The Convict Christ

by Jens Soering

An inmate for life, Jens Soering tells stories of prison life that are shocking and inspiring. He confronts us with Jesus's challenge to love not only the least amongst us but those who are perceived as the worst amongst us. Anyone interested in what goes on behind the walls of our nation's prisons--and in seeing the face of Christ in everyone--will value this authentic, harrowing, and visionary search for redemption. The subject of a recent profile in The New Yorker Jens Soering has been incarcerated in Virginia since 1990. He is the author of The Way of the Prisoner and An Expensive Way to Make Bad People Worse.

Genres: Religion

152 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2006

About the author

Prison reform advocated and convicted double murderer.

Soering had been imprisoned for a double murder of ther parents of his girlfriend in Virginia, USA. Söring claims he took the blame for his girlfriend and an other mom, thinking he had diplomaric immunity. Söring denies having committed the crime.

In jail Soering has written books about prison reform and his case.

Reviews

[Kaylin Verbrugge]

“When God chose to take on human flesh, he did not become a priest or monk, a king or a general, a poet or philosopher. Instead, he became a death row prisoner, a condemned criminal executed alongside two thieves. Nothing else would do… he saved us by submitting himself to capital punishment as a convicted felon. His most important work was to die as a common criminal” (1).

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful book. Takes the Gospel to mean what it says

[Scott Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason I am giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is that Soering's writing style sometimes seems a bit superficial. Nevertheless, each chapter raises a different issue within the prison system and makes a strong connection to a Biblical figure or verse. Each chapter is followed by provocative questions to be used for discussion, making this an excellent book for a reading circle or church group. In my opinion, it is difficult to put the book down without being deeply troubled by our system of criminal "justice." How can we call ourselves Christian while supporting such a system?

[Katie Mangum · Rating 4 out of 5]

A difficult read posing the critical questions of what the gospel really means in the most objectionable of circumstances, among the least forgivable, and where hope seems impossible. What does Christ’s way look like when facing the monstrosities of human evil and the American carceral state? This perspective offers some ideas, but no easy answers. Its real gift (and curse) is to force you to ask the questions.

[Ryan and Sara Wendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and powerful book advocating for the heart of what the Gospel proclaims about criminal justice.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jens Soering's little book is a personal plea from prison reform from a prisoner serving a dual life sentence but Soering does not plead his own case. Rather, he reflects on the Christian gospels and on the current situation of prisoners in the US penal system. This book is unsettling, a product of deep reflection on Scripture. Highly recommended, especially to anyone who does not think about prison or our criminal justice system, or anyone who thinks things are just fine and dandy.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVERYTHING.HE WRITES. IS AMAZING.