But the Soviets were determined to improve their prison system and deal with their crime crisis. I told him that crime is not caused by economic or political or ethnic factors. It is caused by sin - by the fundamental evil in the human heart. In a system that rejects God, there can be no transcendent values or authority to which people are accountable - so one can only reasonably expect unfettered human behavior. And that means crime.
Crime becomes inevitable.
Encouraged, I laid my hopes on the table. One, that religious services be allowed. Two, that community involvement be encouraged. Three, that aftercare be developed, using community groups like Prison Fellowship. And four, that restitution and help for victims be made part of your criminal justice process.