Date

8-20-2026

Department

Helms School of Government

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice (PhD)

Chair

Marc Weiss

Keywords

Secular, Christian, recidivism, offender, corrections, Texas, Biblical

Disciplines

Christianity | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

This qualitative descriptive study examines the effectiveness of secular versus Christian-based correctional programs in reducing recidivism among offenders and enhancing reintegration outcomes. The primary purpose is to explore perceived limitations of secular correctional methodologies, given observed challenges such as rising recidivism and limited offender transformation. In contrast, Christian-based programs, grounded in biblical principles and spiritual transformation, are posited to foster meaningful change among offenders. The study focuses on the perspectives of formerly incarcerated individuals who participated in secular and faith-based initiatives while incarcerated in Texas. Data collection is exclusively qualitative, involving semi-structured interviews with these formerly incarcerated individuals and a thematic content analysis of publicly available program curricula. This approach aims to provide rich, contextual insight into how biblical principles may facilitate more profound personal transformation and sustainable reintegration, potentially offering an alternative to secular approaches. The findings aim to contribute to the ongoing discourse on criminal justice reform by exploring the potential benefits of integrating biblical values within correctional practice. Emphasizing offender restoration and ethical rehabilitation, this study proposes a framework for considering correctional systems through a theologically informed lens.

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