The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Punishment

This was an excellent well written and informative read. Highly recommended for secular and religious readers interested in how the Protestant ethic impacts how we view "punishment". This is especially for those interested in justice, punishment, ethics, prison reform,inmate re-entry and healing for wholeness. The author makes compelling points for examining what he calls "the spirit of punishment" and the necessary adjustments to practice "restorative justice"....

First, let me say I think John Gibbs must have inadvertently checked the wrong rating. His glowing review of the book seems to rate 5 stars, not one. I am a novice in this area, but still found the book to provide a sound and insightful treatment of the role of society (with its various religious beliefs) as it deals with criminal behavior. The book provides an excellent intellectual basis for Restorative Justice as well as offering numerous practical examples of how societies have dealt constructively with those who have gone astray. The book's message is elegantly presented with the readability needed by the lay person. Dr. Snyder has worked in the fields of religion and criminal justice for decades and we are fortunate that he has offered us his theological, sociological, and practical insights.