In this book, the authors analyze data from many times and places to explore the subtle interplay between the religiousness of individuals and that of their social context.

Does religion have the power to regulate human behavior? If so, under what conditions can it prevent crime, delinquency, suicide, alcoholism, drug abuse, or joining cults? Despite the fact that ordinary citizens assume religion deters deviant behavior, there has been little systematic scientific research on these crucial questions. This book is the first comprehensive analysis, drawing on a wide range of historical and contemporary data, and written in a style that will appeal to readers from many intellectual backgrounds.

"Accessible to both general reader and social scientist. Undergraduates will appreciate the balance between theory, quantitative evidence, and historical description." -- Religious Studies Review"Readers who were impressed by an earlier issue of this journal that focused on corrections and religion will be interested in reading this book." -- ICCA Journal, April 1997