How often is religion used to rationalize criminal behaviour?

A new study suggests religion doesn't work to deter criminal behaviour is being trumpeted as controversial and provocative. But haven't most of us already figured this out, already?

The U.S. study suggests that criminals are able to adopt religious messages to support their behaviour through "purposeful distortion or genuine ignorance."

Many inmates interviewed as part of the study, published in the journal Theoretical Criminology, were able to rationalize and excuse their violent behaviour — one even said he prayed before each crime to “stay cool with Jesus.”

The study’s lead author, Volkan Topalli, told Postmedia News:

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We shouldn't be too surprised that criminals turn to their partial understanding of religion to rationalize behaviour. After all, many of us who have never served time do the same thing.

For brevity, we won't get in to the laundry list of malfeasance committed in the name of religion, but they are out there. As are cults, religious-based Ponzi schemes. Canada's Indian residential school system.

We even use religion to forgive ourselves slight indiscretions. Steal a loaf of bread to feed the hungry. Anyone ever use the bible to argue a speeding ticket? Professional athletes claim God is on their side and use that as inspiration to clobber one another. Nothing illegal there, unless one were to cross the line.

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The whole conversation calls back to comments made by Winnipeg Police Chief Devon Clunis last year, when he suggested prayer would help address the city's crime problem.

His message was actually more that an open mind and commitment to one's community was needed to address the factors that lead to crime.

You know: The meat of religion, not just the skin.

Wonder if Clunis is available to visit prisons and spread that message to inmates. That's the stuff they've got to learn.