Riven - Jerry B. Jenkins [133]
45
Adamsville
Thomas stood cautiously and without expectation outside the cell of a short, forty-year-old illegal from Guatemala. Jorge Lopez had been incarcerated at the Adamsville State Penitentiary for six years, though Thomas had a hard time imagining this innocuous-looking con pulling six armed robberies and making four escape attempts from other facilities before being sentenced to life here.
Jorge had never asked to see Chaplain Carey.
Until now.
Jorge had studied English as a second language by correspondence, resulting in a strange but most understandable accent. Thomas thought it made the man sound sophisticated, almost courtly. He didn’t slur or use contractions, and he pronounced every syllable with care.
“I appreciate very much your honoring my request, Reverend Carey. I am curious as to what privileges might be afforded a lifer such as myself who converts to your brand of American evangelical Christianity.”
“Let me be sure I understand what you’re asking, sir. Are you curious about the Christian faith, Jorge, and specifically evangelicalism?”
“Oh no. I was raised Catholic, was baptized and confirmed. But I understand that evangelicalism is more accepted and may win me privileges that Catholicism may not.”
“In the system, you mean.”
“Yes. I am not scheduled for even a parole hearing for thirteen more years. Is it true that if I were to convert, I might see that expedited earlier?”
“No. In fact, the opposite is true. I’m afraid it would appear manipulative on your part and could work against you. You wouldn’t want me vouching for you.”
“Very well, then. Thank you very much and I apologize for taking your time.”
“Not at all. Tell me, Jorge, do you understand the differences between Catholicism and Protestantism?”
“Oh yes. I have studied both very carefully.”
“How would you characterize the differences?”
“Well, the one seems more liturgical, creedal. The other more personal. I believe there are more similarities than differences, but I also understand where Protestantism originated and what Martin Luther believed was needed to reform the church.”
“You do?”
“Yes.”
“And does one or the other appeal more to you, prison privileges aside?”
“Yes. Catholicism.”
“Interesting. You know, many men here misunderstand Protestantism to be the faith of grace and see Catholicism as the faith of works.”
“Misunderstand?”
“I mean,” Thomas said, “that they carry the differences to the extreme, thinking that if you are saved by faith and not works, you are free to live however you wish, once you have your eternal destiny decided.”
“I see. And yet I find Catholic literature also emphasizes grace, though perhaps not as exclusively.”
“You are very perceptive, Jorge. I find that many who choose between Catholicism and Protestantism choose the latter because they find it more accessible, even in a way easier.”
“I can see that. But I suppose I prefer the faith I grew up in as a child.”
“Do you still practice it? You have never asked for any literature that I am aware of.”
“No. I am no longer a religious person.”
“Yet you were once?”
“Yes, as I said, as a child. I loved going to church with my parents and brothers and sisters.”
“Do you fear for the fate of your soul?”
“No. I believe when we die, we are simply gone, body, mind, and soul.”
“You realize your religion does not teach that.”
“Of course. As I have said, I am no longer religious in any manner.”
“So your question was wholly based on whether a new allegiance might benefit you somehow here.”
“Correct.”
“I appreciate your honesty, Jorge. I would be remiss if I did not tell you that I believe God loves you and that the Jesus you worshiped as a child died for your sins that you might have eternal life by believing in Him.”
“I know that is what your faith teaches.”
“Yours too, Jorge.”
“No. As I told you, sir, I have no faith.”
“Might you reconsider?”
“I cannot conceive of it.”
“Well, you know how to reach me.”
Thomas could barely put into words, even for himself, how he felt heading back to his office. The man had not