Why assume that religion prevents suicide? I think it contributes its fair share to the numbers via sexual repression, creating difficulties between gays and their families that wouldn't have been there before etc... these things alienate people, and a feeling of alienation is very common among those who choose to take their own lives. I think for certain individuals religion provides the requisite purpose and meaning for them to go on living. But if you ran the calculations, I bet it'd be a wash, or worse, the numbers would not speak in religion's favor.
And crime? No. Most criminals are theists. Try again, bub.
And crime? No. Most criminals are theists. Try again, bub.
