The Lives Inside: Howard Thurman, Strange Freedoms, and The Inner Life of Carceral Contemplation

Abstract

Howard Thurman (1899-1981) is a spiritual pillar in the African American theological tradition. Although Thurman is still unknown to many, his life, ministry, personal witness, and role in the civil rights movement proved to be invaluable and has continued to influence generations. Contemporary studies of Thurman’s life and work has cultivated a rich terrain for scholarship and practical Christian ministry around ideas of spirituality, community, and freedom. By examining Thurman’s notion of “A Strange Freedom,” this thesis pushes beyond the traditional applications of his thought and argues that situating Howard Thurman in the carceral context alongside the prisoner is not only a prophetic way to read his work but also casts new light on the meaning of freedom. My methodology includes (1) examining the inner life in Thurman’s thought, (2) applying his notion of “A Strange Freedom” to the context of incarceration, (3) introducing the notion of what I call “Carceral Contemplation” which explores the relationship between the carceral and the contemplative, (4) taking seriously the role of exercise and sport in prison as an expression of freedom, and (5) highlighting a different dimension in the search for common ground which includes the children of the incarcerated along with the inner child within incarcerated men and women. My findings suggest that situating Howard Thurman in the context of incarceration provides a new way to help answer his famous question of “what does the religion of Jesus have to say to those whose backs are against the wall?” By spending time with and listening closer to those whose backs are against carceral crosses, we learn not only what the religion of Jesus has to say to those in prison but also to all of us in the quest for freedom.