Of Moral Transformation.

Re-reading some P.D. James mysteries in the evenings lately (highly recommended for the Winter). A bit of dialogue from Original Sin between Commander Dalgliesh and Sister Agnes, a nun who is part of the investigation:

Sister Agnes: . . . De Witt is an example of a man who leads a good life without the help of religious belief. There are those who are apparently born with a deficiency of original sin. Goodness in them is hardly a merit.

Dalgliesh: Surely religious belief isn't necessary to a good life.

Sister Agnes: Perhaps not. Belief in religion may not influence behavior. The practice of religion surely should.