Religious Empathy: Quaker Action in Criminal Justice Reform

Abstract

The Religious Society of Friends, commonly known as the Quakers, have actively contributed to social change since their founding ca. 1650. A key piece of their history is a commitment to criminal justice system reform. Quaker work in prison reform is deeply tied to their central religious doctrine of inner light, a belief in the goodness and holiness present within every individual. Through the belief in inner light and ideals derived from it, Quakers have developed religious empathy, a compassion stemming from religious values that pushes forward Quaker reforms. This paper explores the role of religion in the case of Quaker thought and action in their criminal justice activism. This study analyzes key historical documents and movements along with modern Quaker organizations and demonstrates that their reform efforts were specifically successful as a result of their religious orientation, including their belief in inner light, religious empathy, and faith in redemption.

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