Asperger's syndrome is a form of autism that affects a fractional percentage of the population. People who have it have trouble understanding socialization and synthesizing emotion in normal ways. They are otherwise highly functional and have average to above average intelligence. No one knows what causes AS, but it can be detected in early childhood. There are many unique tendencies associated with the disorder, one of which is the tendency to reject religious belief. For whatever reason, the wide majority of people with AS are atheist, agnostic, or otherwise non-religious (as opposed to ~10% in the total population).
For those who are religious, how do you think the religion or god that you believe in would judge these people? Would they be condemned or punished as non-believers? Would they be given leniency because their condition may affect their ability to hold religious beliefs? Why would god create such a condition? Please include your religious affiliation. Thanks.
2006-08-14 04:41:00 · 6 answers · asked by marbledog 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I should clarify:
Most AS children believe what they are taught by their parents. AS'ers tend to lose religious beliefs as they get older.
2006-08-14 04:52:22 · update #1
I am Jewish so beliefs are not nearly as important as actions.
2006-08-14 04:49:03 · answer #1 · answered by Quantrill 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have AS and am the strongest christian I know, figure that one out. The farther I get away from my parents the stronger my faith gets, figure that one out. I can see what your saying though because when I was in my early teens I pulled away from the church as far as I could (which wasn't far my parents kept forcing me to go). But then one day god touched me, and he has blessed my life ever since. Maybe people with AS need to feel god to believe in him. This could be the case because most people with AS are more scientifically oriented, like myself, and if you can't feel it's effects, it doesn't exist.
2006-08-14 13:58:49 · answer #2 · answered by Austin S 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If their autism is so severe that they are not able to understand the gospel and the difference between right and wrong, then they have no sin for which to be forgiven.
On the other hand, if they are still quite functional, then they would have the same hope as others who can understand.
2006-08-14 11:46:23 · answer #3 · answered by flyersbiblepreacher 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
religious affiliation, Christian. I have had experience, in a Christian setting with AS. the kids totally believed in Christ. they showed what could best be described as a childlike faith. God would judge them out of his loving. God is love. He would never damn a Christian who suffered from alzheimers, and didn't know who or what God is.
We as Christians need to give the AS people, Christ, over and over. His Spirit will do its will.
2006-08-14 11:49:53 · answer #4 · answered by Ric 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps they are possessed.
No denomination.
2 Pet 3:7 But the present heavens and earth by His word are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
OR if you prefer---
2 Pet 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
2006-08-14 11:50:49 · answer #5 · answered by chris p 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You cannot be punished if you don't know what you've done wrong.
2006-08-14 11:55:35 · answer #6 · answered by ♥ Bekka ♥ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋