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Opening the Doors

A Prison Chaplain's Life on the Inside

Paul Gill author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Waterside Press

Published:12th Sep '18

Should be back in stock very soon

Opening the Doors cover

This insightful book explores the complexities of imprisonment, offering a compassionate perspective on the lives of prisoners and their struggles.

In Opening the Doors, the author shares invaluable insights gained from years of working with prisoners, offering a compassionate perspective on incarceration. This book serves as a guide for outsiders, volunteers, and those involved in supporting individuals within the prison system. It explores the complexities of imprisonment through a Christian lens, addressing the difficult question of how a holy God relates to those who have committed serious crimes, including paedophiles, murderers, and substance abusers.

The narrative delves into the reasons behind criminal behavior, challenging the notion that individuals simply decide to commit crimes without considering their circumstances. Through real-life experiences and anecdotes, Opening the Doors sheds light on the struggles faced by inmates, including coping with violence and the challenges of rehabilitation. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding the human stories behind the statistics, fostering empathy for those often marginalized by society.

Moreover, the book highlights the role of victims and the necessary support they require in the aftermath of crime. By addressing these critical questions and themes, Opening the Doors aims to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the prison system and the potential for redemption, encouraging a more compassionate approach to those who have erred in life.

If there is one book that should be made available not only to prison chaplains, but to all who work, visit, live or are connected with prisons in any way, then this is it.'-- Quakers in Criminal Justice; `A powerful account, occasionally confronting yet laced with humour and pathos... providing the reader with a valuable insight into a prisoner's life'- Reverend Graham Wright; `A handbook for future prison chaplains, Opening the Doors is indispensable'- Dr Toby Davidson, Macquarie University; `A passionate and accurate insight into life on the inside... and highly recommended'- The Melbourne Anglican; 'Knitting together stories and facts about the prison experience to provide an insight into this world, and a helpful guide to anyone wanting to work within it'-- Catholic Record; 'Raw and real, confronting and challenging, brutally honest tinged with touches of humour, and provides the reader with a valuable insight into a prisoner's life... The book is beautifully produced, colourful and easy to read'-- crosslight.org.au; 'Exceptionally insightful, not to say riveting. There is good theology too and difficult issues are addressed with great humanity. The lavish presentation makes the book especially accessible and invites further reading and reflection'-- Michael Hirst.

ISBN: 9781909976603

Dimensions: 297mm x 210mm x 8mm

Weight: unknown

156 pages

2nd Enhanced edition