i don't mean to sound stereotypical but in my local NYC Roman Catholic parish, the Italian mafia were the ones who gave most of the $ to keep the parish and school running. They also gave a lot of money to support fundraisers. Even when well known mobsters have passed on they had their huge funerals in the church.
Why does the church, at least the ones where I'm from have such deep roots in the Church where I can say that these people did not leave religious lives? Is it part of the Italian culture thing, you know majority of Italians are Roman Catholics or was it part of their "cover jobs", similar to Al Capone operating soup kitchens to prove that they are legit, honorable people?
2007-10-25 09:49:44 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
typo - meant to ask in the second paragraph why the church has such deep roots in the mafia.
2007-10-25 09:51:03 · update #1
Majority of the mafia people were all about respect, doing the right thing, honor, etc. But things were either about money or respect. They believed in their religion very much... but obviously handled it in non-christian ways.
And anyways... I have yet to meet a Christian who isn't a hypocrite in someway.
2007-10-25 09:57:12 · answer #1 · answered by ohappyday 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
The children were raised Catholic and grew up to be mobsters. It doesn't mean that they will go to Hell, but they are making it hard for themselves to get there with all the criminal activity. They will also have to account for the bad example that they are giving. At least they are being generous with their ill gotten cash. The church should probably not accept monies that are known to be illegally obtained though.
2007-10-25 09:58:55 · answer #2 · answered by carmel 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think it's because most Italians are Catholic, and because going to Mass and being active in one's parish is an important part of Italian culture.
2007-10-25 09:57:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Catholic
2007-10-25 09:52:43 · answer #4 · answered by Princess Peabody 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It's no coincidence that the hierarchy of the mob shares many similarities with the hierarchy of the church. Both traditional organizations used in many instances for the acquisition of power through the intimidation, exploitation and control of the masses.
2007-10-25 10:14:18 · answer #5 · answered by YetiFang 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Those mobsters were usually raised by very devout Catholic parents, and regardless of their questionable professions, they didn't lose their faith. Or else they were guilt-tripped by the horrible things they did and to make themselves feel better they gave money to their church.
2007-10-25 14:29:01 · answer #6 · answered by Bookworm 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
any money if you trace it came from some place questionable---I do not think that it is right to suggest that the Mafia runs the Catholic Church, sinners are from all over and since your perfect why do you even bother going?
2007-10-25 09:54:39 · answer #7 · answered by Midge 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
This may sound redundant but, It is easy to hide behind God and do wrong...... Look at what Hitler did, and at some time he said it was to do Gods work...... Any and all people have hidden their evil behind a lie....... and if the mafia hid behind their churches or religion, then it is because they wanted to hid their evil behind what was and is supposed to be good....... does that make sense??? go in peace...... God bless
2007-10-25 10:02:12 · answer #8 · answered by Annie 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Mafia requires guilt free forgiveness, and Christian doctrine allows for it.
It is actually a perfect match.
2007-10-25 09:55:34 · answer #9 · answered by ɹɐǝɟsuɐs Blessed Cheese Maker 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's been like that for centuries. The genocidal Vatican has murdered more people than any group in world history, and has stolen more than any group as well.
Crime-riddled thugs run the catholic cult.
Catholics are not saved and are not Christians. Catholics believe a false gospel of works that leads to eternal hell.
2007-10-25 09:55:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋