Why don't people who claim to be religious actually follow the tenets of their religion?
I think that this is clearly obvious if you live in any western nation, but a good is example is that 60% of catholics in Italy don't go to confession. (source: http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/03/10/vatican.updates.sins.ap/index.html) Furthermore, many people across Europe, the UK and the US claim to be christian, but never go to church. Why do these people claim to be religious if they don't actually follow their religion? It doesn't make any sense to me. http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/03/10/vatican.updates.sins.ap/index.html is the actual link
Religion & Spirituality - 16 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
to quote the great Gregory House "Everybody Lies"
2 :
free speech free will and free assosciation?
3 :
I follow mine to the best of my ability.
4 :
A matter of convenience. People pick and choose which scripture they will follow, then twist it to fit their desires. BB )O(
5 :
because people are waking up and realizing how stupid religon is
6 :
They're getting something else out of it. Just by believing in Hell, they get to believe that they're not going there and other people are. Gives them a reason to look down their noses at others. The actual observances of the religion itself don't matter to them, they take what's convenient and toss the rest.
7 :
That is a really good question. Part of it is that people do not know what it is that their belief teaches. That is mostly the fault of their pastors for not teaching. Another problem comes from people who are a la carte followers. They feel they have the option of picking and choosing what tenants to follow. And then there are the flat out hypocrites who use faith for their own financial, political, or cultural ends.
8 :
good question
9 :
They don't have to. Next week they'll confess and it's all OK.
10 :
Most people don't even know all the tenets of their religion, or have regional varieties that aren't actual tenets of their religion. Catholics, for example: You'll find a lot of Catholics who don't realize that officially, Catholic doctrine says Noah's story may be allegorical, or that there's no problem with the universe being millions of years old. You'll also find Mexican Catholics who think Ash Wednesday is one of the most critical Holy Days to attend mass. On the Protestant side, very few Lutherans seem to know that in their official Doctrine set forth by Luther, the Pope (or rather the papacy) is identified as the Anti-Christ. Most religions have doctrines that have been pieced together over decades or centuries. Very few people will bother learning all of that, assuming the official doctrine is even easily available. I'd say people claim to be religious without finding out what their denomination's views are because its just easier to say "I am a member of the X church" than to take the time to research how ridiculous it all is.
11 :
To you I have a question, are we made for religion or the religion made for us? I think the later is true. let us not be dictators in imposing the matters of faith. Let everyone decide on their own how do they want to follow a religion, which ritual suits them and which does not. Because if religion does not teach tolerance it is no religion.
12 :
There is a great big difference between a religious person and a true Christian. A religious person will attend Church for show and maybe Christmas and Easter. A true Christian you will find in Church most of the time when the doors are open. They know what they are saved from and are thankful to serve an awesome God!
13 :
I am a very devout Hindu and wish I could go to temple but living in a small state in America the closest temple is almost 2 hours away! :-(
14 :
Sadly every Christian because they are human and dare I say every human is a hypocrite. But you are very right. Many people in The United States especially believe they are Christian by virtue of the fact they were born in The United States. Others believe they are Christian because they go to church, which is not the case, anymore than sitting in a garage makes you a car. Others believe they are a Christian because they read The Bible. These are all things a Christian should do, but doing them does not make you a Christian. The only thing that makes someone a Christian is accepting Jesus Christ as there personal Lord and Savior, even then the best of us can be pretty lousy examples of how a Christian should conduct themselves in day to day life. I am human and fallible but I want to be the best father and husband I can be, and the only way I know how to do that is to compare myself to the standard of Jesus Christ Himself.
15 :
Well, in my humble opinion: Churches have become clubs. The are not doing what they were told to do. They have forgotten that Minister is a verb too. Well, Unless you are a member of their club.. I mean it is ridiculous.. You can`t wear this or that, if you want to be part of my club. You must not eat this or you must eat that. You can`t wear make up, you can`t wear pants if you want to be in our club.. You must do this or do that. And none of that has anything to do with God and loving or worshiping him.. He doesn`t care what clothes you wear, he made you naked.. he doesn`t care if you wear make up.. He loves the inner YOU.. God is NOT and never has been: Catholic, Baptist, Mormon, Methodist, Lutheran or any other Religion. He says where any 2 gather in his name: it IS church.. We now have Services on Television. Most folks attend those.. They can have their spirit and essence recharged without being forced and molded into whatever the club elects for their members.. I do apologize to all Churches. This is not meant to offend.. But the truth is, what it is.. Peace & God bless from Texas <><
16 :
Not all religious people are church goers. This does not mean they have abandoned their faith. It is just a choice or preference. Your religion is inside you.
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