3 minute read
Reflection
ON THE INSIDE: CELL AND SOUL
Major Paul Johnson reflects on isolation, interconnectedness and the possibility of transformation T HE coronavirus has shaken the spends regular spells of isolation in the all of us are socially and spiritually world and no element of society cooler – a solitary confinement cell interconnected. In other words, we has been immune from its impact – so is known as the ‘Cooler King’. His exist in and for fellowship, not isolation. and intrusion. We have been forced to habit of bouncing a baseball against This is how God has ordained it for us, live in a new world with a new norm. the cell wall keeps him entertained as and the need for it is reflected in the Social distancing is the least that we he plans his next escape attempt. The prison regime, where ‘association’ is have been asked to practise in our film ends with an iconic scene where the highlight of a prisoner’s day. It is the behaviours, and for some that means Hilts makes a break for it, leaping over time they can meet, talk, watch TV solitary confinement. This has not been barbed-wire fences on a motorbike, together, play cards or have a game of easy because we were created by God but is eventually captured. The final pool. It’s important to the mental and to be social beings. shot shows him being returned to the spiritual health of those who reside in
It’s all there in Genesis. We were cooler and bouncing his baseball what is known as ‘the prison estate’. created to have an active daily against the wall – to the irritation of the The Penitentiary Act of 1779 proposed relationship with God, to be in fellowship prison guards. two state penitentiaries, one for men – God with us and we with him. God The pursuit of freedom and and one for women. It introduced also knew we would need fellowship at fellowship is an underlying desire of solitary confinement to give a prisoner our own level: ‘The Lord God said, “It is every man and woman, underpinning time to think, receive religious instruction not good for the man to be alone. I will life itself. ‘No man is an island’ is a and engage in a purposeful labour make a helper suitable for him”’ phrase from Meditation XVII by the regime. The idea was to help those (Genesis 2:18). priest and poet John Donne, written in being entertained at His or Her Solitary confinement is used as a 1624 when he was Dean of St Paul’s Majesty’s pleasure time to reform their punishment in a prison setting – Cathedral. The prose passage, which character from the inside, cell and soul, although it can be used for a prisoner’s was published in Devotions Upon spiritually and morally. This remains at personal safety. The film The Great Emergent Occasions, speaks of the the heart of all prison reform today, and Escape stars Steve McQueen as essence of being human: ‘No man is prison chaplains – including Salvation Captain Virgil Hilts, one of three an island, entire of itself; every man is Army chaplains – have an integral and Americans in a prisoner-of-war camp. a piece of the continent, a part of the influential role in this mission. Because of his frequent escape main. If a clod be washed away by the A prison’s chaplaincy team is central attempts and irreverent attitude, Hilts sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a to all its activities, and promotes the promontory were, as well as if a manor true meaning of fellowship: bringing of thy friend’s or of thine own were: men and women into a living any man’s death diminishes me, relationship with the God who loves because I am involved in mankind, them in spite of their sin, faults and and therefore never send to know for failings, and who can change them whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.’ inside and out.
John Donne lived in Tudor England at a time when church bells I believe in transformation, were rung to mark God can change the hearts of men, various events and And refine the evil nature were an important Till it glows with grace again. feature of daily life. Others may reject the weakling,
In this passage, the I believe he can be strong, bell signifies a death, To the family of Jesus but the main point All God’s children may belong. Donne makes is that (SASB 34)
