To date, the outcome studies that have examined the impact of religion on offender attitudes and behaviors are encouraging but not conclusive. Although some studies have shown an overall positive impact on rehabilitation of the religious involvement of prisoners, both religious programming and research into the effects of that programming must improve before offenders and society can experience the significant benefits that religion can offer in providing a constructive meaning to life and a supportive, loving community that nurtures positive attitudes, self-esteem, and concern for others. Religion itself sometimes undermines this goal by reinforcing a punitive approach to corrections under the belief that behavior is changed by coerced obedience through punishment and the fear of punishment. Belief in a vengeful God who demands punitive justice has been influential in molding historical and contemporary correctional policies. The religious involvement of prisoners places them in contact with prison chaplains and religiously motivated volunteers who believe in rehabilitation and the successful community adjustment of released offenders. There is a growing body of research that shows the positive impact of these influences. The literature review examined associations between religion and crime in 12 studies. 3 tables and 51 references