Statistical data on rising crime rates has often been reported by the media. This was especially the case during the 60s and 70s. There are projections that crime and delinquency will continue to increase, perhaps to extraordinary proportions. In the literature, a distinction is made between delinquent behavior and crime. The distinction here usually concerns the age classification. In general, offenders are young people and young adults. In practice, crime is a form of serious offense.
Crime is on the rise
The rising crime rates are related to alcohol and drug use / abuse, and to some extent to the extra-marital sex life. Churches and synagogues take strong positions against criminal and delinquent behavior. It would be hoped that religion could act as a powerful deterrent against such acts.
Statistics unreliable?
First we have to consider some points for clarification. The criminal and delinquent behavior phase covers a considerable area. There is also sometimes confusion about drawing a line between mental disorder and criminal behavior. In addition, the crime statistics themselves can be unreliable.
Shortcomings
Definitions of criminal offenses can vary from one jurisdiction to another. Some governments and police agencies may be more diligent in enforcing laws than others. Much crime is certainly not reported. The methodological and statistical challenges with regard to religion-delinquency relationships are also considerable. In light of these concerns, it is not surprising that studies in this area often generate conflicting findings.
Delinquency: Immature Behavior?
It is not entirely clear how crime differs from delinquent behavior. Usually the term “delinquent” refers to to a younger age group of offenders, who may or may not be treated in an adult court. Delinquency is sometimes seen as less serious than adult crime. The reason for this is probably the association with young people. But there is significant overlap in the use of these terms in the literature. It’s okay to use the terms “delinquent” and ?? crime ?? distinguish and apply as discussed in original studies.
Crime, Church Attendance and Religion
The theoretical underpinnings of the expectation that low religious involvement can be associated with higher crime rates can be traced back to the early years of this century. In particular, Durkheim’s emphasis on the social roots of religion, social integration and his theory of deviance and the place of religion in society. Durkheim believed that religion is integrally linked to the social order and plays an important role in legitimizing and strengthening social values and norms.
Church attendance and delinquent behavior
Deviant behavior can result from a disturbance in the role of the Church in this regard. This thought is in line with what many people would consider. The Durkheimian tradition links strong religious ties with reduced crime. In fact, much of the pertinent data that comes to our disposal is from sociologists who have carefully examined crime statistics and their relationship to church attendance, including; denominational belief, religious commitment, and so on. Most of this work has focused on adolescent delinquency, with relatively few studies of adult crime.