Do you think differently of people who use the religion “explanation”?

Question

What--by far--boils my blood the most in this life is when individuals perpetrate seemingly illogical, nonsensical, idiotic acts and explain them away by saying, "It's my religion" or "I did it for religious reasons" or “It happened because I’m [insert religion here].” It's as if religion has become a free license available for anyone to utilize at any time when they do something silly and need to somehow justify it. It’s also as if the religion excuse allows people to power off their brains and act outside of logic and sensibility with impunity. This means that, solely because of the religion excuse, one can dodge accountability for one’s stupid behavior--what a loophole!

Bottom line: When all else fails, blame it on religion; and you will be okay.

Questions: Do you look Where SHOULD society draw the line between healthy levels of religiosity AND insanity or mental deficiency? Also, do you think differently of people who use the religion “explanation”?

For example, a friend of mine told me yesterday that his highly religious, married parents took a vow of chastity two years ago. After asking him questions such as “isn’t marriage the generally-accepted proper place for intimate relations” and “how could they ever be retroactively chaste--you exist”, the answer I got was, “They did it for religious reasons.” I’m appalled that he gave me the standard religion answer with a straight face, and it’s troubling to me that he considers it a valid and adequate answer (I will spare you a dissertation of how important sex is to a marriage and how sex is both human and perfectly natural).

Answer 1

I can't answer your question, but I can definetly agree and give some explanation. It is definatly true. Someone say, "I don't eat meat, or I don't drink coffee, or I don't think being gay is okay," and why, it is because of their religion. Yet they never give anymore explanation. I would have much more respect if they said they did it for religious reasons, but then gave some more substantial reasons for their decisions. One reason I think this happens is paople don't want to have to find their self-truths within their beliefs. Religion allows them to have illogical beliefs or practices without any reasons that are applicaple to realistic values of life. Much like asking a fundemental religious person why something happened, there is no real answer, only the quick and easily accesible answer of "God". Turns out this is not an answer, but it is used to explain alot of lifes questions in a very ignorant and unsatisfying manner.

Answer 2

That sounds like a marriage in difficulty, and using religion in a twisted way, as you say, to justify their difficulties.
Personally, I am a committed Christian, and have not stopped thinking. I do need ot have a logical reason, at least for all of my premeditated actions (I won't say for all spur of the moment actions!). I agree with you, religion, including Christianity, seems to be an excuse for some people's actions, when either they don't have a reason, or they don't want to share the real reason.
I do do some things out of what I believe are obedience to God, that I don't fully understand the reasons for. (I won't give examples here, as I don't want to start a new controversy). And I am open to considering that I am misunderstanding God's will. Just doing the best I can. But I don't want that to justify intellectual or moral laziness. God wouldn't want that.
EDIT:
The verse Bonnie mentions is in a negative context, in 1st Corinthians 7. The apostle says that if the husband and wife mutually agree to separate themselves for a period of concentrated prayer, it must not be for a prolonged period of time. So if the couple in question is claiming to follow the Bible (perhaps not, they could be with some other religion) then they would be sadly mistaken in their understanding.

Answer 3

Excellent point! With the way society is today, you could get away with anything. I could go out and murder half of the town and explain it away as "I did it because of my religious beliefs". I would most likely get away with it. What needs to happen is throw religion completely out of anything having to do with laws. Laws should make sense to protect the public, not to protect religious beliefs.

Answer 4

Religion is - more often than not - a matter of faith and trust having nothing to do with logic and reason, that is why it is next to impossible to have an "enlightened " discussion on that subject - regardless of the religion involved.

Answer 5

I know you're not going to like my answer, but there is a verse in the Bible that says if a husband and wife wishes to stay apart physically for prayer and fasting, that is acceptable. I can't remember exactly where that verse is but possibly in Ist or 2nd Corinthians. If they choose to do that, that is their belief and right. I don't for the life of me see why it would make YOU mad.

Answer 6

No, but u can't blame everything on religion. Most times, people bring things on themselves.

Answer 7

here comes the sun
here comes the moon,... the messiahs ..the wise men but did anyone listens?
it's been many years since the dawn of man
so what can we do, friend?
everyone has their priciple,belief,opinion..religion.
is it good to force someone into your belief?
so let us sing the john lenon song..let it be..let it be..let it be
whisper words of wisdom...just let it be......

Answer 8

uh....going off on a tangent but....I am kinda appalled myself that your friend was even discussing with his parents sexual relations...
;-)

sorry, but even though I know that my parents have sex, it doesn't mean I want to talk to them about it........

Answer 9

Brother I agree with you all the Way!!!








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