Durkheim (1897) predicted that religiosity reduces the risk of suicide in a society. Gallup surveyed people in 13 nations as to whether they believed in life after death & in god (1988). Belief in life after death in 1981 was negatively associated with the suicide rates of the nations in 1981 as was belief in god. Belief in life after death was, however, positively correlated with the homicide rates as was belief in god. Thus, evidence seems to support Durkheim’s prediction. (2 refs.)