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Freeman disagrees. "The legitimate goal is to keep the extremist literature out," he said. "Beyond that, [prison officials] should be looking to build a serious collection with experts in that particular religion. They ought to also afford the prisoners the opportunity to supplement their collection by purchasing specific volumes they may want."

John Whitehead, president of the Rutherford Institute, said the BOP is trying to fight crime with crime. "I don't see any redeeming factor in committing illegal acts, unconstitutional acts. It's the old book-burning thing again," he said. Under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, he notes, "Any regulation by a prison that substantially burdens an inmate's right to free exercise, they have to show a compelling state interest [to carry out]." Referring to an inmate's example of a book that had been removed, Whitehead asked, "What is the compelling state interest to remove Why Bad Things Happen to Good People? Or the Christian books?"

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The International Herald Tribune posted an Associated Press article covering the events at the Otisville prison.

The Anti-Defamation League website has a post providing answers to questions concerning prison extremism and the First Amendment.

The BOP released a review on Muslim religious service providers in April 2004.

One of the goals of the Rutherford Institute is to protect religious freedom.

Prison Fellowship is working to counter this censorship. The organization also works in prisons across the country to spread the gospel to inmates.

Other Christianity Today articles about religious books banned from federal prisons:

Rx for Recidivism | Prison Fellowship president Mark Earley talks about challenges the ministry faces.

Bad Judgment | Ruling imperils faith-based programs around the country. (Charles Colson, August 1, 2006)

Imprisoned Ministry | The future of Prison Fellowship's rehabilitation program, and other faith-based social services, are in the hands of an appeals court (July 14, 2006)

Study Lauds Prisoner Program | Prison Fellowship releases InnerChange research at a White House roundtable. (June 1, 2003)

Suing Success | Prison Fellowship says its Inner Change program is clearly constitutional (April 1, 2003)

A Healthy Cult | A lively response by one unusual audience shows how God's power transforms culture. (Charles Colson, June 12, 2000)

Weblog: Christian Prison Program Sued (February 1, 2003)

Prisons: Unique Prison Program Serves as Boot Camp for Heaven (February 9, 1998)

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July (Web-only) 2007, Vol. 51