Outrageous Justice: Book Review

It is no surprise that since 2020 there has been a rise in support for social justice issues since the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, etc. Police brutality, racism, discrimination, white privilege, have become buzzwords used by social justice supporters, as well as defund the police. We cannot ignore systemic injustices in the world and should spread awareness, but with caution. Regarding social issues, people often stigmatize crimes against people groups by labeling those committing the crime. An example: referring to a bank robber as a bank robber instead of someone who robbed a bank.

I learned the importance of language in my new volunteer position.

I picked up the book Outrageous Justice after becoming a Justice Ambassador for Prison Fellowship. If you haven’t heard of them they are the largest Christian nonprofit advocating for justice reforms. It was founded by the late Charles Colson who ended up in prison during the Watergate scandal. He was an advisor to President Nixon.

My supervisor encouraged to read it, join their online small group and consider share it with people I know at church. I haven’t finished the book, I’m halfway but it has challenged my perceptions of the criminal justice system. Each chapter begins with a story. and goes in depth into why Prison Fellowship does what it does and why we need to reevaluate our justice system. 

If you ever get a chance to, you should pick up this book and read it whether you are interested in prison ministry, if you are already involved or even if you aren’t interested it’s a good resource to build your understanding. 

My rating: 4 starts

Recommend?: Highly recommended.