Why do some religions manipulate and prey on the most vulnerable people and groups of society?

Question

They are going against God's will and using religion to control and manipulate people and take their money. It seems to me that these people are using power and control to exert influence and brainwash innocent people. It seeems evil to me. Why can't people just accept faith and humanity and help themselves and others in a non judgemental fashion. These fanatical people are ruining the reputation of genuine people.

Answer 1

Because they can........and I wouldn't call them "religions" as I would wolves in sheep's clothing...this is the Devil working to discredit God. False Profits....generally if you look at the way a religious group is doing things.......you can tell who is who. Let me say that God doesn't ask for or need money..to those who gave to these wolves, God knows where your heart is ..those who have been fooled by the wolf and have given in true faith and will not perish,you will be doubly blessed...however the wolves had best find a place to hide......

just more reminders of the sign of the times and of
revelations prophesy..."beware of false prophets who come in my name"

Answer 2

I'm proud to say my religion doesn't fit the description you provided above.

As for the others? Well...

2 Corinthians 4:4 “The god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.”

1 John 5:19 “We know we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the [power of the] wicked one.”

Revelation 12:9 “So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him.”

Satan is the master manipulator who preys on vulnerable mankind. Most religions are really in his control.

Source(s):

http://www.watchtower.org/

Answer 3

What a great question! I totally agree that religion many times gets twisted into the picture you suggest. As an answer I might point out that it seems, unfortunately, to be the nature of many people to do this sort of thing, and it is not limited to religion.

Think of how many people every day are taken in by the scams of all sorts. Investment schemes, politicians, get rich quick, lose weight, my country is better than yours, and on and on. It seems that profiteers and power brokers abound and there is a plethora of those willing to be led into all sorts of distortions.

But, religious manipulation is the most henious becaus it does prey on our basic need to understand life and the hope that there is a merciful creator somewhere who loves us. That desire to be loved to be united with that all loving, all forgiving creator can be taken advantage of by a slick charlatan with charisma and a rudimentary knowlege of what motivates people.

I agree with your last sentence in your question, but I also hold out hope that people of real good will, those not into it for their own self aggrandizement and power trips, will, in the end win out. And it is the simple duty of those of us who see this way to keep the lamp lit for those that are on their way home.

Peace and Blessings,

Salim

Answer 4

That's one of the reasons I'm not religious. I love God, but I can't stand religion. I think religion is a business and not a faith. What always got me is the fact that Catholics seem to worship the pope. According to the Bible, isn't that a false idol? I don't get it...

Answer 5

How could these people survive, if people just accept a faith and humanity? Every religion has such people who cash in on the sentiments of the people by feeding them the opium called "Religion'

Answer 6

Yeah - what he said..........

If you want the "facts" take a few college courses that cover religion - intr anthropology is usually enough to let you know where religion actually stemmed from. Then you can base your beliefs on something other than just what you are being told not to question.

I mean think about being told not to question something to begin with.

Answer 7

the hearts of men are wicked and seek after all the power they can get..look at the ones that still allow women to be treated worse than their animals,teach their young people to kill in th ename of their god,to rid the world of infidels by sucide killings...yet they say they are peaceful and misunderstood....
then there are those who are actually of the occult..but many would leave if they knew the truth..or never join to start with....
It's a sick twisted world for sure

Answer 8

Because some religions don't fulfillment their followers as others religions does and they find themselves unhappy with it discovering satisfaction by preying on others or envying the happiness brought to others that come form others religions.

Answer 9

that is the point of religion. faith does not look after people. Christianity does tho. genuine Christianity. the type that Christ got here the following and set up and died for and become raised up for. And is now seated on the right hand of the daddy.

Answer 10

As you say in the end that they are ruining the repetition of genuine people.they are groups in every school of thoughts and religion who become judge on others.Don't you think that they are becoming fewer now.Preaching is par of every religion but only when some one wants it.It can not be and should not be imposed.