their deficiencies, and plan for their future. It is noted that whatever the changes in corrections and larger society, because of the historical and legal foundation of religion in corrections it will continue to be an active part of prison life and inmates’ rehabilitation. Key words: religious education; correctional institutions; inmates; prisoners’ rehabilitation; a correctional chaplain.