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The Soul Stealers, Anonymous
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Editor’s note: This article was written by a man who has been a friend of the
Open Door since his sentencing to a long prison term in the 1970s. Since being incarcerated,
he has graduated from college, pursued various vocational programs, and
maintained relationships with numerous friends outside prison. We publish this article
anonymously for his protection. This clearly is one man’s account, gleaned from
experience in various men’s prisons and jails. At some points, the essay represents experiences
shared by men and women. At other points, the writing comes from a distinctly
male experience. We are grateful for his willingness to share this experience in
such painful detail.
In Matthew 10:28 it is written, “and do not fear those who kill the body, but
cannot kill the soul. But, rather, fear the one who is able to destroy both soul
and body in hell.”
For years, I have read this verse of scripture and wondered about it. I can
easily understand how a person can kill the body of another person. And I can
understand that God can destroy both the soul and body of a person in hell. But
it has taken me years to learn how human beings can destroy the souls of other
human beings.
I’d like to spend a few moments sharing my thoughts as to how a person
can destroy or “steal” another’s soul. In fact, I’d like to shed light on an institution
that, as a by-product of its day-to-day operations, steals tens of thousands
of souls.
You may scoff at this idea and question, “How can this be” Bear with me
a few moments, and I will shed light on who is responsible for stealing these
souls and how it is accomplished.
In the United States, we look to a number of governmental agencies and organizations
to preserve the integrity of our society. Laws are created and enforced
to define the parameters of acceptable behavior. Agencies are created and
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