NCJ Number
119399
Editor(s)
J M Day,
W S Laufer
Date Published
1987
Length
271 pages
Annotation
This book considers the factor of religion in criminology, specifically focusing on the increased number of Americans who associate with religious institutions and ideas and on the sociological and psychological dimensions of religion in the criminal justice setting.
Abstract
The growth of churches, the rise of nontraditional religious groups, the increasing number of students in religious schools at every level, and Moral Majority participation in political debates and campaigns illustrate the increase in the number of Americans who actively associate with religious organizations and practices. Book chapters deal with social dimensions of the crime-religion relationship, considering the religious foundations of American jurisprudence, the involvement of religious organizations in public policy on crime, and theological aspects of crime and personality. Other chapters note studies that empirically test and delineate religion as a factor in the personality and group psychology of criminals and as a variable in the prevention and reduction of crime. Throughout the book, religion is construed to mean both organized religion and value, attitude, and belief systems held by individuals and groups. Particular attention is paid to religion, responsibility, and victims of crime and to religious commitment in the correctional environment. 304 references, 4 tables, 7 figures.