Are religions like gangs.?

Question

My son told me last night that Christianity is like a gang because if you are not a part of their "group" they think they are superior to you.

If you want out, you are highly discouraged from leaving gangs. Isn't religion the same way?

In a gang if you do not agree you are then threatened to behave, same with religion. Religion threatens you with their "hell".

I thought my son made an accurate observation.

Agree?



BTW, I asked this same question last night and it was reported. Care to guess what religion the person who reported it is affiliated with? I have appealed and I fully expect to win.

Answer 1

Religious are not suppose to feel superior especially the ones that talk about how all of us should be like Jesus. I don't remember Jesus humiliating anyone but showing everyone how humble he was.

Answer 2

Christianity gives you a choice and hope for your future.

Gangs run your life and ruin your future.

A difference exists. Similarities do exists, too, but the end result is much different.

People in gangs or religion both are seeking to be a part of something. I think that the hope of God and the promise of an afterlife is much more appealing than the promise of a violent life full of some level of evil.

Both groups have people in them that don't exemplify the bottom line meaning of what the group stands for. Excessively violent gang members, over zealous religious people both can stick out like sore thumbs, but what does the majority or the average member do?

Don't judge Christianity using what you see on TV. Talk to somebody about it. Talk to somebody about all the religions. You'll get an answer that you can agree with somewhere. You can't inquire about what a gang stands for.

I don't judge gangs by what I see on TV. I actually talk to gang members (both happy and disgruntled) to see what that life has to offer. It has nothing to offer.

You can leave either group. My experience in leaving a religious group has been that some people do indeed harbor ill feelings, but they get over it. My second hand experience of leaving gangs shows that nobody gets over it.

Christians are not evil. Gangs are. I would rather have a church in my neighborhood than a crackhouse.

Ask yourself if the life of a gang member is the way you would like to be remembered versus the life of a Christian and then join that group.

Answer 3

I don't care to guess but I hope you read your bible. 1 Corinthians6:14-17 and 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 When it comes to the word of God there need be love and respect. There is a difference read John 13:34-35.Religions I'm not involved in only in learning what the bible teaches not man read Matthew 15:1-7 and read Isaiah 29:13 . I am a Jehovah Witness not a religion read Luke 4:43, Matthew 28:19-20 and1Corinthians10:21.

Answer 4

Ehh, not really. Gangs are usually people committed to violence/drugs/crime and use practices of indoctrination to get you. Also, if you attempt to leave, the result could be violence.
Religion in general, or Christianity specifically (no, I'm not Christian), is generally committed to helping people and assisting them in becoming more spiritual. I think you'd be hard pressed to find a church that encourages you to sell crack. And although they do discourage people converting out, the threat of hell is meaningless if you don't believe in their religion, its not like they're going to assassinate you.
And while some people might view themselves as superior to you because you are not part of their religion (such as the concept of infidels in Islam), generally religious people tend to be accepting of others and not look down on them. But even in the exception that someone does, you treat it the same as someone looking down on you because they have more money or w/e, you ignore it, cuz its not something you care about.
I think making an assumption that religion is like being in a gang is an unfair one.

And in response to "say no 2 religion"; where is the basis for your claim that most gang members are religious? Thats the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.

Answer 5

Ever see "The Godfather III"? The whole idea was that the Catholic Church was just like the Mafia.

And the "radical" versions of certain religions still put out "hits" on people. Salmon Rushdie comes to mind.

But I think you're just talking about the "Us vs. Them" mentality encouraged by so many religions. And yeah, gangs do the same thing. It's all about making a person feel that his worth is inextricably linked to the "gang," so that if he leaves, he's worthless. "For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie," etc etc.

Keepin' it real!

Answer 6

Religions, gangs, armies, parties, corporations, unions... The difference is the purpose of the organization, which sometimes gets twisted so one looks like another. Gangs always do bad things like stealing and selling drugs, while religions mostly try to do good.

Answer 7

Even though some people feel as though that religion is a gang I dont because some religions offer answers and peace of mind to some people where as other people dont feel that. There are some people who dont believe that GOD doesnt excist and it is sad to see this happen. As for me I tend to believe that there is some kind of GOD there. I was recently invited by a good friend of mine to come to his church and I really had a great time. I am looking forward to going back there because I feel that there is something there. I hope this helps answers your questions.

Answer 8

Well no its not like a gang my mom has changed religions like 3 times! But in a way they r the head of the churches family think they r better but if they r a cult like harvest baptist in Fort dodge Iowa then yes they r like a gang

Answer 9

Different Christians see themselves on differnt levels and in different ways. This is usually an issue of pride. I myself am not superior to anyone. Im just living with full heart in what I deeply believe in. People in the flesh are not superior to anyone else, only Jesus was, and thats who we believe in, because HE is superior to you and everyone else. A 'gang?' in the sense of sticking together with a belief of superiority to everyone else? its all by free will. there's no discouragement as you say, but rather the people who are Christians dot like to see other Christians 'go astray' along there walk with the Lord. And there is no threat as you say... through Christians. God is the judge, and he lets everyone who doesnt believe in him know they will suffer the consequences of complete seperation in hell.
so no. your son was not accurate. but God Bless him and you anyways.

Answer 10

Yes I agree as well. And I am willing to be that most gang members are RELIGIOUS!!! And all this time religious people make false claims that Atheists lack morals. HMM...
I hope you see my point and best of luck on the appeal.