More God, Less Crime: Why Faith Matters and How It Could Matter More

by Byron Johnson

In More God, Less Crime Byron R. Johnson, a leading authority on both the scientific study of religion and criminal justice, proves that religion can be a powerful antidote to crime. The criminal justice system is disastrously broken, and despite research showing the benefits of including faith-based solutions in crime prevention policies, many experts are reluctant to include such measures in their recommendations. This book draws on the latest research to make a clear case that any effective crime fighting policy must include government and faith-based efforts in partnership.

Genres: Christian, Crime

312 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2011

Reviews

[Shaun Marksbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-researched book that seeks to prove a broad premise---religion is good for society---and a more central premise---Christian, faith-based organizations are instrumental in reducing crime. It keeps his categories general, devoting little-to-no discussion to Catholic vs. Protestant or liberal vs. conservative efforts, for instance. Indeed, the author argues for broad efforts, even to the inclusion of secular organizations to achieve community goals. Since this book proves its premise, and readers are introduced to a broad range of faith-based efforts, it's worth the read.

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had a lot of questions before reading this book. It provided very few answers. It fails to prove that faith based organizations are helpful. When Johnson writes "faith", he means Christian. There is zero mention of Muslim, Buddhist, or any other religion here.

This is well presented, neatly organized, with wide margins and lots of white space, making it easy on the eyes. There are nearly 100 pages of references and notes, which were not easy on my old eyes. Overall, the book is incredibly boring, as well as unconvincing.

So, why did Johnson bother writing this book? Because it's a 300 page argument for not only why faith based organizations need vast amounts of money, but that in-depth studies of faith based organizations need vast amounts of money. Johnson would just happen to be the recipient of this money, because these kinds of studies is his line of work.

This book doesn't care about helping anybody, or reducing crime. It just wants to funnel the vast amounts of money from the government and private charities into certain people's pockets. But hey -- they're Christian, so it's all okay.

No, not really. One program in Philadelphia was headed by a former Philadelphia mayor, Wilson G. Goode. He's written in glowing terms here. Never mind that he orchestrated the MOVE bombing tragedy, or that his administration was incredibly corrupt. Philadelphia became the toilet it is because of Mayors like Goode. If he was in charge of any program to mentor kids with parents in jail, you can be assured he only did it to grab the funding for the program.

And let's look at the Richmond Outreach Center, headed by Pastor Geronimo Aguilar. He's also painted as a hero in this book. Where is Pastor G now? Serving a 40 year sentence for molesting children.

Yeah, this book hasn't aged well.

There is nothing in this book about faith based organizations tackling the main cause of crime -- poverty. It just says that more funding needs to be given to faith based organizations in high poverty areas.

A quick Google will reveal that two thirds of all prisoners in America are Christian. If Christian organizations are doing such a great job preventing crime, then why are two thirds of all prisoners Christian?

[Jamie Pennington · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, I must admit I was a bit disappointed in the book. I actually purchased the book at a conference in Omaha which I was a bit disappointed in as well. I would say at least half of the book talks about prison ministry and after care which I am currently not involved in and so perhaps that is the reason I did not enjoy to book as well as I anticpated.

Some of the statistics and stories about inner city ministry was however very intersting. Overall I am glad I picked up the book while it was a bit disappointing at the same time.

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a required reading book for a Correctional Ministries course. The information was mostly of statistical nature and brought home the points intended by the author and the course. The title implies there might be Biblical lessons, but the point was that where inmates had Christian influences the recidivism could / would be improved and the attitudes / atmosphere in the institutions were definitely improved.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

...simply an excellent book, containing a modest but compelling proposal that pop culture continues to ignore (at the macro level of society) but that we all (most of us) know to be true at the mirco level (in our hearts..) Great job Dr. Johnson

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author shows that religion and faith-based initiatives and programs can help reduce crime and the recidivism rate of offenders. Though a semi-dry read, it was rather informative.

[FSU Alumni]

Byron Johnson (Ph.D. '84)