Many studies demonstrate that frequent church attenders commit crimes less often than church non-attenders. A 1985 study showed that religious black men in poverty stricken areas are more likely than nonreligious black men to leave those areas and avoid crime and drug abuse. A 1983 study found that the level of religious orthodoxy had a significant effect upon delinquency, i.e., the more orthodox the beliefs, the lower the delinquency rate. Religion provides people with an internal moral compass that helps them to avoid criminal behavior. According to the U.S. Justice Department, the answer is families.
Parents play a critical role in moral development.
In addition, choosing religious friends makes a difference, according to sociologist Rodney Stark. A 1983 study concluded that religion affects the choice of one's friends and promotes family stability, both of which are significantly related to reducing delinquent behavior. A 1981 study found that when young people are in a religious friendship network, religious concerns are amplified and are part of everyday interaction. This resource may be reprinted without change and in its entirely for non-commercial purposes without prior permission from the Rocky Mountain Family Council.