Why do people use religion as a 'crutch'?

Question

What I mean by this, is that I've noticed that whenever people are facing a challenge or rough patch in life, they turn to religion to help them along. This can be great in many ways, and I AM NOT knocking the idea. I do however wonder why a drug addict can't kick an addiction for his/her own self, or a rape victim can't get through for themselves instead of for god.

I mean NO offense with this question. I just never understood why AA or other programs have chosen the word of god (mainly christianity) to pull people through, instead of teaching them to look deep in themselves to get by. I am so lucky to have myself to thank for getting through rough stages in my life. Why don't more people have faith in themselves???

SERIOUS ANSWERS ONLY PLEASE!

To Grendel: I do not "worry" about it. My question was mere curiousity. But thanks for your opinion.

To Pamiekins: Nicely put, and I hadn't thought about that aspect of it. Thanks!

To Yo C: Thanks for your views. I personally don't rely on religion for anything in life and have absolutely no desire to. It wasn't a factor during the harsh times in my life...I was the factor. But thanks anyhow.

To Genny: Very helpful, thank you.

To Mrhackman: While I appreciate your views, I strongly disagree. I don't feel that the two points are alike at all. Support from a loved one is just that...support. Faith in some unproven god, to me it is fantasy and unrealistic. My loved ones are physically near for a pat on the shoulder...'God' has yet to make an appearance in my lifetime. But thanks for attempting to answer.

To gg28: Again, this was MY take on it. I do not want a debate because neither of us will win. ANSWERS ONLY...no preaching please!

Answer 1

It might have something to do with a persons tendency to avoid accountability. It's easier for some people to think that they are not responsible for their own poor judgment, hence, "it was the devils fault." And because no one wants to be a hypocrite or selfish, their own good judgment is the work of God. But both options point to the fact that some people would prefer not accept responsibility either way.

Answer 2

At times in our life when humanity cease to give us support we turn ourselves to our Creator for spiritual help , it might seem a bit weird to some but we need to have faith and faith is the food of the soul. When we are depressed if we rely on faith we can think clearly, after all ! there is no one that will pass judgement if we fail ,we can always try again. In many cases we are the only ones that can solve a problem that is within ! If someone tells us to turn ourselves to a higher power it is because they do not see another way of helping us so they tell us to pray. By doing so our body relaxes and begin to think clearly ,and buy doing this we can be in control of our toughs and actions and at the same time feel renewed within ourselves.

Answer 3

I don't know that many people get through anything by themselves. I mean, usually people can look back at a rough spot and see that there were various people who were close to them who gave support. Do we say they are using a crutch? What is the difference? I would think it is a sad soul who has to go through the hard times alone. Why is someone, in your view, less able because they know how to ask for help?

Answer 4

Because people can't make it on their own. Drug addicts and alcoholics have gotten themselves in a dire situation. Not just them but lots of people. We reach out to God who offers help when we need it. If religion is a crutch it is because there are so many wounded people in this world. The bible says "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked." We follow our hearts or what is deep inside, but our heart is a liar. (look at how many lovers we now hate.) People come to a point when they realize they are sinners in need of a savior. You may still rely on yourself but there may come a time when you seek help outside yourself. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

somewhat we are all incorrect and fall in need of the appreciate of God. in an attempt to that individual who mentioned that a healthy individual who used a crutch could finally be no longer able to stroll usually- newsflash- all of us want some help now and then and if meaning that faith is a crutch, then i think i take advantage of a crutch(and am no longer ashamed to declare so ).

Answer 6

You do not understand. "Religion" is whatever you think it is to you.
Christianity is not a crutch. For serious followers of Jesus Christ, we don't want or need a crutch we TOTALLY surrender to our Lord.., as we begin to trust Him, but the goal is to not hold anything back. We believe He is our God, our Creator, our shepherd, our brother, our provider, our rewarder, our Life, our Savior, our King! I worked with drug addicts for 8 years and have seen and participated in MANY modalities of treatment and I have never seen anyone recover long-term without God in their recovery program and ONLY God can "change" a life. Recovery isn't about "willpower" or belief in yourself. It is about knowing that a substance has overtaken you because you have never surrendered to anyone or anything or even acknowledged there is a power higher than yourself and it is GOD.
People aren't weak who are addicted, people are strong and self-willed and determined to medicate and comfort themselves. They trust ONLY themselves or not even themselves and therefore medicate their internal pain and fear. It is NATURAL for all humans to seek their Source /Master /Lord. We have to be "taught" there is no Lord or God. I am so sorry you have only yourself to thank or getting through the rough stages in your life. It's OK to know you have strengths and abilities, but you didn't create yourself and you are not the source of life and you can't go beyond your own self abilities. With God, ALL things are possible and NOTHING is impossible!
You should truly get to know God and allow Him to show you what HE can do through you and for you..., actually what He has already done. I dare say you don't have a clue who you are!
Maybe there is hope.., but you would have to face your fears and go past your pride. This is as serious as I can be. I was always quite a self sufficient person and am still very capable.., but there came a time when I needed more than me and I was already a grandmother..., THANK GOD for God in my life and my trust in Him and my place of peace and rest. The Lord leads, I follow. Whew, finally I get it. He knows everything and I know nothing and don't need to know everything for myself.

Answer 7

I know it sounds stupid, but I hardly ever look to my religion for strength.
I'll look to it for comfort on a rotten day, but usually I try to help myself out. I hate asking for help from anyone, and as awful as it sounds I include God.
How could I ask, anyway? There are more important things. I know my life isn't too big a deal in the scheme of things. I rather ask God to help the world.

Answer 8

Faith in yourself is fallible-- you know you have weaknesses. Thinking that there is a perfect being out there pushes a person to do their best.

More people should learn to have faith in themselves and not rely on a ficticious being.

Answer 9

Maybe they seem to think that praying will help them through their ordeal, it can be like a placebo effect, even though a person has actually empowered oneself, they may feel as though it was through their faith that they received deliverence.

Or something like that.

Answer 10

people are not taught to have faith in themselves
they are taught to depend on and pray to the sky for help and guidance--i still dont understand how it works--it never worked for me