A Dream of a Tattered Man

the long version

"This volume records Randy Loney's weekly visits with prisoners on Georgia's death row, portraying the personal relationships he has developed with men awaiting execution.". "In these meditations Loney tells how he came to visit death row and speaks candidly of the intellectual and theological resources that shape his understanding of his visits. Whatever one feels or thinks about the issues related to death row, Loney brings the reader closer to the men who live their lives on the brink of death. Though the book contains a frank critique of the American justice system and capital punishment, Loney's primary intent is to show, in very intimate terms, the genuine humanity of those deemed unworthy of life.". "Reflecting on his friendships with the men introduced in these pages, Loney explores his increasing understanding of his own moral frailty in the face of the horror of the death penalty. Giving voice to the nature of the human spirit on both sides of the bars, he affirms the integrity of life and creation, despite society's maltreatment of marginalized human beings - especially the poor and persons of color - and upholds the need to believe in the reality of God's love, despite the bewildering experience of divine absence."--BOOK JACKET.