Do you believe in the redemption of criminals?

[Julie07]

I listened to the interview with Michael Franzese, a former member of the Mafia, who, after serving his prison sentence, left the Mafia world and, according to him, changed his ways.

[jennifer_bloom]

In the bible, God talks to a sinner and says "what SHOULD I choose to forgive you?" I believe even though I am not God, that God often forgives people because they merit or warrant forgiveness.

Like I forgive certain members of my family for being racist against Japanese people because two people in my family were murdered by Japanese soldiers during the war. If I was racist against Japanese groups, I might not be forgiven for my racism the way my family was, because its wasn't my immediate family that was killed by them and I have no forgivable reason for being racist against Japanese soldiers.

My previous generation family does have a forgivable reason for being racist against soldiers from Japan and they have been forgiven by God for their racism towards them.

God forgives often because the person warrants forgiveness, and sometimes he punishes first because the person does not warrant mercy or forgiveness, meaning, they were never abused, were never sick, were never poor, were never lied to about moral living by parents, just hated without cause.

[BadGirlRebellious]

yes but it depends on how stubborn they are to change

rehbilation works for some, not for everybody

[lightbulb27]

I met a guy whom after becomming Christian in prison, changed his tune and put his energy into saving other young people from the aybiss. He does prison ministry. Really strong tough guy. That's what is needed, but the volumes going in are so high as the world is a trauma generator without good parents. The root problem in his life was his fathers abuse which turned to anger and serious crime.

Of course, but people have to have a strong reason else they don't change.

[Anonymous]

I think there's people who live that life because they want to, people who live that live because they have to and people who live it because it's the only way they know.

There was a time I was doing some not so good things and I would tell my brother I love the life but I'd rather be doing anything else to make a living. I was lucky I got out of it before any real consequences hit.

[OlderAndWiser]

One contrary example does not disprove a very strong trend.

[Dargil]

It's the kind of logical fallacy leftists live on. Trump uses Russian dressing on his caesar salad to he is colluding with the Russians AND wants to be a king.

[RyanEC]

I have watched a few of his videos.


I think that should be the primary aim of the prison system.

[KostasKouvalis]

I agree. Like in Europe

[FreyaRed]

It's more likely he lost his position in 'la Familia', there is no way back for him. If he could be 'Capo di tutti capi' again he wouldn't hesitate a second

[exitseven]

Some might but usually when they get out of prison thay find ot hard to find a good job abnd make a decent salary so they go back to crime. Also many of them just cannot hold down an honest job.

[Kingofkings1992]

That's something wrong with our society and system, not something wrong with them.

[Lliam]

Yes. It is definitely possible for some people to learn from their mistakes and turn their lives around.

[rebelsunshine]

People can change, but I don't blame men for joining gangs when they lack father figures and male role models in their lives.

[BCRanger10]

Yes, I believe it is entirely possible. But it has to be sincere, consistent, and enduring.

[spartan55]

All going to prison does is makes you a better criminal.

[Joshydavid25]

I've seen him.. Seems like a good dude.. I think he found Jesus too.. But yes.. I believe that criminals can reform and get redemption..

[DryGermanGuy]

According to the recorded recidivism rates, yes, that’s often possible.

[Staximus]

These type of guys don't change, they just don't want to go back to prison. Did you know his dad was arrested in 2011 and released from federal prison at age 100? Haha

[goaded]

I don't know about him, but I know it happens.

[DrPepper12]

Redemption is between them & their fictional sky daddy

Rehabilitation? Yes. Absolutely

[Ariesman81]

There was an entire book written about it. It's definitely possible he read it.

[Anonymous]

Depends on the criminal, wealth could be changed but mental state can't be like psychopaths and sex offenders

[beefcakebradybatson]

Only the hardest-core criminals are beyond redemption.

[ABC1x1x]

Absolutely not. 9.5 out of 10bcrikinals should be put down like rabid dogs.

[queenofcardio]

Depending on the crime yes

[NathanDavis]

some will, some won't

[RavVid]

It is possible but probably not common.

[Dargil]

Some yes, some no.

[douride2]

Most never seem to change there ways.

[Agape93]

Depends

[KostasKouvalis]

I do

[Kingofkings1992]

Yes.

[eagle1951]

a few maybe