Judge stops offering convicts option of Christian book report

[Liberal_in_LA]

Houston Judge Stops Offering Convicts Choice of Christian Book Report Or Community Service After Critics Blast Practice

A newly elected Houston judge who says he was merely trying to "think outside the box" when he suggested that convicts in his court read a Christian book to avoid community service has decided to stop the practice after critics blasted the idea.

Judge John Clinton, a former police officer who was elected in January to preside over Harris County Criminal Court No. 4, offered nine people the chance to avoid community service last week by instead reading "The Heart of the Problem," a Bible study book by Henry Brandt and Kerry L. Skinner that "proselytizes Christianity and advocates turning to God to solve problems," according to a March 29 letter from officials at the Texas branch of the American Civil Liberties Union.

But Clinton said he has since stopped offering the option as an alternative way to get defendants convicted of misdemeanors ranging from domestic assault to drug possession on the right track.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/03/29/houston-judge-stops-christian-book-report-option-critics-blast-practice/?test=latestnews

[lazarus]

1. good

[Dogtown]

2. Fundy law..... n/t

[Angry Dragon]

3. Perhaps if he had offered a selection of books

on varying subjects...........

[gratuitous]

4. Dear Judge Clinton

Why don't you try reading "If Grace is True" by Gulley and Mulholland? Then assign that.

[northoftheborder]

5. The idea of a book suggestion is fine, but not a religious one.

There are many - thousands of good books, helpful, inspiring, which could be donated to people in trouble - but not to substitute for the community service already called for. There are books which are spiritual in nature, but not directly attributable to any established religion. Perhaps a committee of teachers, doctors, counselors could come up with a list of helpful, interesting books to be given. I'm all for encouraging people to read; too many just watch TV; they are then so limited in their understanding of the world.

[JoePhilly]

6. Oh ... given this choice, I'd take the Book report ... and then ...

I'd rip it, and Christianity a new asshole, using a wide array of additional theological sources and references.

Why not? Its not like you have to write a POSITIVE book report.

I almost want to commit a crime just to get the chance to do this.

[Liberal_in_LA]

7. I'd take the book report option also. I could probably knock it out in a few hours without reading

the whole book.

[JoePhilly]

9. I can just imagine delivering my book report to that judge ...

I'd go with a verbal presentation as a supplement to the written report.

Televised, if possible.

[Fuzz]

8. Why not learning a magic trick, like turning water into wine. Maybe not good for a DUI, but. . .