I am a Christian and like to write about urban issues as it relates to religion.  I know that religion plays a profound role in bringing civility to urban communities.  Regardless of doctrine, religion is needed for social stability.  There is no way of proving that it is not. 

You may have come across studies showing the value or social benefits of religion. Studies have asserted that religion fosters stable families and marriages, advanced intellectual, emotional, and physical health, education and prosperity promotion, and high-risk behavior reduction. Religion fills gaps between the spiritual world and human existence that leads to prosperity and productivity, especially in urban communities that encounter many dynamic challenges.

When you talk about poverty, homelessness, economics, or social justice, you can’t escape a correlation with religion.  Religious institutions have been the back bone of providing social, financial, and moral support to societal problems and urban culture.  They have been the first responders to homelessness and poverty by founding programs that feed, clothe, house, or offer service support.  Others have influenced politics and economic changes.  Some have even redeveloped underserved communities and sparked capital investment through micro-enterprise.  In my opinion, without religion, our world would be chaotic.