ASPECTS OF THE INTERACTION BETWEEN RELIGIOSITY AND CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR
ASPECTS OF THE INTERACTION BETWEEN RELIGIOSITY AND CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR

Summary/Abstract: Although since evolutionists in the sociology of religion, the prevailing opinion is that the development of science will eventually lead to the weakening of religion and religious beliefs, empirical research shows that in recent times there has been an increase in the religiosity of the population precisely in the most scientifically and industrially developed countries. If it is taken into account that the modern era also records an increase in crime, then the often expressed opinion, both in science and among citizens, that religiosity has a preventive and preventive effect in relation to crime, seems contradictory. On the other hand, a less widespread understanding rejects any influence of religion on criminal behavior. By analyzing the results of research conducted using mathematical and statistical methods, on which both positions are based, it is possible to prove that both claims in their absolutist form are unfounded, one-sided and limiting. The power of spiritual influence on the formation of collective and individual identity makes religion an important factor in the process of adopting moral values appropriate to time and space, and consequently an unavoidable factor when considering criminal behavior. However, the analysis of the interaction between religiosity and criminality in the context of historical, social, economic and other relevant conditions, shows that religiosity, in addition to its preventive and awareness-raising effect on criminal behavior, also carries the potential of a kind of criminogenic factor.

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