This is NOT intended to argue against religion. It is intended to report some interesting empirical facts.
The relationship between religious belief and violent crime is a subject of considerable debate. However, empirical evidence suggests that secular societies and liberal (blue) states tend to have lower rates of violent crime compared to their more religious and conservative (red) counterparts. 
This trend can be observed both internationally and within the United States.
Evidence from International Comparisons
Globally, highly secular nations such as those in Scandinavia, Japan, and Australia exhibit lower homicide rates and higher overall societal well-being. In contrast, more religious countries like Colombia, El Salvador, and the Philippines tend to have higher rates of violent crime and other social issues. This pattern extends to various measures of societal health, including lower poverty rates, better educational outcomes, and higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction in more secular societies (Secular Coalition for Arizona) (Psychology Today).
Evidence from the United States
Within the United States, less religious and liberal states such as Vermont and Oregon show lower rates of violent crime compared to more religious and conservative states like Louisiana and Alabama. Additionally, data indicates that the prison population in the U.S. has a significantly lower percentage of atheists compared to the general population. For example, atheists make up about 0.1% to 0.2% of the federal prison population, whereas they represent around 4% of the general population (OnlySky Media) (Freedom From Religion Foundation) (Nonreligious Questions).
Analysis of Prison Populations
The underrepresentation of atheists in prison populations is particularly notable. According to a survey by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons, only 0.1% of prisoners identify as atheists, despite atheists comprising a larger proportion of the general population. This trend suggests that atheism might correlate with lower rates of criminal behavior, challenging the stereotype that religious belief is necessary for moral conduct (OnlySky Media) (Nonreligious Questions).
Crime Rates in Conservative vs. Liberal States
Studies have shown that conservative (red) states tend to have higher crime rates compared to liberal (blue) states. For example, Louisiana, a conservative state, consistently ranks high in violent crime rates, while more liberal states like Vermont and Massachusetts report lower crime rates. This pattern supports the notion that secular and liberal regions may implement more effective social policies and contribute to lower crime rates (Secular Coalition for Arizona) (Psychology Today).
Implications
These findings suggest that secular and liberal societies can achieve lower rates of violent crime and higher overall well-being without relying on religious belief. The correlation between higher levels of secularism and improved societal outcomes indicates that other factors, such as education, economic stability, and effective social policies, play a more significant role in reducing crime and enhancing quality of life.
Takeaways
- Lower Violent Crime Rates: Secular nations and less religious, liberal states typically experience lower rates of violent crime.
- Higher Societal Well-being: More secular societies often score better on measures of health, education, and income.
- Underrepresentation in Prisons: Atheists are significantly underrepresented in U.S. prison populations compared to their presence in the general population.
- Crime Rates in Red vs. Blue States: Conservative states tend to have higher crime rates compared to liberal states.
- Challenging Traditional Beliefs: The data challenges the notion that religion is essential for social order and morality.
These insights emphasize that secular and liberal approaches to societal organization can effectively reduce violent crime and improve overall societal well-being.
It seems as though Thomas Jefferson was right all along in his letter to the Danbury Baptists in 1802 when he wrote:
“I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, thus building a wall of separation between Church & State.”
Personally, I lean toward Thomas Jefferson much more than toward a current Supreme Court Justice.