There is an interesting article in the TIMES (25th November)
The Times article purports to uncover a clear link between religion and sex crime. It says the Home Office has disclosed statistics for the first time, showing the prison population according to their faith and type of offence committed. Two trends emerge: a strong tendency for prisoners who declare a religious faith to be serving time for sexual offences; and a large proportion of fraudsters from oriental faiths. more
A FACT spokesman says the article needs careful reading. Whilst the research does appear to suggest a link between crime and religion the conclusions in respect of cause and effect somewhat shaky. It is a bit like saying that 50% of people who are addicted to vodka take water, 60% of people addicted to Gin take water with their gin, and 33% of people who are addicted to rum take water - therefore water causes alcoholism!
What the research does not seem to acknowledge is that those who follow religion are more likely than those who do not to be accused of certain crimes especially sexual crimes - a good many of whom may be entirely innocent.