What religious groups are disproportionally represented in the US prison population?

Question

What religious groups have more members in prison per capita than other groups?

Answer 1

Christians. Between 75 and 85 percent of prison inmates are Christians; Catholics being the majority by a small margin. Atheists are a huge minority, about .21%. There are some groups who are an even lower percent (Hindus, Sikhs, Bahais.) And Leslie's "blowing off steam" is inaccurate, Buddhism is a definite minority among inmates: 1.18%.

Some studies suggest that, since 9/11, the system has become unfair to Muslims. I don't know how true this is, since 7% of all inmates are Muslims (granted, I think the percent before was less than 3.) Maybe the studies were referring to length of sentences, or whoever made them was upset about the US detaining Muslims from other countries.

Also, a lot of people convert to Christianity in prison, since it's a salvationist doctrine and very comforting.

Answer 2

Buddhists.  They aren't attached to the law.  They are in the moment.