Religion And Crime: The Difficult Choice Between Punishment and Forgiveness

Abstract

This thesis examines the complex tension between punitive justice and restorative forgiveness within Christian and Islamic traditions, focusing on how this theological dilemma manifests in contemporary criminal justice contexts. While religious teachings in both traditions advocate for forgiveness and redemption, they also recognize the necessity of justice through punishment. This study investigates how this inherent conflict creates practical challenges for legal systems seeking to incorporate religious principles. Through a comparative analysis of Christian and Islamic theological frameworks regarding sin, justice, and redemption, and an examination of four case studies—Criminal Law Response to Shamanism, The Janus-Faced Clergy Crimes, Cruelty against Leniency, and Predictors of Religiosity among US Prisoners—this research demonstrates that the religion-crime nexus is neither straightforward nor consistent. Findings indicate that religious influence on criminal behavior and justice responses depends on contextual factors including interpretation, community dynamics, and institutional structures. The study concludes that while religious frameworks offer valuable insights for restorative justice approaches, their implementation requires nuanced consideration of legal, ethical, and constitutional boundaries. Recommendations include developing faith-sensitive criminal justice practices that respect religious diversity while maintaining legal neutrality and equality.