Criminology and Public Theology

“Theoretically sophisticated yet practically pertinent, this interdisciplinary collection composes a compelling challenge to the justice-as-retribution paradigm in favour of a conception of justice tempered by hope, mercy, forgiveness and restoration.” David Neville, Charles Sturt University

“[This book is] clear and convincing on the consequences of a retributive criminal justice system on the individual…The reader is left with the encouraging alternative of a criminal justice approach guided not by retribution or cost-benefit, but hope, mercy and restoration.” Studies in Christian Ethics

"This is an outstanding work of great originality and impressive rigour that illuminates an almost completely ignored field." Theology

"Criminology has neglected its inevitable relationship with theology for decades. This important collection offers vital resources for reimagining how we might best understand and attend to human dignity, hope, mercy and restoration in criminal justice." Fergus McNeill, University of Glasgow

"A pioneering study of what Christian theology and ethics could contribute to a more humane understanding of criminology, which engages with those few theologians who have paid careful attention to the issues raised within criminology." Robin Gill, University of Kent

"Criminology is full of 'theological’ ideas – punishment, justice, transgression, mercy, forgiveness and hope. This insightful book brings these fields together, showing that the deepest yearnings of humanity lead us to love and justice." Alison Liebling, University of Cambridge

Andrew Millie is Professor of Criminology at Edge Hill University. Millie's work is interdisciplinary drawing on criminology, philosophy and theology. He is also known for his work on policing. He is the Editor of the Bristol University Press series New Horizons in Criminology. His books include “Criminology and Public Theology” (Bristol University Press, 2020), “Philosophical Criminology” (Policy Press, 2016), “Securing Respect” (Policy Press, 2009) and “Anti-Social Behaviour” (Open University Press, 2009).

Foreword ~ Shadd Maruna

Introduction: Public Criminology Meets Public Theology ~ Andrew Millie

PART IA Place for Hope: Criminology Meets Public Theology

Criminal Justice and the Ethics of Jesus ~ Anthony Bottoms

Three Intersections in Criminology and Public Theology ~ Jonathan Burnside

St Paul among the Criminologists ~ Aaron Pycroft

Interpreting the Cross: Religion, Structures of Feeling, and Penal Theory and Practice ~ Tim Gorringe

Sin, Shame and Atonement: A Challenge for Secular Redemption ~ Christopher D. Marshall

Criminology, Public Theology and Hope ~ Andrew Millie

PART IICriminal Justice, Mercy and Restoration

Mercy Triumphs over Judgement: Intrusive or Enabling Mercy? ~ Richard Bourne

The ‘Quality of Mercy’ in Probation Practice ~ Lol Burke

Loving the Neighbourhood, Loving Enemies: Towards a Theology for (and from) Policing ~ Alistair McFadyen

Persecuting the Prophets: Inequality, Insanity and Incarceration ~ Andrew Skotnicki

The Ins and Outs of Signals of Forgiveness in Restorative Justice ~ Joanna Shapland

The Restorative Gaze ~ Eric Stoddart

Conclusions ~ Andrew Millie