Date of Award
12-1982
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Sociology
First Advisor
Dr. Lewis Walker
Second Advisor
Dr. James Petersen
Third Advisor
Dr. Edsel Erickson
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Much of the previous research on the relationship between religiosity and juvenile delinquency suggests that religiosity does not deter its adherents from moving toward anti-social behavior. Using a quite narrow definition of Christian, this conclusion was tested. Three questions were posed: (1) Does knowledge of religious status aid in predicting delinquency?: (2) Do Christians engage in less delinquency?; and (3) Do Christians with higher levels of religious commitment engage in less delinquency? The answer to each question is "No." There is very little difference between Christian and non-Christian delinquency patterns. The only significant difference uncovered was with life time delinquency patterns, but this cannot be attributed to religious status. Further research is needed to determine which variables caused this difference. More work also needs to be done to clarify the relationship between religious commitment and behavior.
Recommended Citation
King, Brenda T., "Christianity and Delinquency: A Study of Religiosity and Delinquency Involvement" (1982). Masters Theses. 1683.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/1683