Are religious people afraid to answer (or even read )my question?

Question

If you wanted to manipulate people with a religion, what "catch" phrases would you use?

Example: "lean not on your own understanding" - Does this mean, no matter what you understand to be true, just believe me?

There must be several other ones.

Can you think of any "catch" phrase that would cause a person to never question the authority of a religion?

Dear John, Those were great examples of manipulative "catch" phrases. -- or were you serious?

Another great manipulative "catch" phrase from DJ. --- or was he serious?

Thank you all. For some reason people are providing manipulative "catch" phrases whether they know it or not.

Answer 1

1) No, I am not afraid to read or answer
2) No, it does not mean that
3) And no, there are no phrases at least in the Christian faith that say to just accept without thinking. Rather as Christians are told to be "ready at all times to give an answer for the faith". That means we have to think about and understand what we believe.

Any other questions?

Answer 2

I skipped over this question at first, not because of fear but annoyance. You pose an "if it were, though it's not" kind of question, which seems like a waste of time to me.

Certainly some people use catch phrases or twist Scripture all the time to try to sway other people. Usually it is done by picking out different Scriptures out of context, and trying to show how they fit together as a puzzle to mean something they do not. That would take a lot of time to demonstrate, and you could easily see it in action by doing a little research about various cults.

The only way I've seen people keep others from questioning authority is with threats and intimidation, but even then, those people still might be questioning on the inside. Even Jim Jones couldn't get everyone to drink the poison willingly. He had to force it down some people's throats and had to shoot others who wouldn't cooperate. Read about the teachings of Jim Jones and you will see a master of twisting Scripture at work.

Answer 3

I don't think there are catch phrases involved in religion to 'manipulate' people and make them not question authority. To be honest, I have brought up things to my own priest that I do not agree with such as animals not having souls or intelligence and that the use of condoms is a sin. At no point has my priest made me feel like I couldn't question him.

Answer 4

Look, I know you just want to be hostile to religion because you think its BS. I understand that. But if you want to have a meaningful discussion, read on.

The quote you referenced is part of Proverbs 3:5. It was never intended to be used as a blanket anti-logic statement to avoid answering questions.

The whole passage (vs 5-8 )says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones."

It means that, rather than trusting in your own feelings (which are fickle and ever-changing) of what's morally right, you should take God at his word (as it is provided in the bible) and live by His law.

I'm genuinely sorry that some Christians use the bible as a sledge hammer in an attempt to beat non-believers into submission. However, their misuse and incomplete quotation of God's Word doesn't nullify it's inherent value.

God bless you and have a great day.

Answer 5

Yes, but the most important part about belief is the suspension of reason, or as we say, Doubt. The factors you are looking for are not literary but human. It is an emotional condition not unlike "blind" love or the fear of the unknown. It is about operating in an arena where reason is not all encompassing but we accept that reason is an important part of life but not all that there is.

And actually questioning the authority of a religion is important as it is man made and managed and thus wrought with sin. I am sure you can find some good quotes in Acts though.

Answer 6

"Lean not to your own understanding" I think you are completely taking that "catch phrase" out of context.
Why do you assume that what you understand to be true, cannot be the same thing as what God knows is true? Except for a very few on here and other places, judgement is not for me to place on, decide, or tell someone else where they will or wont be spending their eternity.
I totally believe in a loving God, an understading God, and a forgiving God.
Spev, thanks for finding the words I was looking for!

Answer 7

I an not a Religious person...... But I am ... BORN AGAIN... By the Spirit of God, and A Real Christian [ John 7:38-39 ]

May I ask...... WHY.... One would want....TO DECEIVE ANYONE?

SATAN... already do that So Well!

(2Corinthians 11:13-14-15) For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

(2Co 11:14) And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

(2Co 11:15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Thanks, RR

Answer 8

I think you're getting confused between Religion and God.

The actual scripture to which you refer is Proverbs 3:5,6 and it actually says "Trust in God and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight." This means that God knows the best way for us to live our lives - and as he's been around for a LOT longer than we have, it will be beneficial for us to take notice of what he tells us.

Basically, the only way to get to know God is to study his Word, the Bible, and come to know him yourself, personally. No brainwashing, no manipulation - just study the Bible. That's all he has to say about EVERYTHING. There's also a scripture in the Bible that tells us not to believe every word we're told from religionists, but to check it out for ourselves to find out if it's true or not.

Religion is a totally different kettle of fish. Their best catchphrase to questions they don't know the answers to is "It's a mystery" or "God moves in mysterious ways." He doesn't. Everything he's done in the past and everything he's going to do in the future are recorded in the Bible. It just takes a little reading and study to find out. If you're actually interested and not just trying to be a smart alec.

Answer 9

I'm not afraid to answer (or even read) your question...

I do not wish to manipulate people with a religion. My religion tells us to "Ponder and Pray" about the things that we are told.. to "Know for yourself" if these things are true or not.. we let the Holy Ghost guide us.

Answer 10

Have you ever burned yourself while cooking or on an open flame? Did it hurt? Well, that is how you are going to spend eternity after you die only it will be your entire body feeling the pain with no way out and no death! Have a great day and Jesus still loves you no matter what you believe.