"Hey, Doc. You know, being in prison you're exposed to so much prejudice, hatred, selfishness, loneliness, etc., that you can forget the goodness of God." William's statement didn't really catch me by surprise, but it did remind me how practical theology is.

For the past three weeks, I have been teaching a survey of Bible doctrine to 15 inmates at Kirkland Correctional Institution. These followers of Jesus are serving anywhere from seven years to life for various crimes.

Each day upon arriving, I enter the security area, remove my shoes, belt, watch, and then place my Bible, textbook, and folder in the plastic bin that goes through the X-ray machine. I walk through a metal detector and spread my arms to be patted down while being asked if I am bringing any contraband items into the prison (cell phones, more than $50, weapons, drugs, etc.).

Another metal door is buzzed open so I can walk two blocks underground to another security area before a large metal door rolls back, ...