Worship and sin

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Worship and Sin: Religion-Related Crime in the United States explores the intricate relationship between religion and criminal behavior, advocating for the classification of religion-related crime as a distinct category deserving further scholarly attention. The book synthesizes diverse research on various types of religion-related crime, presenting numerous examples and addressing practical and legal challenges faced by practitioners across disciplines. It offers a comprehensive overview of this complex phenomenon and introduces a three-pronged typology to differentiate the unique characteristics of various religion-related crimes, highlighting the historical, psychological, social, and cultural dynamics at play. The introductory chapters define religion-related crime and examine its societal role, alongside legal and policy considerations. Subsequent chapters delve into three main types: theologically-based crimes stemming from specific religious beliefs or practices; reactive/defensive crimes arising from tensions between religious groups and the secular community; and abuses of religious authority by clergy exploiting their status. Additional discussions cover crimes against women and children, the use of illicit drugs in religious contexts, the nature of destructive religious groups, violence against reproductive health providers, hate crimes, and clergy misconduct.